Sách hướng dẫn để giúp quí vị sống với bệnh tâm thần phân liệt
Tâm thần phân liệt là gì?
Tâm thần phân liệt là một dạng rối loạn não. Chứng bệnh này đôi
khi làm con người gặp rắc rối về chức năng trong cuộc sống hàng
ngày. Nghiên cứu cho thấy chứng tâm thần phân liệt có thể là do
mất cân bằng hóa chất trong não gây ra. Sự mất cân bằng này
có thể tạo ra quá nhiều thông điệp lẫn lộn với nhau và sinh ra các
triệu chứng.
Sách hướng dẫn
để giúp quí vị sống
với bệnh tâm thần
phân liệt
Để biết thêm thông tin
về RISPERDAL CONSTA,
hãy nói chuyện với bác
sĩ của quí vị hoặc ghé thăm
www.risperdalconsta.com.
Hãy đọc thông tin quan
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Giúp đỡ bắt đầu bằng hi vọng Tìm hiểu về chứng tâm thần phân liệt
Nếu quí vị mắc bệnh tâm thần phân liệt, quí vị không đơn Tâm thần phân liệt là gì?
độc. Mỗi năm có hơn 2 triệu người Mỹ bị bệnh này. Tâm thần phân liệt là một dạng rối loạn não. Chứng bệnh này đôi
khi làm con người gặp rắc rối về chức năng trong cuộc sống hàng
Hiện giờ chưa có cách điều trị. Nhưng có hy vọng.
ngày. Nghiên cứu cho thấy chứng tâm thần phân liệt có thể là do
Cuốn sách nhỏ này có thể giúp quí vị trả lời những câu mất cân bằng hóa chất trong não gây ra. Sự mất cân bằng này
hỏi về bệnh tâm thần phân liệt và việc điều trị bằng có thể tạo ra quá nhiều thông điệp lẫn lộn với nhau và sinh ra các
RISPERDAL CONSTA. triệu chứng.
Tại sao tôi lại mắc bệnh tâm thần phân liệt?
Người ta không biết tại sao căn bệnh này lại xảy ra ở người này
mà không xảy ra ở người khác. Được biết, bệnh tâm thần phân
liệt xảy ra đồng đều ở cả nam và nữ. Nam giới thường bắt đầu
có triệu chứng từ cuối những năm thiếu niên cho đến đầu những
năm 20 tuổi. Nữ giới thường bắt đầu có các triệu chứng ở độ tuổi
cuối những năm 20 và đầu những năm 30 tuổi. Chỉ bác sĩ mới
có thể chuẩn đoán chính xác bệnh tâm thần phân liệt.
Trong cuốn sách nhỏ này là những lời trích dẫn từ những người mắc bệnh
tâm thần phân liệt đang được điều trị bằng thuốc tiêm có tác dụng lâu dài
và từ những người chăm sóc họ. Mặc dù có nhiều ví dụ về những phương
pháp điều trị thành công, kết quả của từng cá nhân có thể khác nhau.
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Các triệu chứng của tâm thần phân
liệt là gì?
Những người mắc bệnh tâm thần phân liệt có thể Các triệu chứng âm tính gồm:
có những loại triệu chứng khác nhau. Những loại triệu • Có ít cảm xúc hay các cảm giác không phù hợp trong
một số tình huống
chứng phổ biến nhất là những triệu chứng tích cực
và những triệu chứng tiêu cực. • Cảm xúc tách biệt với những người khác
• Có lúc gặp khó khăn trong giao tiếp ngôn ngữ với
Dương tính nghĩa là thể hiện quá mức các triệu chứng người khác
hơn bình thường. Âm tính nghĩa là không có những hành
• Mất hứng thú với công việc hàng ngày
vi hoặc cảm xúc trong sinh hoạt bình thường.
Các triệu chứng dương tính gồm:
• Tin vào những điều mà đa số những người khác không
nghĩ là thật hoặc đúng
• Nhìn và nghe thấy những điều mà những người
khác không thấy
“Tôi phải có người nhắc
• Cảm thấy lo lắng hoặc sợ hãi uống thuốc. Quí vị biết…
• Gặp khó khăn khi cần tập trung Tôi đang đấu tranh. ”
Michael
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Các loại thuốc có thể giúp mang lại
hi vọng cho quí vị
Điều trị tâm thần phân liệt như Khi uống các loại thuốc khác nhau
thế nào? Thuốc chống loạn thần dùng cho tâm thần phân liệt được sử dụng
Hiện nay chưa có thuốc điều trị tâm thần phân liệt. theo 2 cách:
Tuy nhiên, bên cạnh một kế hoạch điều trị hoàn chỉnh, • Thuốc uống hàng ngày
nghiên cứu dẫn tới sự phát triển của các loại thuốc có thể — Loại thuốc này được uống bằng miệng. Thường uống một
giúp quí vị kiểm soát các triệu chứng. hoặc hai lần một ngày
• Thuốc tiêm có tác dụng lâu dài (LAI)
Các loại thuốc quí vị nên biết
— Thuốc tiêm ở lại trong cơ thể một thời gian dài. Điều này
Các loại thuốc điều trị tâm thần phân liệt gọi là thuốc có nghĩa là số lần tiêm sẽ thưa hơn
chống loạn thần. Người ta chưa biết chính xác những loại
thuốc này hoạt động như thế nào. Nhưng những loại thuốc
này được cho là giúp lấy lại cân bằng các hóa chất trong
não. Theo cách này, các thông điệp không bị lẫn lộn. “Gia đình [bệnh nhân của tôi] rất hào
hứng khi biết có một loại thuốc tiêm có
Các loại thuốc chống loạn thần cũ hay thông thường
tác dụng lâu dài mà có thể giúp đề cập
đã được sử dụng trên 50 năm. Những loại thuốc này vấn đề tuân thủ bằng cách cho tôi biết
kiểm soát các triệu chứng tâm thần phân liệt dương tính. khi nào bệnh nhân bỏ một liều thuốc”.
Những loại thuốc chống loạn thần mới, hay không điển
Chuyên gia về tâm thần học
hình đã có trong 15 năm qua. Những loại thuốc này được
gọi là không điển hình do chúng khác với các loại thuốc
chống loạn thần truyền thống.
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Tìm hiểu về liệu pháp tiêm tác dụng
lâu dài
Tại sao LAI có thể tốt cho quí vị Điều gì làm bệnh nhân và người chăm sóc thích
Các thuốc LAI giải phóng lượng thuốc chống loạn thần một liệu pháp thuốc LAI
cách chậm và đều đặn vào cơ thể. Mỗi lần tiêm, chúng cho Cho đến gần đây, quí vị có thể không biết rằng điều trị bằng LAI
phép thuốc tác dụng cả ngày lẫn đêm trong một vài tuần. là một lựa chọn. Thực tế là khi các bệnh nhân và người chăm sóc
Kết quả là không cần phải sử dụng thuốc hàng ngày. biết về điều trị bằng LAI, họ luôn sẵn sàng thử phương pháp điều
Thuốc LAI cũng giúp nhóm điều trị biết và trở nên liên quan trị này. Điều mà nhiều bệnh nhân thích ở phương pháp điều trị
nếu quí vị bỏ một liều thuốc. bằng LAI là:
• Quí vị không phải lo lắng về việc quên không uống thuốc tâm
thần phân liệt hàng ngày
• Điều này có nghĩa là mỗi ngày bớt được việc uống một viên
thuốc
• Đầu óc quí vị được thanh thản vì quí vị biết rằng quí vị đã uống
thuốc cho ngày đó
• Quí vị không phải lo lắng về việc uống thuốc quá nhiều
do ngẫu nhiên
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Quí vị có thể được lợi từ thuốc LAI
không? Hãy khám phá!
Thuốc LAI được sử dụng như thế nào Hãy hoàn thành bản liệt kê kiểm tra sau đây. Nếu câu trả lời của quí
Các loại thuốc LAI được tiêm giống với nhiều loại thuốc vị là có cho bất cứ tuyên bố nào, quí vị hãy mang theo bản liệt
khác, bởi các bác sĩ và y tá được đào tạo. Những bác sĩ và kê kiểm tra vào lần khám bác sĩ tiếp theo. Sau đó, nói chuyện
y tá này thường xuyên tiêm cho những người mắc bệnh với bác sĩ và nhóm điều trị cho quí vị để quyết định liệu thuốc LAI
tâm thần phân liệt. Hầu hết các mũi tiêm nằm trên phần có phải là lựa chọn tốt cho quí vị hay không.
cơ lớn trên cơ thể như:
Tôi muốn:
• Mông (cơ mông)
Uống thuốc tâm thần phân liệt bớt CÓ KHÔNG
• Vai (cơ đen ta) thường xuyên hơn
Khi tiêm, quí vị có thể cảm thấy hơi khó chịu. Mỗi người Thử một thứ khác mà có thể giúp CÓ KHÔNG
kiểm soát các triệu chứng của tôi
có mức độ chịu đau khác nhau. Việc quí vị cảm thấy thế
Phải thườngxuyên tiếp xúc với CÓ KHÔNG
nào trong khi tiêm là một vấn đề cá nhân.
nhóm điều trị của tôi
Tương tự, nếu quí vị cảm thấy ngượng ngùng về việc tiêm,
đừng lo lắng. Y tá hoặc bác sĩ sẽ giúp quí vị cảm thấy
thoải mái. Trong phần lớn trường hợp, quí vị sẽ được yêu
cầu để lộ chỉ một vùng da nhỏ. Thường thì quí vị không
phải cởi bỏ quần áo để tiêm. Hãy nhớ, việc tiêm sẽ nhanh
chóng qua đi.
