FDA approval of transdermal asenapine was based on the results of earlier trials that assessed the efficacy of sublingual asenapine in adults with schizophrenia and on one 6-week, double-blind trial comparing transdermal asenapine to placebo in 607 adult inpatients with schizophrenia. Patients treated with transdermal asenapine had statistically significantly greater improvements from baseline in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score at 6 weeks, the primary endpoint, than those who received placebo (see Table 1). Asenapine was also superior to placebo in the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) rating scale, the secondary endpoint.1 Transdermal asenapine has not been compared directly with the sublingual formulation or with any other antipsychotic drug.

Antipsychotic drugs, including asenapine, can cause somnolence, metabolic adverse effects (hyperglycemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and weight gain), extrapyramidal symptoms, dystonia, tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, falls, leukopenia, neutropenia, QT interval prolongation, and hyperprolactinemia.2 Application-site reactions occurred in ~15% of patients treated with transdermal asenapine in the clinical trial. Seizures have occurred with use of sublingual asenapine and theoretically could occur with transdermal asenapine. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death.

The initial dosage of Secuado is one 3.8-mg patch applied once daily. After 1 week, the dosage can be increased to 5.7 mg/24 hours or 7.6 mg/24 hours. The patch should be applied to clean, dry, intact skin on the upper arm, upper back, abdomen, or hip. The new patch should be applied to a site different from that of the previous patch. If irritation or a burning sensation occurs, the patch should be removed and a new one should be applied at a different site. Secuado can be used while showering, but not while swimming or taking a bath. External heat sources should not be applied to the patch because heat can increase drug release and systemic exposure to the drug. Asenapine is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).