Risperdal Consta® Kit for Schizophrenia

This is a long-acting risperidone injection used for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. This guide explains how the kit works, who it suits, and safe use.

What Risperdal Consta Is and How It Works

Risperdal Consta® is a long-acting intramuscular form of risperidone formulated in biodegradable microspheres. The kit includes components to reconstitute a sterile suspension that releases medicine slowly over two weeks. If you live in the U.S., you can access US delivery from Canada and compare options without insurance. Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

After injection into the gluteal or deltoid muscle, the microspheres dissolve gradually, providing sustained risperidone and its active metabolite over time. This steady exposure may help maintain symptom control between visits. The Risperdal Consta Kit is designed to support consistent dosing when daily tablets are hard to maintain.

Who It’s For

This medicine is used for maintenance treatment of adults with schizophrenia. It may also be used as maintenance monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in certain adults with bipolar I disorder, when a clinician determines an injectable option is appropriate. As a Risperidone long-acting injection kit, it is intended for patients stabilized on or tolerating oral risperidone or another antipsychotic.

People with known hypersensitivity to risperidone or paliperidone should not receive this therapy. Discuss history of movement disorders, seizures, cardiovascular disease, syncope, or metabolic concerns with a healthcare professional. See condition resources on Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and our broader Mental Health category.

Dosage and Usage

This treatment is administered by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection every two weeks. The first dose is typically given after oral tolerability is established. Oral risperidone or a similar antipsychotic is usually continued for three weeks following the first injection to maintain therapeutic levels during the initial release period. The extended-release risperidone IM kit requires complete reconstitution per package directions before administration.

Injection may be into the gluteal or deltoid muscle; the technique and site are chosen by the clinician. Patients should remain under observation per local practice if there are concerns about orthostatic symptoms or other immediate reactions. Always follow the official prescribing information for preparation steps, shaking time, needle selection, and proper intramuscular technique.

Strengths and Forms

The kit supplies risperidone in a prefilled diluent syringe with a vial of microspheres and appropriate needles for preparation and injection. In most markets, the product is offered across a dosing range from 25 mg to 50 mg per injection, administered every two weeks. Availability can vary by supplier and jurisdiction.

Because supply and kit components may differ by lot, please refer to the current package and label for exact contents. Your prescriber will choose the strength and schedule that align with your clinical status.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled injection is missed, contact your prescriber promptly. Resuming therapy often depends on how much time has passed since the last dose and whether additional oral coverage is needed. A clinician may adjust the plan, select the appropriate site, and re-establish a consistent two-week interval. Do not attempt self-injection or schedule changes without guidance.

Storage and Travel Basics

Follow the package instructions for storage and handling. The kit is typically kept refrigerated and protected from light until use. Do not freeze. Before administration, bringing the kit to room temperature per label can help with reconstitution. If you travel, keep the medicine secure and away from children, and carry a copy of your prescription and clinic contact information. The product is supplied by pharmacies that maintain temperature-controlled handling when required.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This is not a pen device. A clinician prepares and injects the dose using the kit components. Used needles and vials must be discarded in approved sharps containers. Do not recap needles. Clinics and community programs can advise on local sharps drop-off locations.

Benefits

As a long-acting atypical antipsychotic, this treatment can support steady symptom control between visits. Two-week dosing may reduce reliance on daily tablets and help clinicians verify adherence during follow-up. The injectable format can also simplify routines for people managing complex schedules or who have difficulty remembering pills.

Some patients appreciate the predictable appointment rhythm and the opportunity to discuss progress with their care team at each injection visit. Care partners can also participate more easily when appointments are scheduled in advance.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects can include:

• Injection-site pain or redness
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Weight gain or appetite changes
• Stiffness, tremor, or restlessness
• Headache or anxiety
• Gastrointestinal upset

Serious risks, though less common, may include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, significant metabolic changes, elevated prolactin, orthostatic hypotension, leukopenia/neutropenia, and seizures. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of death with antipsychotic use and should not use this class for that indication. Seek urgent help for high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, or uncontrolled movements.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

CYP2D6 inhibitors (for example, fluoxetine or paroxetine) may increase risperidone exposure. Strong enzyme inducers (such as carbamazepine) may lower levels. Use caution with antihypertensives due to additive hypotension. Alcohol and other CNS depressants can increase sedation. Be cautious with medicines affecting QT interval or those that lower seizure threshold.

Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or dehydration should discuss risks. Monitor for falls, orthostatic changes, and metabolic parameters per the label. For additional reading on related therapies, explore What Is Clozaril.

What to Expect Over Time

Steady exposure develops after injections are given on schedule. Your clinician assesses symptoms, side effects, and overall function at regular intervals. Report changes in mood, sleep, appetite, movement, or dizziness. Maintain appointments and communicate any barriers to attending. If goals are not met, the care team may adjust the plan based on the official label and clinical judgment.

Compare With Alternatives

Two common long-acting atypical antipsychotics used as alternatives include Invega® Sustenna (paliperidone palmitate) and Abilify® Maintena (aripiprazole). Your clinician may consider history of response to oral risperidone or paliperidone, prior side effects, and visit cadence preferences when discussing options.

Oral atypical antipsychotics remain appropriate for many people. To learn about other agents used in practice, see our educational piece Latuda Uses.

Pricing and Access

We present transparent options so you can review the risperidone injection cash price and compare fills. Canadian suppliers enable competitive rates with US shipping from Canada for eligible U.S. prescriptions. If you are looking for coupons or seasonal offers, visit our Promotions page. Final costs vary by strength, supply, and dispensing pharmacy.

Use this page to check availability, request the strength your prescriber selected, and upload a valid prescription. Our team coordinates with the partner pharmacy to complete verification before dispensing.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by dose range and manufacturer packaging. If the requested kit is not available, a prescriber may recommend another atypical long-acting injectable. Some patients can switch to a generic risperidone injection kit when permitted. Any change must be reviewed by your clinician, considering tolerability and prior response.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates are adults who tolerate risperidone and prefer an injectable schedule or face adherence challenges with daily tablets. People with certain cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological conditions require careful evaluation. Share all medicines and supplements with your prescriber.

To save, consider multi-month planning aligned with your appointment rhythm. Ask about lower-cost dispensing options, and set refill reminders so clinic schedules stay on track. Some patients explore ways to order risperidone LAI from Canada under a valid prescription, which may reduce cash-pay expenses. Always follow your clinician’s guidance on timing and dose.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is an injectable schedule appropriate for my goals and history?
• Which dose range fits my current symptom profile?
• Will I need oral medicine after the first injection?
• What side effects should I watch for between visits?
• How should we handle a missed appointment?
• Which monitoring labs or vital checks will we follow?
• What are the clinic policies for sharps disposal and rescheduling?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA DailyMed Prescribing Information
• Janssen Product Labels
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to get started? Place your request today for therapy that Ships from Canada to US with prompt, express shipping. Prescription required; information on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.