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RISPERDAL CONSTA—thuốc
LAI có thể mang lại hi vọng cho
nhiều người
Bác sĩ của quí vị kê thuốc RISPERDAL CONSTA để giúp Khi quí vị được điều trị bằng RISPERDAL CONSTA theo chỉ
kiểm soát các triệu chứng tâm thần phân liệt của quí dẫn của bác sĩ như một phần của quá trình điều trị, quí vị có
vị. RISPERDAL CONSTA đã giúp đỡ những người mắc thể làm được nhiều việc hơn là quí vị muốn.
bệnh tâm thần phân liệt tại hơn 50 quốc gia trên thế giới.
Tiêm thuốc RISPERDAL CONSTA như
Một lần tiêm thuốc RISPERDAL CONSTA có thể giúp kiểm
thế nào?
soát các triệu chứng tâm thần phân liệt trong 2 tuần.
RISPERDAL CONSTA được tiêm vào phía trên mông bởi
Việc thuốc kiểm soát hiệu quả các triệu chứng giúp quí
một chuyên gia chăm sóc y tế 2 tuần một lần. Quí vị có thể
vị giảm bệnh, trở lại giống bản thân mình hơn.
chỉ cần hạ thấp cạp quần của quí vị một lúc khi tiêm.
Một vài mục tiêu có thể đạt được
Trong suốt ba tuần đầu điều trị bằng RISPERDAL CONSTA,
Các thuốc LAI như RISPERDAL CONSTA có thể làm giảm
bác sĩ có thể kê thuốc uống chữa bệnh tâm thần cùng với
những triệu chứng của tâm thần phân liệt. Khi quí vị cảm
RISPERDAL CONSTA. Thông thường chỉ cần dùng loại
thấy khá hơn, quí vị có thể:
thuốc uống này trong thời gian đầu điều trị.
• Quay trở lại các hoạt động hàng ngày như mua sắm
và nấu nướng
• Sắp đặt và làm việc theo các mục tiêu cá nhân như:
— Quay lại làm việc
— Đi học trở lại
• Tham gia các hoạt động có ý nghĩa như hòa mình với
bạn bè và gia đình hoặc tập thể dục
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Hãy nhớ, quí vị có sự hỗ trợ từ nhóm
điều trị của quí vị
Khi quí vị uống RISPERDAL CONSTA, quí vị sẽ đến
phòng khám của bác sĩ hoặc trung tâm y tế để tiêm
2 tuần một lần. Nhóm điều trị sẽ có mặt ở đó để hỗ trợ
quí vị—từng bước của quá trình điều trị.
“Tôi đánh dấu [lần tiêm của tôi]
lên lịch…và tôi biết khi nào tôi
Nhóm điều trị sẽ:
phải tới [phòng khám của bác
• Giúp theo dõi các triệu chứng và tiến trình điều trị
sĩ]. Tôi muốn đi tiêm theo định
• Lắng nghe những băn khoăn của quí vị kì bởi vì…tôi nhận được thuốc
• Trả lời bất cứ câu hỏi nào của quí vị
của tôi…và tôi có một bác
sĩ trò chuyện với tôi, lắng
Quí vị nên hợp tác với nhóm điều trị để đảm bảo rằng quí nghe những gì tôi nói và trả
vị không bỏ một lần tiêm nào; cách này giúp quí vị nhận lời những câu hỏi của tôi”.
thuốc đúng giờ. Janice
Các thành viên của nhóm điều trị gồm:
• Quí vị • Các bác sĩ
• Các y tá xã hội • Người làm công tác
• Người quản lý ca bệnh • Các nhà tâm lý học
• Các tư vấn viên ngang hàng • Các thành viên trong gia
đình và bạn bè
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Những câu hỏi thường gặp
Liệu tôi có bị tác dụng phụ khi uống Nên xem xét những thông tin an toàn
RISPERDAL CONSTA? nào khác?
Một số người gặp tác dụng phụ. Nói chuyện với nhóm điều Những bệnh nhân cao tuổi mắc bệnh mất trí được điều trị
trị cho quí vị về những tác dụng phụ cụ thể của bất cứ loại tâm lý bằng thuốc chữa bệnh tâm thần không điển hình
thuốc nào quí vị uống. Khi quí vị nói chuyện một cách cởi có nguy cơ tử vong gia tăng nếu đem so sánh với thuốc
mở, nhóm điều trị có thể: trấn an. RISPERDAL CONSTA (risperidone) không được
phép sử dụng trong điều trị những bệnh nhân bị rối loạn
• Làm việc với quí vị để hạn chế các tác dụng phụ
tâm thần có liên quan đến mất trí nhớ.
• Đảm bảo quí vị uống những loại thuốc có tác dụng tốt
và mang lại lợi ích điều trị tốt nhất Các nghiên cứu cho thấy một nguy cơ ngày càng tăng là các
tác dụng phụ liên quan đến tăng đường huyết, đôi khi dẫn
Trong một nghiên cứu về những người sử dụng thuốc RISPERDAL
đến tử vong ở những bệnh nhân được điều trị loại thuốc này,
CONSTA, các tác dụng phụ thường gặp nhất trong điều trị tâm thần
gồm có RISPERDAL CONSTA. Một số người cần xét nghiệm
phân liệt là buồn ngủ, bồn chồn, rùng mình và căng cứng cơ,
đường huyết định kỳ.
nôn nao ở dạ dày, táo bón, khô miệng, cảm giác mệt mỏi,
và tăng cân. Có thể quí vị đã nghe nói đến thuật ngữ “loạn vận động
muộn”. Đó là những cử động giật cơ mặt hoặc cơ thể chậm,
không thể kiểm soát và dai dẳng, có thể do tất cả các thuốc
loại này gây ra. Nếu quí vị có những triệu chứng này, hãy nói
chuyện với bác sĩ của quí vị.
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Một tác dụng phụ hiếm gặp nhưng nghiêm trọng đã gặp Bằng cách từ từ đứng lên hoặc ngồi dậy và tuân thủ những
với loại thuốc này, trong đó có RISPERDAL CONSTA, hướng dẫn của bác sĩ về liều thuốc, tác dụng phụ này có thể
được biết như là NMS, hoặc hội chứng an thần ác tính. giảm bớt hoặc biến mất theo thời gian.
NMS có đặc điểm cứng cơ, sốt và có thể rất
Thông báo với bác sĩ nếu quí vị đang mang thai hoặc nếu quí
nghiêm trọng.
vị có ý định mang thai trong khi dùng RISPERDAL CONSTA.
RISPERDAL CONSTA cần được sử dụng thận trọng Không nuôi con bằng sữa mẹ nếu quí vị đang dùng
ở người bị động kinh, hay có tiền sử bị động kinh, RISPERDAL CONSTA.
hoặc có những tình trạng làm tăng nguy cơ mắc bệnh
RISPERDAL CONSTA có thể ảnh hưởng tới sự tỉnh táo hay
động kinh.
khả năng lái xe của quí vị; vì vậy, không nên lái xe hay vận
RISPERDAL CONSTA và những thuốc cùng loại có thể hành máy móc trước khi nói chuyện với bác sĩ của quí vị.
làm tăng lượng một loại hoocmôn trong máu được biết
RISPERDAL CONSTA có thể ảnh hưởng đến sự tỉnh táo
như là prolactin, gây ra rối loạn nội tiết tố chất prolactin.
và kỹ năng lái mô-tô; hãy thận trọng cho đến khi tác dụng của
Prolactin trong máu liên tục tăng nếu tiếp tục sử dụng
RISPERDAL CONSTA được biết đến.
thuốc. Một số tác dụng phụ đã thấy được với những loại
thuốc này gồm có mất kinh; vú sinh ra sữa; vú phát triển Tránh dùng các loại nước uống có cồn trong khi dùng thuốc
ở nam giới; và không thể cường dương. Mối liên hệ giữa RISPERDAL CONSTA.
nồng độ prolactin và các tác dụng phụ vẫn là điều bí ẩn.
Một số loại thuốc có tương tác với RISPERDAL CONSTA.
Một số người sử dụng RISPERDAL CONSTA có thể cảm Hãy thông báo với chuyên viên y tế về bất cứ loại thuốc hay
thấy chóng mặt hoặc mê sảng khi đứng hoặc ngồi dậy các chất bổ sung nào quí vị đang uống.
quá đột ngột.
Nếu quí vị có bất cứ câu hỏi gì về RISPERDAL CONSTA hay
việc điều trị của quí vị, hãy nói chuyện với bác sĩ của quí vị.
Để có thêm thông tin về RISPERDAL CONSTA, hãy nói với bác sĩ.
1 Vui lòng xem Thông tin Quan trọng về Sản phẩm đi kèm.
Bảo hiểm y tế có thanh toán cho thuốc
Liệu tiêm có đau không?
RISPERDAL CONSTA?
Trong một cuộc thử nghiệm lâm sàng, người sử dụng
Hầu hết các cơ quan bảo hiểm y tế đều thanh toán chi phí
RISPERDAL CONSTA nói rằng họ cảm thấy hơi đau với
thuốc RISPERDAL CONSTA.
lần tiêm đầu tiên. Những mũi tiêm sau càng đỡ đau hơn.
