Risperdal Consta Kit

Uses of Risperdal Consta Kit

Risperdal Consta (risperidone) is a long-acting injection used in adults to treat schizophrenia.

Risperdal Consta  is also used in adults alone, or in combination with lithium (Lithobid) or valproate (Depakene) to treat people who have bipolar disorder

Risperdal Consta belongs to a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. Risperidone works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

Precautions and Warnings

Because risperidone can make it hard for you to regulate your body temperature, try to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, do not overexercise, and wear light and breathable clothing.

If you are prescribed risperidone oral liquid, use the dosing syringe that comes with your medicine to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Risperidone oral liquid can be taken on its own or mixed with water, orange juice, low-fat milk, or coffee. Do not mix it with tea or cola. Ask your pharmacist how to measure and take your medicine properly.

If you are prescribed risperidone orally disintegrating tablets, do not remove the tablet from its blister pack until you are ready to take it. You should peel back the foil to open the blister pack. Do not push the tablet through the foil because doing so could damage the tablet. Make sure your hands are dry when handling these tablets. Place the tablet on your tongue right away and let it melt. Do not chew or split.

Risperidone injection is given to you by a health care provider in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy every two weeks in your arm or buttock muscle. You should have taken risperidone by mouth before starting the injection to make sure you tolerate the medicine. After your first dose of risperidone injection, your health care provider may have you continue to take risperidone or your current antipsychotic by mouth for three weeks. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for how to use your medicine.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from risperidone. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

If you can become pregnant, using risperidone may make this more difficult. These effects likely go away after you stop using risperidone. Talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose of Risperdal Consta for Schizophrenia: Initial dose: 25 mg IM every 2 weeks -Titration dose: May increase to 37.5 mg or 50 mg if needed; dose titration should occur no more frequently than every 4 weeks as expected drug release starts 3 weeks after injection.

Usual Adult Dose of Risperdal Consta for Bipolar Disorder: Initial dose: 25 mg IM every 2 weeks -Titration dose: May increase to 37.5 mg or 50 mg if needed; dose titration should occur no more frequently than every 4 weeks as expected drug release starts 3 weeks after injection.

Usual Geriatric Dose of Risperdal Consta for Schizophrenia: Initial dose: 25 mg IM every 2 weeks -Titration dose: May increase to 37.5 mg or 50 mg if needed; dose titration should occur no more frequently than every 4 weeks as expected drug release starts 3 weeks after injection

Usual Geriatric Dose of Risperdal Consta for Bipolar Disorder: Initial dose: 25 mg IM every 2 weeks. Titration dose: May increase to 37.5 mg or 50 mg if needed; dose titration should occur no more frequently than every 4 weeks as expected drug release starts 3 weeks after injection.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Movement problems, including tremor
• Restlessness (akathisia)
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Anxiety
• Nausea or vomiting

Serious Side Effects:

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness