Adasuve

• Risk factors: Current diagnosis or history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung disease | Symptoms of breathing problems | Taking medications for lung conditions

Adasuve (loxapine) can cause the muscles around your airways to tighten, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening breathing problems. This can cause symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms, let your provider know right away. Don't take Adasuve (loxapine) if you have a current diagnosis or history of asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases, if you have symptoms of breathing problems like wheezing, shortness of breath, or cough, or if you take medications for lung conditions.

Because of this risk, Adasuve (loxapine) is only available through a restricted program called the Adasuve Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). This means Adasuve (loxapine) can only be administered by providers who have received specialized training and have certain supplies and medications on site to treat breathing problems, if they occur.

• Risk factors: Older adults with dementia-related psychosis

People over the age of 65 who also have dementia sometimes have some schizophrenia-like symptoms, like hallucinations. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it should not be treated with Adasuve (loxapine). If Adasuve (loxapine) is used for dementia-related psychosis, it can cause strokes or death. Let your provider know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting Adasuve (loxapine).

Adasuve (loxapine) can cause a rare, but life-threatening, condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms of NMS include high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, sweating, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.

• Risk factors: History of heart disease or stroke | Dehydration | Low blood volume | Older age | Taking medications for high blood pressure | Taking medications that lower your blood pressure or heart rate | Taking medications that make you less alert

Adasuve (loxapine) can cause low blood pressure, a sudden drop in blood pressure, sleepiness, and problems with balance, especially when you first start the medication. Dizziness, falls, and fainting can happen due to a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, such as going from sitting to standing. To avoid falling and potential injuries, such as broken bones, change positions slowly until your body is used to the medication.

• Risk factors: History of seizures | Conditions that make it easier to have seizures

Adasuve (loxapine) can make you more likely to have seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures or have conditions that make it easier to have a seizure.

• Risk factors: Taking medications that make you less alert

Adasuve (loxapine) can affect your judgment, thinking, and coordination, because it can cause a calming effect and sleepiness. Combining Adasuve (loxapine) with other drugs that make you less alert, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), alprazolam (Xanax), or zolpidem (Ambien), can worsen these symptoms. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you.