Janssen, L.P., công ty sản xuất thuốc RISPERDAL CONSTA,
Tôi có thể làm gì hơn để đạt được kết quả
có thể giúp bệnh nhân khó có khả năng thanh toán cho
tốt nhất từ quá trình điều trị của tôi?
việc điều trị của mình. Các bệnh nhân có chi phí y tế cao
Để đạt được kết quả tốt nhất từ quá trình điều trị của và các bệnh nhân không được thanh toán thuốc bán theo
quí vị: toa có thể đủ điều kiện để nhận sự trợ giúp này. Để biết
• Uống thuốc của quí vị theo chỉ dẫn của bác sĩ thêm thông tin về Chương trình Hỗ trợ Bệnh nhân
RISPERDAL CONSTA, hãy gọi số 1-00-5-7, từ 9h
• Hãy kiên nhẫn. Cần phải có thời gian để thuốc phát huy
tác dụng trong cơ thể của quí vị sáng đến 5h chiề u, giờ ET, từ thứ Hai đến thứ Sáu.
• Giữ liên lạc với nhóm điều trị cho quí vị
• Học cách giảm bớt mức căng thẳng của quí vị
• Đặt ra các mục tiêu thực tế có thể đạt được
Để có thêm thông tin về RISPERDAL CONSTA, hãy nói với bác sĩ.
0 Vui lòng xem Thông tin Quan trọng về Sản phẩm đi kèm.
Các nguồn tài liệu cung cấp
kiến thức
www.risperdalconsta.com www.mentalwellness.com
Trang web chính thức của RISPERDAL CONSTA Nguồn tài liệu trực tuyến về bệnh tâm thần phân liệt,
sẽ cho quí vị thông tin bổ sung quan trọng rối loạn lưỡng cực, và các thông tin về sức khỏe tâm
về RISPERDAL CONSTA. thần chung.
www.janssen.com www.mentalhealthamerica.net
Trang web này cung cấp những thông tin giá trị 1-00-99-
về những lựa chọn điều trị các bệnh tâm thần. Hội Sức khỏe Tâm thần Hoa Kỳ, trước đây được biết như
là Hiệp hội Sức khỏe Tâm thần Quốc gia, là một tổ chức
www.nami.org phi lợi nhuận sớm nhất và lớn nhất của quốc gia về sức
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
khỏe tâm thần và bệnh tâm thần.
Tổ chức Quốc gia về Bệnh Tâm thần (NAMI) hỗ trợ những
người bị bệnh tâm thần và gia đình, bạn bè của họ. www.schizophrenia.com
Trang web này cung cấp thông tin, hỗ trợ và giáo dục
www.nimh.nih.gov
về bệnh tâm thần phân liệt.
1-866-615-6464 (đường dây miễn phí)
Viện Sức khỏe Tâm thần Quốc gia (NIMH) đưa ra những
thông tin về các bệnh tâm thần và các lựa chọn điều trị.
Để có thêm thông tin về RISPERDAL CONSTA, hãy nói với bác sĩ.
Vui lòng xem Thông tin Quan trọng về Sản phẩm đi kèm.
Để biết thêm thông tin
về RISPERDAL CONSTA,
hãy nói chuyện với bác
sĩ của quí vị hoặc ghé thăm
www.risperdalconsta.com.
Hãy đọc thông tin quan
trọng về sản phầm được
© Janssen, L.P. 2008 Tháng Một 2008 01CS850AVN đính kèm.
other known enzyme inducers (e.g., phenytoin, rifampin, and phenobarbital) with risperidone may cause similar
decreases in the combined plasma concentrations of risperidone and 9–hydroxyrisperidone, which could lead to
decreased efficacy of risperidone treatment (see PRECAUTIONS – Drug Interactions and DOSAGE AND
7519510
ADMINISTRATION – Co-Administration of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® with Certain Other Medications).
(0907)
01CS839 Fluoxetine (20 mg QD) and paroxetine (20 mg QD) have been shown to increase the plasma concentration of
risperidone 2.5-2.8 fold and 3-9 fold respectively. Fluoxetine did not affect the plasma concentration of
9–hydroxyrisperidone. Paroxetine lowered the concentration of 9–hydroxyrisperidone by about 10% (see
Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia–Related Psychosis PRECAUTIONS – Drug Interactions and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION – Co-Administration of RISPERDAL®
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an CONSTA® with Certain Other Medications).
increased risk of death compared to placebo. Analyses of seventeen placebo controlled trials (modal Repeated oral doses of risperidone (3 mg BID) did not affect the exposure (AUC) or peak plasma concentrations (Cmax)
duration of 10 weeks) in these patients revealed a risk of death in the drug-treated patients of between
1.6 to 1.7 times that seen in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10 week controlled of lithium (n=13) (see PRECAUTIONS – Drug Interactions).
trial, the rate of death in drug-treated patients was about 4.5%, compared to a rate of about 2.6% in the Repeated oral doses of risperidone (4 mg QD) did not affect the pre-dose or average plasma concentrations and
placebo group. Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either exposure (AUC) of valproate (1000 mg/day in three divided doses) compared to placebo (n=21). However, there was a
cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. RISPERDAL® 20% increase in valproate peak plasma concentration (Cmax) after concomitant administration of risperidone (see
CONSTA® (risperidone) is not approved for the treatment of patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis. PRECAUTIONS – Drug Interactions).
There were no significant interactions between oral risperidone (1 mg QD) and erythromycin (500 mg QID) (see
DESCRIPTION PRECAUTIONS – Drug Interactions).
RISPERDAL® (risperidone) is a psychotropic agent belonging to the chemical class of benzisoxazole derivatives. The Cimetidine and ranitidine increased the bioavailability of risperidone by 64% and 26%, respectively. However, cimetidine
chemical designation is 3-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1,2-benzisoxazol-3-yl)-1-piperidinyl]ethyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4H- did not affect the AUC of the active moiety, whereas ranitidine increased the AUC of the active moiety by 20%.
pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one. Its molecular formula is C23H27FN4O2 and its molecular weight is 410.49. The structural Amitriptyline did not affect the pharmacokinetics of risperidone or the active moiety.
formula is: In drug interaction studies, risperidone did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of donepezil and galantamine,
which are metabolized by CYP 2D6.
RISPERDAL® (0.25 mg BID) did not show a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin.
Excretion
Risperidone and its metabolites are eliminated via the urine and, to a much lesser extent, via the feces. As illustrated by
a mass balance study of a single 1 mg oral dose of 14C-risperidone administered as solution to three healthy male
volunteers, total recovery of radioactivity at 1 week was 84%, including 70% in the urine and 14% in the feces.
The apparent half-life of risperidone plus 9–hydroxyrisperidone following RISPERDAL® CONSTA® administration is 3 to
6 days, and is associated with a monoexponential decline in plasma concentrations. This half-life of 3-6 days is related
Risperidone is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in methylene chloride, and soluble in methanol and 0.1 N HCl. to the erosion of the microspheres and subsequent absorption of risperidone. The clearance of risperidone and
risperidone plus 9–hydroxyrisperidone was 13.7 L/h and 5.0 L/h in extensive CYP 2D6 metabolizers, and 3.3 L/h and
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone) Long-Acting Injection is a combination of extended release microspheres for
3.2 L/h in poor CYP 2D6 metabolizers, respectively. No accumulation of risperidone was observed during long-term use
injection and diluent for parenteral use.
(up to 12 months) in patients treated every 2 weeks with 25 mg or 50 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. The elimination
The extended release microspheres formulation is a white to off-white, free-flowing powder that is available in dosage phase is complete approximately 7 to 8 weeks after the last injection.
strengths of 12.5, 25, 37.5, or 50 mg risperidone per vial. Risperidone is micro-encapsulated in 7525 polylactide-co-
Special Populations
glycolide (PLG) at a concentration of 381 mg risperidone per gram of microspheres.
Renal Impairment
The diluent for parenteral use is a clear, colorless solution. Composition of the diluent includes polysorbate 20, sodium In patients with moderate to severe renal disease treated with oral RISPERDAL®, clearance of the sum of risperidone and
carboxymethyl cellulose, disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, citric acid anhydrous, sodium chloride, sodium its active metabolite decreased by 60% compared with young healthy subjects. Although patients with renal impairment
hydroxide, and water for injection. The microspheres are suspended in the diluent prior to injection. were not studied with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, it is recommended that patients with renal impairment be carefully titrated
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is provided as a dose pack, consisting of a vial containing the microspheres, a pre-filled on oral RISPERDAL® before treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is initiated at a dose of 25 mg. A lower initial dose of
syringe containing the diluent, a SmartSite® Needle-Free Vial Access Device, and one Needle-Pro® 20 G TW safety 12.5 mg may be appropriate when clinical factors warrant dose adjustment, such as in patients with renal impairment
needle. (see PRECAUTIONS – Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION – Dosage in
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Special Populations).
