GENERIC NAME: RISPERIDONE - INJECTION (riss-PAIR-ih-doan)

BRAND NAME(S): Risperdal Consta

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat schizophrenia. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters). Risperidone has not been shown to be safe or effective in the elderly for the treatment of delusions/hallucinations (psychosis) due to dementia.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication exactly as prescribed. This drug is given by intramuscular injection (IM) into the buttock by a healthcare professional once every two weeks. Injections should alternate between the two buttocks. Once the medication has been prepared, shake well before injecting. Do not give by injection into a vein (intravenously or IV). Injected risperidone may take up to three weeks to begin working. During this time, you should still take the oral form of this drug or another medication for your condition by mouth. After three weeks, your doctor should have you stop taking the oral form, but follow the directions provided. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Continue to take this medication as directed, even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, indigestion, constipation, runny nose, weight gain or loss, acne, dry skin, or redness/swelling/pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fainting, rapid/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, tremor, fever, muscle stiffness/spasms/twitching, sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., tongue and facial muscles), drooling, difficulty swallowing, seizures. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, one-sided weakness, numbness in the face/arms/legs, sudden vision changes, slurred speech, confusion. Males: In the unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. This medication may in rare instances increase your blood level of a certain hormone (prolactin). In females, an increase in prolactin levels may result in unwanted breast milk, the end of menstruation or difficulty becoming pregnant. In males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, therefore causing or worsening diabetes. This high blood sugar can rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as unusual increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar level regularly. This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects, along with diabetes, may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. (See also Notes section.) A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.