Allergic Reactions and Sudden Death With Asenapine

Kim J. Masters, MD

J Clin Psychiatry 2012;73(5):720

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To the Editor: The recent review of the antipsychotic asenapine omitted recent US Food and Drug Administration warnings about allergic reactions and sudden death with this product. I think that there should be a note about this risk in an upcoming edition of this journal with a case example for discussion. For some patients and physicians, knowing this risk might be a relative contraindication for its use. Please consider doing this.

J clin Psychiatry2012; 73(4):720

See reply by Potkin and related article by Potkin.

Allergic Reactions and Sudden Death With Asenapine

To the Editor: The recent review of the antipsychotic asenapine1 omitted recent US Food and Drug Administration warnings about allergic reactions and sudden death with this product.2,3 I think that there should be a note about this risk in an upcoming edition of this journal with a case example for discussion. For some patients and physicians, knowing this risk might be a relative contraindication for its use. Please consider doing this.

References

1. Potkin SG. Asenapine: a clinical overview. J Clin Psychiatry. 2011;72(suppl 1):14-18. PubMed doi:10.4088/JCP.10075su1.03

2. Cassels C. Atypical antipsychotic linked to life-threatening reactions. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/748960. Published September 1, 2011. Accessed January 28, 2012.

3. US Food and Drug Administration. Saphris (asenapine maleate): Drug Safety Communication: Serious Allergic Reactions. Published September 1, 2011. Available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm270600.htm?utm_campaign=Google2&utm_source=fdaSearch&utm_medium=website&utm_term=asenapine&utm_content=2. Accessibility verified April 10, 2012.

Kim J. Masters, MD

[email protected]

Author affiliation: Three Rivers Residential Treatment Center, Midlands Campus, West Columbia, South Carolina.

Potential conflicts of interest: None reported.

Funding/support: None reported.

doi:10.4088/JCP.12lr07678

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