Pharmacodynamics Hepatic Impairment
The mechanism of action of RISPERDAL® (risperidone), as with other drugs used to treat schizophrenia, is unknown. While the pharmacokinetics of oral RISPERDAL® in subjects with liver disease were comparable to those in young
However, it has been proposed that the drug's therapeutic activity in schizophrenia is mediated through a combination of healthy subjects, the mean free fraction of risperidone in plasma was increased by about 35% because of the
dopamine Type 2 (D2) and serotonin Type 2 (5HT2) receptor antagonism. Antagonism at receptors other than D2 and diminished concentration of both albumin and 1-acid glycoprotein. Although patients with hepatic impairment were not
5HT2 may explain some of the other effects of RISPERDAL®. studied with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, it is recommended that patients with hepatic impairment be carefully titrated on
RISPERDAL® is a selective monoaminergic antagonist with high affinity (Ki of 0.12 to 7.3 nM) for the serotonin Type 2 oral RISPERDAL® before treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is initiated at a dose of 25 mg. A lower initial dose of
(5HT2), dopamine Type 2 (D2), 1 and 2 adrenergic, and H1 histaminergic receptors. RISPERDAL® acts as an 12.5 mg may be appropriate when clinical factors warrant dose adjustment, such as in patients with hepatic impairment
antagonist at other receptors, but with lower potency. RISPERDAL® has low to moderate affinity (Ki of 47 to 253 nM) for (see PRECAUTIONS – Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION – Dosage in
the serotonin 5HT1C, 5HT1D, and 5HT1A receptors, weak affinity (Ki of 620 to 800 nM) for the dopamine D1 and Special Populations).
haloperidol-sensitive sigma site, and no affinity (when tested at concentrations >10-5 M) for cholinergic muscarinic or ß1 Elderly
and ß2 adrenergic receptors. In an open-label trial, steady-state concentrations of risperidone plus 9–hydroxyrisperidone in otherwise healthy elderly
Pharmacokinetics patients (≥65 years old) treated with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® for up to 12 months fell within the range of values
Absorption observed in otherwise healthy nonelderly patients. Dosing recommendations are the same for otherwise healthy elderly
After a single intramuscular (gluteal) injection of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone), there is a small initial release of patients and nonelderly patients (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
the drug (cardiac dysrhythmia). Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), The relevance of these findings to human risk is unknown.
and acute renal failure. Hyperprolactinemia
The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to As with other drugs that antagonize dopamine D2 receptors, risperidone elevates prolactin levels and the elevation
identify cases in which the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic persists during chronic administration. Risperidone is associated with higher levels of prolactin elevation than other
infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important antipsychotic agents. Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic GnRH, resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotropin
considerations in the differential diagnosis include central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever, and primary secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male
central nervous system pathology. patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported in patients receiving prolactin-
The management of NMS should include: (1) immediate discontinuation of antipsychotic drugs and other drugs not elevating compounds. Long-standing hyperprolactinemia when associated with hypogonadism may lead to decreased
essential to concurrent therapy; (2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring; and (3) treatment of any bone density in both female and male subjects.
concomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about Tissue culture experiments indicate that approximately one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin dependent in vitro,
specific pharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS. a factor of potential importance if the prescription of these drugs is contemplated in a patient with previously detected
If a patient requires antipsychotic drug treatment after recovery from NMS, the potential reintroduction of drug therapy breast cancer. An increase in pituitary gland, mammary gland, and pancreatic islet cell neoplasia (mammary
should be carefully considered. The patient should be carefully monitored, since recurrences of NMS have been adenocarcinomas, pituitary and pancreatic adenomas) was observed in the risperidone carcinogenicity studies
reported. conducted in mice and rats (see PRECAUTIONS – Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility). Neither
clinical studies nor epidemiologic studies conducted to date have shown an association between chronic administration
Tardive Dyskinesia of this class of drugs and tumorigenesis in humans; the available evidence is considered too limited to be conclusive at
A syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements may develop in patients treated with this time.
antipsychotic drugs. Although the prevalence of the syndrome appears to be highest among the elderly, especially
elderly women, it is impossible to rely upon prevalence estimates to predict, at the inception of antipsychotic treatment, Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment
which patients are likely to develop the syndrome. Whether antipsychotic drug products differ in their potential to cause Somnolence was reported by 5% of patients treated with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® in multiple-dose trials. Since
tardive dyskinesia is unknown. risperidone has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, patients should be cautioned about operating
hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that treatment with RISPERDAL®
The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia and the likelihood that it will become irreversible are believed to increase as CONSTA® does not affect them adversely.
the duration of treatment and the total cumulative dose of antipsychotic drugs administered to the patient increase.
However, the syndrome can develop, although much less commonly, after relatively brief treatment periods at low doses. Priapism
No cases of priapism have been reported in patients treated with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. However, rare cases of
There is no known treatment for established cases of tardive dyskinesia, although the syndrome may remit, partially or priapism have been reported in patients treated with oral RISPERDAL®. While the relationship of these events to oral
completely, if antipsychotic treatment is withdrawn. Antipsychotic treatment, itself, however, may suppress (or partially RISPERDAL® use has not been established, other drugs with alpha-adrenergic blocking effects have been reported to
suppress) the signs and symptoms of the syndrome and thereby may possibly mask the underlying process. The effect induce priapism, and it is possible that RISPERDAL® may share this capacity. Severe priapism may require surgical
that symptomatic suppression has upon the long-term course of the syndrome is unknown. intervention.
Given these considerations, RISPERDAL® CONSTA® should be prescribed in a manner that is most likely to minimize Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
the occurrence of tardive dyskinesia. Chronic antipsychotic treatment should generally be reserved for patients who A single case of TTP was reported in a 28 year-old female patient receiving oral RISPERDAL® in a large, open
suffer from a chronic illness that: (1) is known to respond to antipsychotic drugs, and (2) for whom alternative, equally premarketing experience (approximately 1300 patients). She experienced jaundice, fever, and bruising, but eventually
effective, but potentially less harmful treatments are not available or appropriate. In patients who do require chronic recovered after receiving plasmapheresis. The relationship to RISPERDAL® therapy is unknown.
treatment, the smallest dose and the shortest duration of treatment producing a satisfactory clinical response should be
sought. The need for continued treatment should be reassessed periodically. Antiemetic Effect
Risperidone has an antiemetic effect in animals; this effect may also occur in humans, and may mask signs and
If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient treated with RISPERDAL ® CONSTA ®, drug symptoms of overdosage with certain drugs or of conditions such as intestinal obstruction, Reye’s syndrome, and brain
discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® tumor.
despite the presence of the syndrome.
Body Temperature Regulation
Cerebrovascular Adverse Events, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis Disruption of body temperature regulation has been attributed to antipsychotic agents. Both hyperthermia and
Cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, were reported in patients hypothermia have been reported in association with oral RISPERDAL® use. Caution is advised when prescribing
(mean age 85 years; range 73-97) in trials of oral risperidone in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. In RISPERDAL® CONSTA® for patients who will be exposed to temperature extremes.
placebo-controlled trials, there was a significantly higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events in patients treated
with oral risperidone compared to patients treated with placebo. RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is not approved for the Suicide
treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. (See also Boxed WARNING, WARNINGS: Increased Mortality in The possibility of a suicide attempt is inherent in schizophrenia, and close supervision of high-risk patients should
Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis.) accompany drug therapy. RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is to be administered by a health care professional (see DOSAGE
and ADMINISTRATION); therefore, suicide due to an overdose is unlikely.
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness
reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including RISPERDAL®. Assessment of the relationship between Clinical experience with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® in patients with certain concomitant systemic illnesses is limited.
atypical antipsychotic use and glucose abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increased background risk of Patients with Parkinson's Disease or Dementia with Lewy Bodies who receive antipsychotics, including RISPERDAL®
diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia and the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in the general CONSTA®, are reported to have an increased sensitivity to antipsychotic medications. Manifestations of this increased
population. Given these confounders, the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and hyperglycemia-related sensitivity have been reported to include confusion, obtundation, postural instability with frequent falls, extrapyramidal
adverse events is not completely understood. However, epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of treatment- symptoms, and clinical features consistent with the neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
emergent hyperglycemia-related adverse events in patients treated with the atypical antipsychotics. Precise risk Caution is advisable when using RISPERDAL® CONSTA® in patients with diseases or conditions that could affect
estimates for hyperglycemia-related adverse events in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics are not available. metabolism or hemodynamic responses. RISPERDAL® CONSTA® has not been evaluated or used to any appreciable
Patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who are started on atypical antipsychotics should be extent in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease. Patients with these diagnoses
monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus (e.g., obesity, family were excluded from clinical studies during the product’s premarket testing.
history of diabetes) who are starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing Increased plasma concentrations of risperidone and 9–hydroxyrisperidone occur in patients with severe renal
at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should impairment (creatinine clearance RISPERDAL® CONSTA® may need to be adjusted. A dose increase, or additional oral RISPERDAL®, may need to be lactation at doses of 0.16-5 mg/kg or 0.1 to 3 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. It is not known whether these
considered. On discontinuation of carbamazepine or other CYP 3A4 hepatic enzyme inducers, the dosage of deaths were due to a direct effect on the fetuses or pups or to effects on the dams.
