How does Abilify MyCite work?

Abilify MyCite tablets contain a sensor that transmits information indicating if the tablet has been taken.

The oral tablet formulation Abilify MyCite (aripiprazole) is embedded with the ingestible Proteus sensor that allows patients, and, if given access, doctors and caregivers, to track ingestion of the Abilify medication on a smartphone or web-based portal. The system sends a message from the pill’s sensor to a wearable patch on the patient, which then transmits to the device.

Abilify MyCite is an atypical antipsychotic used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression in adults.

Related: Antidepressants: Options, Advantages, and Precautions

What are atypical antipsychotics?

Antipsychotics in general are a large class of medicines used to treat symptoms of psychosis such as delusions (for example, hearing voices), hallucinations, paranoia, or confused thoughts. They are used for other mental health disorders as well. They work by changing the balances of chemicals in the brain.

Older antipsychotics are often referred to as "first generation antipsychotics" (or typical antipsychotics). The more recently approved antipsychotics are called "second generation antipsychotics" (or atypical antipsychotics).

Atypical antipsychotics like Abilify are less likely to produce movement disorders such as tremor, Parkinson's-like symptoms and tardive dyskinesia (TD), a serious and possibly irreversible movement disorder. TD can cause abnormal, repetitive facial movements and tongue protrusion, as well as uncontrollable movements in the extremities such as the legs, arms, feet, hands and torso.

Who makes Abilify MyCite and how do I get it?

In November 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Abilify MyCite (aripiprazole) from manufacturer Otsuka Pharmaceuticals.

The Abilify MyCite Kit is only available through a specialty pharmacy. A specialty pharmacy will stock many of the drugs that are not usually stocked in your community or retail pharmacy. They will help you access the medicine and monitor its safety and effectiveness.

Related: Specialty Pharmacy and Specialty Medicines: A One-to-One Approach

The specialty pharmacy will call to let you know if the kit is covered by your health insurance plan.

Once coverage is confirmed, the pharmacy will process your prescription. If, for some reason, your coverage is denied, the pharmacy will follow up with your doctor’s office and health insurance plan on the appropriate next steps.

Abilify MyCite will be mailed to your doctor for the first prescription, and subsequent refills can be shipped to your house. On your first visit, be sure to have your fully charged smartphone phone and your email address.

For further questions, call 844⁠-⁠MYCITE⁠-⁠4 (844⁠-⁠692⁠-⁠4834) from 8AM to 8 PM, M-F to speak to a representative.

This is not all the information you need to know about Abilify MyCite (aripiprazole tablets with sensor) for safe and effective use. Review the full Abilify MyCite information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.