RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone) Long Acting Injection

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RISPERDAL CONSTA: A Different Option
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RISPERDAL CONSTA: A Different Option

RISPERDAL CONSTA is a long-acting injectable formulation of RISPERDAL® (risperidone), one of the most widely prescribed antipsychotics in the United States. RISPERDAL CONSTA is effective in treating both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

When given every 2 weeks, RISPERDAL CONSTA provides continuous medication coverage. Caregivers and healthcare professionals can quickly detect noncompliance. If your friend or relative fails to show up for an appointment for their injection, their doctor will know, allowing for timely intervention.

It allows your friend or relative to keep in more constant contact with your professional supports. This regular contact facilitates development of a relationship with the treatment team. Moreover, it may enable early detection and intervention if there are signs of deterioration.

Most importantly, by taking RISPERDAL CONSTA as prescribed , your friend or relative will improve their chances of managing their symptoms.

To find out more about RISPERDAL CONSTA and how it works click here.

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RISPERDAL® (risperidone) and RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone) are used for the treatment of schizophrenia.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR RISPERDAL® AND RISPERDAL® CONSTA®

Elderly Patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. RISPERDAL® (risperidone) and RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone) are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

The most common adverse reactions observed in all clinical trials with RISPERDAL® occurring at a rate of at least 10% were somnolence, increased appetite, fatigue, rhinitis, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, coughing, urinary incontinence, increased saliva, constipation, fever, tremors, muscle stiffness, abdominal pain, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, rash, restlessness, and indigestion.

The most common side effects that occurred with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® were sleepiness, restlessness, tremors and muscle stiffness, stomach upset, constipation, dry mouth, feeling tired, and weight increase.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare and potentially fatal side effect reported with RISPERDAL, RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, and similar medicines. Call your doctor immediately if the person being treated develops symptoms such as high fever; stiff muscles; shaking; confusion; sweating; changes in pulse, heart rate, or blood pressure; or muscle pain and weakness. Treatment should be stopped if the person being treated has NMS.

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious, sometimes permanent side effect reported with RISPERDAL, RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, and similar medications. TD includes uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, and other parts of the body. The risk of developing TD and the chance that it will become permanent is thought to increase with the length of therapy and the overall dose taken by the patient. This condition can develop after a brief period of therapy at low doses, although this is much less common. There is no known treatment for TD, but it may go away partially or completely if therapy is stopped.

RISPERDAL® and RISPERDAL® CONSTA® should be used cautiously in people with a seizure disorder, who have had seizures in the past, or who have conditions that increase their risk for seizures.

RISPERDAL, RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, and similar medications can raise the blood levels of a hormone known as prolactin, causing a condition known as hyperprolactinemia. Blood levels of prolactin remain elevated with continued use. Some side effects seen with these medications include the absence of a menstrual period; breasts producing milk; the development of breasts by males; and the inability to achieve an erection. The connection between prolactin levels and side effects is unknown.

High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with RISPERDAL, RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, and similar medications. If the person being treated has diabetes or risk factors such as being overweight or a family history of diabetes, blood sugar testing should be performed at the beginning and throughout treatment. Complications of diabetes can be serious and even life threatening. If signs of high blood sugar or diabetes develop, such as being thirsty all the time, going to the bathroom a lot, or feeling weak or hungry, contact your doctor.

Some people taking RISPERDAL® or RISPERDAL® CONSTA® may feel faint or lightheaded when they stand up or sit up too quickly. By standing up or sitting up slowly and following your healthcare professional's dosing instructions, this side effect may be reduced or it may go away over time.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) are usually persistent movement disorders or muscle disturbances, such as restlessness, tremors, and muscle stiffness. If you observe any of these symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional.

Some medications interact with RISPERDAL® or RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. Please inform your healthcare professional of any medications or supplements that you are taking. Avoid alcohol while taking RISPERDAL® or RISPERDAL® CONSTA®.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or if you are planning to get pregnant while taking RISPERDAL® or RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. Do not breast-feed if you are taking RISPERDAL® or RISPERDAL® CONSTA®.

RISPERDAL® and RISPERDAL® CONSTA® may affect your driving ability; therefore, do not drive or operate machinery before talking to your healthcare professional.

RISPERDAL® and RISPERDAL® CONSTA® may affect alertness and motor skills; use caution until the effect of RISPERDAL® or RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is known.

For more information, read the Important Product Information by clicking here.

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This page was last updated on: Oct 08 2007 at 14:46:51 EDT