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® should be re-evaluated and, if necessary, decreased. Patients may be placed on a lower dose There was no no-effect dose for increased rat pup mortality. In one peri/post-natal development study, there was an
of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® between 2 to 4 weeks before the planned discontinuation of carbamazepine or other CYP increase in stillborn rat pups at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg or 1.5 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. In a cross-fostering
3A4 enzyme inducers to adjust for the expected increase in plasma concentrations of risperidone plus study in Wistar rats, toxic effects on the fetus or pups, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of live pups and an
9–hydroxyrisperidone. For patients treated with the recommended dose of 25 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® and increase in the number of dead pups at birth (Day 0), and a decrease in birth weight in pups of drug-treated dams were
discontinuing from carbamazepine or other CYP 3A4 enzyme inducers, it is recommended to continue treatment with observed. In addition, there was an increase in deaths by Day 1 among pups of drug-treated dams, regardless of
the 25 mg dose unless clinical judgment necessitates lowering the RISPERDAL® CONSTA® dose to 12.5 mg or whether or not the pups were cross-fostered. Risperidone also appeared to impair maternal behavior in that pup body
necessitates interruption of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® treatment. (See also DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) The weight gain and survival (from Days 1 to 4 of lactation) were reduced in pups born to control but reared by drug-treated
efficacy of the 12.5 mg dose has not been investigated in clinical trials. dams. These effects were all noted at the one dose of risperidone tested, i.e., 5 mg/kg or 3 times the oral MRHD on a
Fluoxetine and Paroxetine mg/m2 basis.
Fluoxetine (20 mg QD) and paroxetine (20 mg QD), CYP 2D6 inhibitors, have been shown to increase the plasma No studies were conducted with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®.
concentration of risperidone 2.5-2.8 fold and 3-9 fold, respectively. Fluoxetine did not affect the plasma concentration of
9–hydroxyrisperidone. Paroxetine lowered the concentration of 9–hydroxyrisperidone by about 10%. When either Placental transfer of risperidone occurs in rat pups. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant
concomitant fluoxetine or paroxetine is initiated or discontinued, the physician should re-evaluate the dose of women. However, there was one report of a case of agenesis of the corpus callosum in an infant exposed to risperidone
RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. When initiation of fluoxetine or paroxetine is considered, patients may be placed on a lower in utero. The causal relationship to oral RISPERDAL® therapy is unknown. Reversible extrapyramidal symptoms in the
dose of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® between 2 to 4 weeks before the planned start of fluoxetine or paroxetine therapy to neonate were observed following postmarketing use of risperidone during the last trimester of pregnancy.
adjust for the expected increase in plasma concentrations of risperidone. When fluoxetine or paroxetine is initiated in RISPERDAL® CONSTA® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the
patients receiving the recommended dose of 25 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, it is recommended to continue treatment fetus.
with the 25 mg dose unless clinical judgment necessitates lowering the RISPERDAL® CONSTA® dose to 12.5 mg or Labor and Delivery
necessitates interruption of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® treatment. When RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is initiated in patients The effect of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® on labor and delivery in humans is unknown.
already receiving fluoxetine or paroxetine, a starting dose of 12.5 mg can be considered. The efficacy of the 12.5 mg
dose has not been investigated in clinical trials. (See also DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) The effects of Nursing Mothers
discontinuation of concomitant fluoxetine or paroxetine therapy on the pharmacokinetics of risperidone and In animal studies, risperidone and 9–hydroxyrisperidone are excreted in milk. Risperidone and 9–hydroxyrisperidone are
9–hydroxyrisperidone have not been studied. also excreted in human breast milk. Therefore, women should not breast-feed during treatment with RISPERDAL®
CONSTA® and for at least 12 weeks after the last injection.
Lithium
Repeated oral doses of risperidone (3 mg BID) did not affect the exposure (AUC) or peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) Pediatric Use
of lithium (n=13). RISPERDAL® CONSTA® has not been studied in children younger than 18 years old.
Valproate Geriatric Use
Repeated oral doses of risperidone (4 mg QD) did not affect the pre-dose or average plasma concentrations and In an open-label study, 57 clinically stable, elderly patients (≥65 years old) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
exposure (AUC) of valproate (1000 mg/day in three divided doses) compared to placebo (n=21). However, there was a received RISPERDAL® CONSTA® every 2 weeks for up to 12 months. In general, no differences in the tolerability of
20% increase in valproate peak plasma concentration (Cmax) after concomitant administration of risperidone. RISPERDAL® CONSTA® were observed between otherwise healthy elderly and nonelderly patients. Therefore, dosing
recommendations for otherwise healthy elderly patients are the same as for nonelderly patients. Because elderly
Digoxin patients exhibit a greater tendency to orthostatic hypotension than nonelderly patients, elderly patients should be
RISPERDAL® (0.25 mg BID) did not show a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin. instructed in nonpharmacologic interventions that help to reduce the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension (e.g., sitting
Drugs that Inhibit CYP 2D6 and Other CYP Isozymes on the edge of the bed for several minutes before attempting to stand in the morning and slowly rising from a seated
Risperidone is metabolized to 9–hydroxyrisperidone by CYP 2D6, an enzyme that is polymorphic in the population and position). In addition, monitoring of orthostatic vital signs should be considered in elderly patients for whom orthostatic
that can be inhibited by a variety of psychotropic and other drugs (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Drug interactions hypotension is of concern (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE AND
that reduce the metabolism of risperidone to 9–hydroxyrisperidone would increase the plasma concentrations of ADMINISTRATION).
risperidone and lower the concentrations of 9–hydroxyrisperidone. Analysis of clinical studies involving a modest Concomitant use with Furosemide in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis
number of poor metabolizers (n 70 patients) does not suggest that poor and extensive metabolizers have different
In two of four placebo-controlled trials in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, a higher incidence of mortality
rates of adverse effects. No comparison of effectiveness in the two groups has been made.
was observed in patients treated with furosemide plus oral risperidone when compared to patients treated with oral
In vitro studies showed that drugs metabolized by other CYP isozymes, including 1A1, 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, and 3A4, are risperidone alone or with oral placebo plus furosemide. No pathological mechanism has been identified to explain this
only weak inhibitors of risperidone metabolism. finding, and no consistent pattern for cause of death was observed. An increase of mortality in elderly patients with
There were no significant interactions between risperidone and erythromycin (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). dementia-related psychosis was seen with the use of oral risperidone regardless of concomitant use with furosemide.
Drugs Metabolized by CYP 2D6 RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. (See Boxed
In vitro studies indicate that risperidone is a relatively weak inhibitor of CYP 2D6. Therefore, RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is WARNING,WARNINGS: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis.)
not expected to substantially inhibit the clearance of drugs that are metabolized by this enzymatic pathway. In drug ADVERSE REACTIONS
interaction studies, oral risperidone did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of donepezil and galantamine, Adverse findings were assessed by spontaneous reports of adverse events, laboratory tests, vital signs, body weight,
which are metabolized by CYP 2D6. and ECGs. Adverse events were classified using the World Health Organization preferred terms. Treatment-emergent
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility adverse events were defined as those events with an onset between the first dose and 49 days after the last dose.
Carcinogenesis - Oral The prescriber should be aware that these figures cannot be used to predict the incidence of side effects in the course
Carcinogenicity studies were conducted in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats. Risperidone was administered in the diet at of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those which prevailed in this clinical
doses of 0.63, 2.5, and 10 mg/kg for 18 months to mice and for 25 months to rats. These doses are equivalent to 2.4, 9.4, trial. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving
and 37.5 times the oral maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) for schizophrenia (16 mg/day) on a mg/kg basis, or different treatments, uses, and investigators. The cited figures, however, do provide the prescribing physician with some
0.2, 0.75, and 3 times the oral MRHD (mice) or 0.4, 1.5, and 6 times the oral MRHD (rats) on a mg/m2 basis. A maximum basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the side effect incidence rate in the
tolerated dose was not achieved in male mice. There was a significant increase in pituitary gland adenomas in female mice population studied.
at doses 0.75 and 3 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. There was a significant increase in endocrine pancreatic Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment
adenomas in male rats at doses 1.5 and 6 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. Mammary gland adenocarcinomas In the 12-week, placebo-controlled trial, the incidence of schizophrenic patients who discontinued treatment due to an
were significantly increased in female mice at all doses tested (0.2, 0.75, and 3 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), in adverse event was lower with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (11%; 22/202 patients) than with placebo (13%; 13/98 patients).
female rats at all doses tested (0.4, 1.5, and 6 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), and in male rats at a dose 6 times
Incidence in Controlled Trials
the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.
The incidence of adverse reactions in the placebo-controlled trial was based on 202 schizophrenic patients treated with
Carcinogenesis - IM 25 or 50 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® and 98 schizophrenic patients treated with placebo for up to 12 weeks.
