Risperdal Consta (risperidone)
Brand name: Risperdal
® Consta
®.
Active ingredient name: Risperidone.
Type of medication: Atypical antipsychotic.
Available in Canada from: Janssen Inc.
Form: Injection.
Generic: No.
Listed on Ontario formulary: Yes (with suggested criteria for coverage*).
*This product has a therapeutic note which suggests that physicians should prescribe it for the treatment of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders in patients who have: a history of non-adherence; AND one of the following:
(1) Inadequate control or significant side effects from two or more formulary oral antipsychotic medications, including at least one atypical agent; OR
(2) Inadequate control or significant side effects from one or more conventional depot antipsychotic agents.
Note: Risperdal® Consta® is also available as oral tablets, oral solution and orally disintegrating tablets called Risperdal® or Risperdal® M-Tab®.
OHIP+ coverage: Yes (with suggested criteria for coverage*).
*This product has a therapeutic note which suggests that physicians should prescribe it for the treatment of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders in patients who have a history of non-adherence; AND one of the following:
(1) Inadequate control or significant side effects from two or more formulary oral antipsychotic medications, including at least one atypical agent; OR
(2) Inadequate control or significant side effects from one or more conventional depot antipsychotic agents.
What is Risperdal Consta used for?
Risperdal Consta is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and related psychotic illnesses in adults. Risperdal Consta may also be used for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Risperdal Consta can be used to treat other conditions as well. Discuss with your doctor why you are using Risperdal Consta.
How should I take Risperdal Consta?
- Risperdal Consta is available in vials containing 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg and 50 mg of the active ingredient.
- You will receive an injection every two weeks, so you do not need to take medication every day.
- The injection will be given to you by a healthcare provider, usually a nurse. You may receive the injection in a clinic, in your doctor’s office or you may have a community nurse who comes to your home.
- The usual dose is 25 mg given every two weeks, although your doctor will prescribe a dose that is based on individual response, up to a maximum of 50 mg every two weeks. Your doctor may prescribe doses above 50 mg based on your individual situation.
What are the most common side effects seen with Risperdal Consta?
The most common side effects of Risperdal Consta include:
- Drowsiness
- Abnormal movements (extrapyramidal side effects)
- Feeling of Restlessness (akathisia)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Changes in monthly menstrual cycle (amenorrhea)
- Decreased sexual interest and/or function
- Swelling of breasts and milk production in males and females
What are rare but potentially serious side effects seen with Risperdal Consta?
- Decreased white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)
- Cerebrovascular event (stroke)
- Anaphylactic reaction (severe allergy)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Warnings/Precautions
Elderly individuals with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic medication are at an increased risk of death compared to individuals not receiving antipsychotics. Most deaths appear to be either cardiovascular or infectious. Risperdal Consta is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. Some individuals with dementia may, however, be treated with this medication. New safety information indicates that individuals with mixed and vascular dementia are at higher risk of cerebrovascular events (strokes) when using Risperdal Consta compared to those with Alzheimer’s dementia. Hence, Health Canada has limited the indication for Risperdal Consta to severe dementia of the Alzheimer type only. Discuss this new information with your doctor if you or your loved one is using risperidone for dementia. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
What medications interact with Risperdal Consta?
Tell all your doctors, pharmacists and dentist that you are taking Risperdal Consta. You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including those obtained without a prescription, and herbal and vitamin products. When the levels of a medication are increased or decreased in your bloodstream, this can affect the medication’s efficacy and safety.
The following types of medications may interact with Risperdal Consta:
- Certain medications for allergies (e.g., Benadryl [diphenhydramine])
- Certain medications for sleep (e.g., lorazepam, zopiclone)
- Certain medications for pain (e.g., fentanyl)
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while taking Risperdal Consta.