Risperdal Consta Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Risperdal Consta Injection contains risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, and is given by a healthcare professional once every two weeks. It slowly releases the medicine into the body, so daily dosing is not required. It is used for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder maintenance treatment. As with all medicines, it can cause side effects and requires certain precautions.

What is Risperdal Consta Injection

Risperdal Consta is a long-acting injectable medicine containing risperidone. It is given by a healthcare professional once every two weeks and slowly releases the active ingredient into the body so you do not need to take it every day.

Risperdal Consta Injection uses

• Schizophrenia
• Maintenance treatment of schizophrenia
• Bipolar I disorder maintenance treatment
• Prevention of recurrence of manic or mixed episodes in eligible patients
• Adjunctive maintenance treatment for bipolar I disorder with lithium or valproate

Benefits of Risperdal Consta Injection

• Helps control psychotic symptoms.
• May reduce hallucinations.
• May help reduce delusions.
• May improve thought organization.
• Helps maintain symptom control with scheduled injections.

How Risperdal Consta Injection works

Risperidone changes the activity of certain natural chemicals in the brain, which helps correct the chemical imbalance linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Risperdal Consta Injection dosage

You will need to be able to tolerate risperidone taken by mouth before starting this injection. The injection is given into a muscle in the arm or buttock by a healthcare professional, alternating sides each time. It must not be given into a vein. During the first few weeks of treatment, you will also need to take risperidone tablets or liquid by mouth because the injection takes time to start working.

Do not miss an injection appointment or stop treatment without talking to your doctor first. If treatment needs to stop, it is best done gradually rather than suddenly. Keep all your appointments and get your injection on time.

Available forms and strengths

• Injection

Side effects of Risperdal Consta Injection

Common

• Headache
• Trembling, muscle weakness, unsteadiness, or slow shuffling walk
• Drowsiness, sleeplessness, or difficulty concentrating
• Nightmares
• Difficulty speaking
• Blurred vision
• Fainting or dizziness
• Swelling or pain at the injection site
• Confusion or unsteadiness
• Pain in body parts such as teeth, back, ears, mouth, throat, hands, or feet
• Shaking, twitching, jerking, or muscle spasms
• Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
• Fatigue or weakness
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Irritability, agitation, anxiety, or depression
• Cold or flu-like symptoms
• Indigestion, stomach discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dry mouth or excessive thirst
• Excessive saliva or drooling
• Acne or dry skin
• Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Increased appetite
• Bladder or urination problems
• Breast swelling, tenderness, or unusual milk secretion
• Missed or irregular periods
• Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or decreased sex drive
• Dizziness when standing up
• Fast heart rate or chest discomfort
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Rash or itchy, red skin

Serious

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing
• Signs of heart or blood pressure problems such as fainting, very fast or slow heart rate, or irregular heartbeat
• Signs of lung problems such as sudden shortness of breath or wheezing
• Signs of high blood sugar or diabetes such as unusual thirst, tiredness, or frequent urination
• Body temperature changes such as fever, excessive sweating, rapid breathing, or severe muscle stiffness
• Involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw, arms, legs, or trunk (possible tardive dyskinesia)
• Severe or life-threatening rash with blisters and peeling skin (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arms, or legs, or slurred speech (mini-stroke)
• Painful or prolonged erection (priapism)
• Signs of low white blood cell count such as fever, chills, sore throat, or infections
• Seizures

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine is not approved for treating psychosis related to dementia in older adults and may increase the risk of death in these patients. Long-term or high-dose use can cause a serious movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia, which may not go away, especially in women and older adults. 
• Tell your doctor right away if you notice uncontrollable movements of the tongue, mouth, cheeks, or jaw, which can be early signs of tardive dyskinesia.
• This medicine can increase risk of blood clots, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs. A serious reaction called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome can occur, causing high fever, muscle stiffness, and unstable blood pressure or heart rate.
•  If you are having eye surgery, tell your eye doctor you are using this medicine, as it may cause complications during cataract surgery.
• This medicine may make you sweat less, increasing the risk of overheating during hot weather or vigorous exercise. Do not stop treatment suddenly, as this can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, sleeplessness, muscle stiffness, or jerky movements, or your original condition may return.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using this medicine in the last three months of pregnancy may cause breathing, feeding, muscle, or movement problems in the newborn baby. It is recommended that you do not breastfeed while using this medicine, since it passes into breast milk.
• This medicine has not been studied in people with kidney or liver problems. Your doctor will decide on a suitable dose for you, usually starting with oral risperidone before switching to the injection.
• Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine, as it can increase the effects of alcohol and cause dangerous side effects.
•  Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, since it can cause dizziness or light-headedness, especially after the first dose.

Storage

• The injection is kept in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C
• Where refrigeration is not available, it may be kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C for no longer than 7 days
• This medicine will be stored by your doctor or pharmacist, not at home

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or trouble breathing. Seek urgent medical attention for signs of heart or blood pressure problems, including fainting, very fast or slow heartbeat, or irregular heart rhythm, or for signs of lung problems such as sudden shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or wheezing.
• Get medical help right away if you notice sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs, or slurred speech, as these may be signs of a mini-stroke. 
• Seek emergency care for a severe rash with blisters and peeling skin, which can be life-threatening. 
• Seek medical attention right away if you experience sudden fever, severe muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, or rapid breathing, which may indicate a serious reaction. 
• If you think you may have received too much medicine or are experiencing side effects after an injection, contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department.

Alternatives

• Zyprexa Relprevv
• Abilify Maintena
• Invega Sustenna