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® was evaluated in a 24-month carcinogenicity study in which SPF Wistar rats were treated every
Commonly Observed Adverse Events in Controlled Clinical Trials
2 weeks with IM injections of either 5 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg of risperidone. These doses are 1 and 8 times the MRHD (50 mg)
Spontaneously reported, treatment-emergent adverse events with an incidence of 5% or greater in at least one of the
on a mg/m2 basis. A control group received injections of 0.9% NaCl, and a vehicle control group was injected with
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® groups (25 mg or 50 mg) and at least twice that of placebo were: somnolence, akathisia,
placebo microspheres. There was a significant increase in pituitary gland adenomas, endocrine pancreas adenomas,
parkinsonism, dyspepsia, constipation, dry mouth, fatigue, weight increase.
and adrenomedullary pheochromocytomas at 8 times the IM MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. The incidence of mammary
gland adenocarcinomas was significantly increased in female rats at both doses (1 and 8 times the IM MRHD on a Adverse Events Occurring at an Incidence of 2% or More in Patients Treated with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®:
mg/m2 basis). A significant increase in renal tubular tumors (adenoma, adenocarcinomas) was observed in male rats at Table 1 enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more, and were at least as frequent among
8 times the IM MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. Plasma exposures (AUC) in rats were 0.3 and 2 times (at 5 and 40 mg/kg, patients treated with 25 mg or 50 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® as patients treated with placebo in the 12-week, placebo-
respectively) the expected plasma exposure (AUC) at the IM MRHD. controlled trial. This table shows the percentage of patients in each dose group who spontaneously reported at least one
episode of an event at some time during double-blind treatment. All patients were titrated to a dose of 4 mg oral
Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists have been shown to chronically elevate prolactin levels in rodents. Serum prolactin
RISPERDAL® during a 1-week run-in period. Patients who received RISPERDAL® CONSTA® were given doses of oral
levels were not measured during the carcinogenicity studies of oral risperidone; however, measurements taken during
RISPERDAL® (2 mg for patients in the 25-mg group, and 4 mg for patients in the 50-mg group) during the 3 weeks after
subchronic toxicity studies showed that oral risperidone elevated serum prolactin levels 5- to 6-fold in mice and rats at the
the first injection to provide therapeutic levels until the main release phase of risperidone from the injection site had
same doses used in the oral carcinogenicity studies. Serum prolactin levels increased in a dose-dependent manner up to
begun. Patients who received placebo injections were given placebo tablets.
6- and 1.5-fold in male and female rats, respectively, at the end of the 24-month treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®
every 2 weeks. Increases in the incidence of pituitary gland, endocrine pancreas, and mammary gland neoplasms have Table 1. Incidence (% of Patients) of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events in a 12-Week,
been found in rodents after chronic administration of other antipsychotic drugs and may be prolactin-mediated. Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
The relevance for human risk of the findings of prolactin-mediated endocrine tumors in rodents is unknown (see RISPERDAL® CONSTA®
PRECAUTIONS - Hyperprolactinemia).
WHO Body System Disorder/ 25 mg 50 mg Placebo
Mutagenesis
No evidence of mutagenic potential for oral risperidone was found in the in vitro Ames reverse mutation test, in vitro Preferred Term (N=99) (N=103) (N=98)
mouse lymphoma assay, in vitro rat hepatocyte DNA-repair assay, in vivo oral micronucleus test in mice, the sex-linked Psychiatric
recessive lethal test in Drosophila, or the in vitro chromosomal aberration test in human lymphocytes or in Chinese
hamster cells. Insomnia 16 13 14
Hallucination 7 6 5
In addition, no evidence of mutagenic potential was found in the in vitro Ames reverse mutation test for RISPERDAL® Somnolence 5 6 3
CONSTA®. Suicide attempt 1 4 3
Impairment of Fertility Abnormal thinking 0 3 2
Oral risperidone (0.16 to 5 mg/kg) was shown to impair mating, but not fertility, in Wistar rats in three reproductive Abnormal dreaming 2 0 0
studies (two mating and fertility studies and a multigenerational study) at doses 0.1 to 3 times the oral maximum Central & peripheral nervous system
recommended human dose (MRHD) (16 mg/day) on a mg/m2 basis. The effect appeared to be in females, since
impaired mating behavior was not noted in the mating and fertility study in which males only were treated. In a Headache 15 22 12
subchronic study in Beagle dogs in which oral risperidone was administered at doses of 0.31 to 5 mg/kg, sperm motility Dizziness 8 11 6
and concentration were decreased at doses 0.6 to 10 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. Dose-related decreases Akathisia 2 9 4
were also noted in serum testosterone at the same doses. Serum testosterone and sperm values partially recovered, Parkinsonisma 4 10 3
but remained decreased after treatment was discontinued. No no-effect doses were noted in either rat or dog. Tremor 0 3 0
Hypoaesthesia 2 0 0
No mating and fertility studies were conducted with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®.
Gastrointestinal
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C Dyspepsia 7 7 2
The teratogenic potential of oral risperidone was studied in three embryofetal development studies in Sprague-Dawley Constipation 5 7 1
and Wistar rats (0.63-10 mg/kg or 0.4 to 6 times the oral maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] on a mg/m2 Mouth dry 0 7 1
basis) and in one embryofetal development study in New Zealand rabbits (0.31-5 mg/kg or 0.4 to 6 times the oral MRHD Toothache 1 3 0
on a mg/m2 basis). The incidence of malformations was not increased compared to control in offspring of rats or rabbits Saliva increased 6 2 1
given 0.4 to 6 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis. In three reproductive studies in rats (two peri/post-natal Tooth disorder 4 2 0
development studies and a multigenerational study), there was an increase in pup deaths during the first 4 days of Diarrhea 5 1 3
3
Table 1. Incidence (% of Patients) of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events in a 12-Week, a
In the integrated database of multiple-dose studies (1499 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder),
Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial (continued) 9 patients (0.6%) treated with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (all dosages combined) experienced an adverse event of
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® tardive dyskinesia.
WHO Body System Disorder/ 25 mg 50 mg Placebo Body as a Whole/General Disorders
Preferred Term (N=99) (N=103) (N=98) Frequent: back pain, chest pain, asthenia. Infrequent: malaise, choking.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Body as a whole - general Frequent: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Infrequent: gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, flatulence, hemorrhoids,
Fatigue 3 7 0 melena, dysphagia, rectal hemorrhage, stomatitis, colitis, gastric ulcer, gingivitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative
Pain 10 3 4 stomatitis.
Peripheral edema 2 3 1 Respiratory System Disorders
Leg pain 4 1 1 Frequent: dyspnea. Infrequent: pneumonia, stridor, hemoptysis. Rare: pulmonary edema.
Fever 2 1 0
Syncope 2 0 0 Skin and Appendage Disorders
Frequent: rash. Infrequent: eczema, pruritus, erythematous rash, dermatitis, alopecia, seborrhea, photosensitivity
Respiratory system reaction, increased sweating.
Rhinitis 14 4 8 Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
Coughing 5 2 4 Infrequent: hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, hypokalemia, glycosuria, hypercholesterolemia, obesity,
Sinusitis 3 1 0 dehydration, diabetes mellitus, hyponatremia.
Upper respiratory tract infection 2 0 1
Musculo-Skeletal System Disorders
Metabolic & nutritional Frequent: arthralgia, skeletal pain. Infrequent: torticollis, arthrosis, muscle weakness, tendinitis, arthritis, arthropathy.
Weight increase 5 4 2 Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders
Weight decrease 4 1 1 Frequent: tachycardia. Infrequent: bradycardia, AV block, palpitation, bundle branch block. Rare: T-wave inversion.
Cardiovascular Cardiovascular Disorders
Hypertension 3 3 2 Frequent: hypotension. Infrequent: postural hypotension.
Hearing & vestibular Urinary System Disorders
Ear disorder (NOS) 0 3 0 Frequent: urinary incontinence. Infrequent: hematuria, micturition frequency, renal pain, urinary retention.
Vision Vision Disorders
Infrequent: conjunctivitis, eye pain, abnormal accommodation.
Vision abnormal 2 3 0
Reproductive Disorders, Female
Skin & appendages Frequent: amenorrhea. Infrequent: nonpuerperal lactation, vaginitis, dysmenorrhea, breast pain, leukorrhea.
Acne 2 2 0 Resistance Mechanism Disorders
Skin dry 2 0 0 Infrequent: abscess.
Musculo-Skeletal Liver and Biliary System Disorders
Myalgia 4 2 1 Frequent: increased hepatic enzymes. Infrequent: hepatomegaly, increased SGPT. Rare: bilirubinemia, increased GGT,
a
hepatitis, hepatocellular damage, jaundice, fatty liver, increased SGOT.
Includes adverse events of bradykinesia, extrapyramidal disorder, and hypokinesia.
Reproductive Disorders, Male
Dose Dependency of Adverse Events Infrequent: ejaculation failure.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms:
Two methods were used to measure extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) in the 12-week, placebo-controlled trial comparing Application Site Disorders
three doses of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg) with placebo, including: (1) the incidence of Frequent: injection site pain. Infrequent: injection site reaction.
spontaneous reports of EPS symptoms; and (2) the change from baseline to endpoint on the total score (sum of the Hearing and Vestibular Disorders
subscale scores for parkinsonism, dystonia, and dyskinesia) of the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS). Infrequent: earache, deafness, hearing decreased.
As shown in Table 1, the overall incidence of EPS-related adverse events (akathisia, dystonia, parkinsonism, and Red Blood Cell Disorders
tremor) in patients treated with 25 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® was comparable to that of patients treated with placebo; Frequent: anemia.
the incidence of EPS-related adverse events was higher in patients treated with 50 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. White Cell and Resistance Disorders
The median change from baseline to endpoint in total ESRS score showed no worsening in patients treated with RISPERDAL® Infrequent: lymphadenopathy, leucopenia, cervical lymphadenopathy. Rare: granulocytopenia, leukocytosis,
CONSTA® compared with patients treated with placebo: 0 (placebo group); -1 (25-mg group, significantly less than the lymphopenia.
placebo group); and 0 (50-mg group). Endocrine Disorders
Vital Sign Changes: Infrequent: hyperprolactinemia, gynecomastia, hypothyroidism.
