There is now a way for doctors to instantly know if you are taking your medication. Abilify MyCite is the first digital medicine to win U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, researchers fear digital ingestion could expose more to compulsive behaviors associated with the medication.
About Abilify
Abilify (Aripiprazole) is a commonly prescribed antipsychotic used to treat agitation caused by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression. The drug is effective at controlling symptoms of these mental disorders; however, it comes with a dangerous, side effect that many never see coming compulsive behaviors such as gambling, binge eating, excessive shopping, and hypersexuality.
Abilify MyCite Digital Pill
After signing a consent, a patient will ingest Abilify that has an ingestible sensor embedded in the pill. The sensor records that the patient took the medication via Bluetooth linked to a smartphone app. Doctors, family members or other caregivers can receive the update that the patient took Abilify.
Also, patients can add notes about their mood, how long they’ve rested and other activity information to the app. A database stores the information that caregivers can monitor.
Abilify & Compulsive Behaviors
Several studies are linking Abilify to compulsive behaviors such as pathological gambling in people with no previous history of this issue prior to taking the drug. In a 2013 French study, seven out of the eight patients who took Abilify developed sudden and compulsive gambling behaviors. Another English study also showed this overwhelming drive to gamble. Many of these patients felt completely preoccupied with thoughts of gambling. It was so severe that some patients even considered committing crimes for gambling funds.
The gambling becomes so intense that patients often seek professional help. The addiction can be so extreme that those taking Abilify continue the downward gambling spiral even if they cannot afford it. They max out credit cards, take out second mortgages on their homes and sometimes feel compelled to use unethical measures to get money to feed their addiction. Gambling becomes their sole reason to live.
Abilify Lawsuits
Forty-three compulsive-behavior lawsuits against Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical have been combined into a single multi-district litigation in the Pensacola-based Northern District of Florida. Plaintiffs are accusing the companies of failing to warn users of the compulsive side effects.
If you or a loved one never had a gambling problem or experienced other compulsive behaviors before taking Abilify you may be eligible for compensation to ease the financial and emotional burdens you are experiencing. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, during which we will listen to you, answer any questions you may have and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.