Making sure some patients are taking their medication correctly may be a little easier now. The FDA has approved Abilify MyCite (apiprazole), which has an ingestible sensor.
Abilify MyCite is approved for treatment of schizophrenia, acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder, and as an add-on treatment for depression in adults.
The sensor, embedded in the pill, records when the medicine was taken, and sends a message to a wearable patch, which then transmits information to a mobile application. Patients can track the ingestion of the medication on their smartphone and can allow their caregivers and physicians to access information through a web-based portal.
However, the FDA notes that Abilify MyCite’s prescribing information includes a caution that the product has not been shown to improve patient adherence with a treatment regimen. Moreover, Ability MyCite should not be used to track drug ingestion in real time or during an emergency, because detection may be delayed or may not occur. Before prescribing it for a patient, health care professionals should make sure the patient is capable and willing to use the drug, patch, and app.