RISPERDAL® is associated with orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia (see PRECAUTIONS). In the placebo- Platelet, Bleeding and Clotting Disorders
controlled trial, orthostatic hypotension was observed in 2% of patients treated with 25 mg or 50 mg RISPERDAL® Infrequent: purpura, epistaxis. Rare: pulmonary embolism, hematoma, thrombocytopenia.
CONSTA® (see PRECAUTIONS).
Myo-, Endo-, and Pericardial and Valve Disorders
Weight Changes: Infrequent: myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction.
In the 12-week, placebo-controlled trial, 9% of patients treated with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, compared with 6% of
patients treated with placebo, experienced a weight gain of >7% of body weight at endpoint. Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders
Infrequent: phlebitis. Rare: intermittent claudication, flushing, thrombophlebitis.
Laboratory Changes:
The percentage of patients treated with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® who experienced potentially important changes in Postintroduction Reports
routine serum chemistry, hematology, or urinalysis parameters was similar to or less than that of placebo patients. Adverse events reported since market introduction which were temporally (but not necessarily causally) related to oral
Additionally, no patients discontinued treatment due to changes in serum chemistry, hematology, or urinalysis parameters. RISPERDAL® therapy include the following: anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, apnea, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular
disorder, including cerebrovascular accident, diabetes mellitus aggravated, including diabetic ketoacidosis,
ECG Changes: hyperglycemia, intestinal obstruction, jaundice, mania, pancreatitis, Parkinson’s disease aggravated, pituitary
The electrocardiograms of 202 schizophrenic patients treated with 25 mg or 50 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® and 98 adenomas, pulmonary embolism, and QT prolongation. There have been rare reports of sudden death and/or
schizophrenic patients treated with placebo in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial were evaluated. cardiopulmonary arrest in patients receiving oral RISPERDAL®. A causal relationship with oral RISPERDAL® has not
Compared with placebo, there were no statistically significant differences in QTc intervals (using Fridericia’s and linear been established. It is important to note that sudden and unexpected death may occur in psychotic patients whether
correction factors) during treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. they remain untreated or whether they are treated with other antipsychotic drugs.
Between-group comparisons for pooled placebo-controlled trials with oral RISPERDAL® revealed no statistically Retinal artery occlusion after injection of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® has been reported during postmarketing surveillance.
significant differences between risperidone and placebo in mean changes from baseline in ECG parameters, including This has been reported in the presence of abnormal arteriovenous anastomosis.
QT, QTc, and PR intervals, and heart rate. When all oral RISPERDAL® doses were pooled from randomized controlled
trials in several indications, there was a mean increase in heart rate of 1 beat per minute compared to no change for DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
placebo patients. In short-term schizophrenia trials, higher doses of oral risperidone (8-16 mg/day) were associated with Controlled Substance Class
a higher mean increase in heart rate compared to placebo (4-6 beats per minute). RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone) is not a controlled substance.
Pain Assessment and Local Injection Site Reactions: Physical and Psychological Dependence
The mean intensity of injection pain reported by patients using a visual analog scale (0 = no pain to 100 = unbearably RISPERDAL® CONSTA® has not been systematically studied in animals or humans for its potential for abuse, tolerance,
painful) decreased in all treatment groups from the first to the last injection (placebo: 16.7 to 12.6; 25 mg: 12.0 to 9.0; or physical dependence. Because RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is to be administered by health care professionals, the
50 mg: 18.2 to 11.8). After the sixth injection (Week 10), investigator ratings indicated that 1% of patients treated with potential for misuse or abuse by patients is low.
25 mg or 50 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® experienced redness, swelling, or induration at the injection site. OVERDOSAGE
Other Events Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® Human Experience
During its premarketing assessment, RISPERDAL® CONSTA® was administered to 1499 patients in multiple-dose No cases of overdose were reported in premarketing studies with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone). Because
studies. The conditions and duration of exposure to RISPERDAL® CONSTA® varied greatly, and included (in overlapping RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is to be administered by health care professionals, the potential for overdosage by patients is
categories) open-label and double-blind studies, uncontrolled and controlled studies, inpatient and outpatient studies, low.
fixed-dose and titration studies, and short-term and long-term exposure studies. In all studies, untoward events In premarketing experience with oral RISPERDAL® (risperidone), there were eight reports of acute RISPERDAL®
associated with this exposure were obtained by spontaneous report and were recorded by clinical investigators using overdosage, with estimated doses ranging from 20 to 300 mg and no fatalities. In general, reported signs and symptoms
terminology of their own choosing. Consequently, it is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of were those resulting from an exaggeration of the drug’s known pharmacological effects, i.e., drowsiness and sedation,
individuals experiencing adverse events without first grouping similar types of untoward events into a smaller number of tachycardia and hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms. One case, involving an estimated overdose of 240 mg, was
standardized event categories. associated with hyponatremia, hypokalemia, prolonged QT, and widened QRS. Another case, involving an estimated
In the listings that follow, spontaneously reported adverse events were classified using World Health Organization overdose of 36 mg, was associated with a seizure.
(WHO) preferred terms. The frequencies presented, therefore, represent the proportion of the 1499 patients exposed to Postmarketing experience with oral RISPERDAL® includes reports of acute overdose, with estimated doses of up to 360 mg.
multiple doses of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® who experienced an event of the type cited on at least one occasion while In general, the most frequently reported signs and symptoms are those resulting from an exaggeration of the drug’s
receiving RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. All reported events are included except those already listed in Table 1, those events known pharmacological effects, i.e., drowsiness, sedation, tachycardia, hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms.
for which a drug cause was remote, those event terms which were so general as to be uninformative, and those events Other adverse events reported since market introduction which were temporally (but not necessarily causally) related to
reported only once which did not have a substantial probability of being acutely life-threatening. It is important to oral RISPERDAL® overdose include torsades de pointes, prolonged QT interval, convulsions, cardiopulmonary arrest,
emphasize that, although the reported events occurred during treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, they were not and rare fatality associated with multiple drug overdose.
necessarily caused by it. Management of Overdosage
Events are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency according to the following In case of acute overdosage, establish and maintain an airway and ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
definitions: frequent adverse events are those occurring in at least 1/100 patients (only those not already listed in the Cardiovascular monitoring should commence immediately and should include continuous electrocardiographic
tabulated results from the placebo-controlled trial appear in this listing); infrequent adverse events are those occurring in monitoring to detect possible arrhythmias. If antiarrhythmic therapy is administered, disopyramide, procainamide, and
1/100 to 1/1000 patients; and rare events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients. quinidine carry a theoretical hazard of QT prolonging effects that might be additive to those of risperidone. Similarly, it is
Psychiatric Disorders reasonable to expect that the alpha-blocking properties of bretylium might be additive to those of risperidone, resulting
Frequent: anxiety, psychosis, depression, agitation, nervousness, paranoid reaction, delusion, apathy. Infrequent: in problematic hypotension.
anorexia, impaired concentration, impotence, emotional lability, manic reaction, decreased libido, increased appetite, There is no specific antidote to oral RISPERDAL®. Therefore, appropriate supportive measures should be instituted. The
amnesia, confusion, euphoria, depersonalization, paroniria, delirium, psychotic depression. possibility of multiple drug involvement should be considered. Hypotension and circulatory collapse should be treated
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders with appropriate measures, such as intravenous fluids and/or sympathomimetic agents (epinephrine and dopamine
Frequent: hypertonia, dystonia. Infrequent: dyskinesia, vertigo, leg cramps, tardive dyskinesiaa, involuntary muscle should not be used, since beta stimulation may worsen hypotension in the setting of risperidone-induced alpha
contractions, paraesthesia, abnormal gait, bradykinesia, convulsions, hypokinesia, ataxia, fecal incontinence, oculogyric blockade). In cases of severe extrapyramidal symptoms, anticholinergic medication should be administered. Close
crisis, tetany, apraxia, dementia, migraine. Rare: neuroleptic malignant syndrome. medical supervision and monitoring should continue until the patient recovers.
4
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Instructions for Use
For patients who have never taken oral RISPERDAL®, it is recommended to establish tolerability with oral RISPERDAL®
prior to initiating treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone).
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® should be administered every 2 weeks by deep intramuscular (IM) gluteal injection. Each
injection should be administered by a health care professional using the enclosed safety needle (see HOW SUPPLIED).
Injections should alternate between the two buttocks. Do not administer intravenously.
The recommended dose is 25 mg IM every 2 weeks. Although dose response for effectiveness has not been established
for RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, some patients not responding to 25 mg may benefit from a higher dose of 37.5 mg or 50 mg.
The maximum dose should not exceed 50 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® every 2 weeks. No additional benefit was
observed with dosages greater than 50 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA®; however, a higher incidence of adverse effects was
observed.
A lower initial dose of 12.5 mg may be appropriate when clinical factors warrant dose adjustment, such as in patients
with hepatic or renal impairment, for certain drug interactions that increase risperidone plasma concentrations (see
PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions), or in patients who have a history of poor tolerability to psychotropic medications.
The efficacy of the 12.5 mg dose has not been investigated in clinical trials.
Oral RISPERDAL® (or another antipsychotic medication) should be given with the first injection of RISPERDAL®
CONSTA® and continued for 3 weeks (and then discontinued) to ensure that adequate therapeutic plasma concentrations
are maintained prior to the main release phase of risperidone from the injection site (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
Upward dosage adjustment should not be made more frequently than every 4 weeks. The clinical effects of this dose RISPERDAL® CONSTA® must be reconstituted only in the diluent supplied in the dose pack, and must be administered
adjustment should not be anticipated earlier than 3 weeks after the first injection with the higher dose. with the needle supplied in the dose pack. All components are required for administration. Do not substitute any
In patients with clinical factors such as hepatic or renal impairment or certain drug interactions that increase risperidone components of the dose pack.To assure that the intended dose of risperidone is delivered, the full contents from the vial
plasma concentrations (see PRECAUTIONS – Drug Interactions), dose reduction as low as 12.5 mg may be must be administered. Administration of partial contents may not deliver the intended dose of risperidone.
appropriate. The efficacy of the 12.5 mg dose has not been investigated in clinical trials.
Do not combine two different dosage strengths of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® in a single administration. Remove the dose pack of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature prior
to reconstitution.
Pediatric Use
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® has not been studied in children younger than 18 years old.
Dosage in Special Populations
For elderly patients treated with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, the recommended dosage is 25 mg IM every 2 weeks. Oral
RISPERDAL® (or another antipsychotic medication) should be given with the first injection of RISPERDAL® CONSTA®
and should be continued for 3 weeks to ensure that adequate therapeutic plasma concentrations are maintained prior to
the main release phase of risperidone from the injection site (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should be treated with titrated doses of oral RISPERDAL® prior to initiating
treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. The recommended starting dose is 0.5 mg oral RISPERDAL® b.i.d. during the 1. Flip off the plastic colored cap from the vial.
first week, which can be increased to 1 mg b.i.d. or 2 mg once daily during the second week. If a total daily dose of at
least 2 mg oral RISPERDAL® is well tolerated, an injection of 25 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® can be administered every
2 weeks. Alternatively, a starting dose of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® of 12.5 mg may be appropriate. The efficacy of the
12.5 mg dose has not been investigated in clinical trials.
Oral supplementation should be continued for 3 weeks after the first injection until the main release of risperidone from
the injection site has begun. In some patients, slower titration may be medically appropriate.
Patients with renal impairment may have less ability to eliminate risperidone than normal adults. Patients with impaired
hepatic function may have an increase in the free fraction of the risperidone, possibly resulting in an enhanced effect
(see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Elderly patients and patients with a predisposition to hypotensive reactions or for 2. Peel back the blister pouch and remove the SmartSite®
whom such reactions would pose a particular risk should be instructed in nonpharmacologic interventions that help to Needle-Free Vial Access Device by holding the white luer
reduce the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension (e.g., sitting on the edge of the bed for several minutes before cap. Do not touch the spike tip of the access device at any
attempting to stand in the morning and slowly rising from a seated position). These patients should avoid sodium time.
depletion or dehydration, and circumstances that accentuate hypotension (alcohol intake, high ambient temperature,
etc.). Monitoring of orthostatic vital signs should be considered (see PRECAUTIONS).
Maintenance Therapy
Although no controlled studies have been conducted to answer the question of how long patients should be treated with
RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, oral risperidone has been shown to be effective in delaying time to relapse in longer-term use.
It is recommended that responding patients be continued on treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA® at the lowest dose
needed. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.
Reinitiation of Treatment in Patients Previously Discontinued
There are no data to specifically address reinitiation of treatment. When restarting patients who have had an interval off
treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, supplementation with oral RISPERDAL® (or another antipsychotic medication)
should be administered.
Switching from Other Antipsychotics
There are no systematically collected data to specifically address switching schizophrenic patients from other
antipsychotics to RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, or concerning concomitant administration with other antipsychotics. Previous
antipsychotics should be continued for 3 weeks after the first injection of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® to ensure that
therapeutic concentrations are maintained until the main release phase of risperidone from the injection site has begun
(see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). For schizophrenic patients who have never taken oral RISPERDAL®, it is
recommended to establish tolerability with oral RISPERDAL® prior to initiating treatment with RISPERDAL® CONSTA®.
As recommended with other antipsychotic medications, the need for continuing existing EPS medication should be 3. Place vial on a hard surface. Press the spike tip of the
re-evaluated periodically. SmartSite® Access Device through the center of the
vial’s rubber stopper until the device securely snaps
Co-Administration of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® with Certain Other Medications into place.
Co-administration of carbamazepine and other CYP 3A4 enzyme inducers (e.g., phenytoin, rifampin, phenobarbital) with
risperidone would be expected to cause decreases in the plasma concentrations of active moiety (the sum of
risperidone and 9–hydroxyrisperidone), which could lead to decreased efficacy of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® treatment.
The dose of risperidone needs to be titrated accordingly for patients receiving these enzyme inducers, especially during
initiation or discontinuation of therapy with these inducers (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and PRECAUTIONS). At
the initiation of therapy with carbamazepine or other known CYP 3A4 hepatic enzyme inducers, patients should be
closely monitored during the first 4-8 weeks, since the dose of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® may need to be adjusted. A
dose increase, or additional oral RISPERDAL®, may need to be considered. On discontinuation of carbamazepine or
other CYP 3A4 hepatic enzyme inducers, the dosage of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® should be re-evaluated and, if
necessary, decreased. Patients may be placed on a lower dose of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® between 2 to 4 weeks
before the planned discontinuation of carbamazepine or other CYP 3A4 enzyme inducers to adjust for the expected
increase in plasma concentrations of risperidone plus 9–hydroxyrisperidone. For patients treated with the recommended
dose of 25 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA® and discontinuing from carbamazepine or other CYP 3A4 enzyme inducers, it is
recommended to continue treatment with the 25-mg dose unless clinical judgment necessitates lowering the 4. Swab the syringe connection point (blue circle) of the
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® dose to 12.5 mg or necessitates interruption of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® treatment. The efficacy SmartSite® Access Device with preferred antiseptic
of the 12.5 mg dose has not been investigated in clinical trials. prior to attaching the syringe to the SmartSite® Access
Fluoxetine and paroxetine, CYP 2D6 inhibitors, have been shown to increase the plasma concentration of risperidone Device.
2.5-2.8 fold and 3-9 fold respectively. Fluoxetine did not affect the plasma concentration of 9–hydroxyrisperidone.
Paroxetine lowered the concentration of 9- hydroxyrisperidone by about 10%. The dose of risperidone needs to be
titrated accordingly when fluoxetine or paroxetine is co-administered. When either concomitant fluoxetine or paroxetine is
initiated or discontinued, the physician should re-evaluate the dose of RISPERDAL® CONSTA®. When initiation of
fluoxetine or paroxetine is considered, patients may be placed on a lower dose of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® between 2 to
4 weeks before the planned start of fluoxetine or paroxetine therapy to adjust for the expected increase in plasma
concentrations of risperidone. When fluoxetine or paroxetine is initiated in patients receiving the recommended dose of
25 mg RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, it is recommended to continue treatment with the 25 mg dose unless clinical judgment
necessitates lowering the RISPERDAL® CONSTA® dose to 12.5 mg or necessitates interruption of RISPERDAL®
CONSTA® treatment. When RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is initiated in patients already receiving fluoxetine or paroxetine, a
starting dose of 12.5 mg can be considered. The efficacy of the 12.5 mg dose has not been investigated in clinical trials.
The effects of discontinuation of concomitant fluoxetine or paroxetine therapy on the pharmacokinetics of risperidone
and 9–hydroxyrisperidone have not been studied.
5.Twist off the white cap from the pre-filled syringe and
remove together with the rubber tip cap inside.
5
13. Attach the luer connection of the Needle-Pro® device to the syringe with an easy clockwise twisting motion. Seat the
needle firmly on the Needle-Pro® device with a push and clockwise twist.
14. If 2 minutes pass before injection, re-suspend by shaking vigorously.
6. Press the syringe tip into the blue circle of the
SmartSite® Access Device and Twist in a clockwise
motion to ensure that the syringe is securely attached to
the white luer cap of the access device. Keep the
syringe and SmartSite® Access Device aligned, and hold
the skirt of the access device during attachment to
prevent spinning. 15. Pull sheath away from the needle. Do not twist sheath,
as needle may be loosened from Needle-Pro® device.
Tap the syringe gently to make any air bubbles rise to
the top. De-aerate syringe by moving plunger rod
carefully forward, with needle in an upward position.
Inject entire contents intramuscularly (IM) into the
upper-outer quadrant of the gluteal area within 2
minutes to avoid settling. DO NOT ADMINISTER
INTRAVENOUSLY.
WARNING: To avoid a needle stick injury with a contaminated needle, do not:
7. Inject the entire contents of the syringe containing the
diluent into the vial. • intentionally disengage the Needle-Pro® device
• attempt to straighten the needle or engage Needle-Pro® device if the needle is bent or damaged
• mishandle the needle protection device that could lead to protrusion of the needle from it
16. After injection is complete, use only one hand and
tabletop or other hard surface to snap needle into the
orange needle protector device before discarding.
Discard needle appropriately.
8. Shake the vial vigorously while holding the plunger rod
down with the thumb for a minimum of 10 seconds to
ensure a homogeneous suspension. When properly
mixed, the suspension appears uniform, thick, and milky
in color. The particles will be visible in liquid, but no dry
particles remain.
Upon suspension in the diluent, it is recommended to use RISPERDAL® CONSTA® immediately. RISPERDAL®
CONSTA® must be used within 6 hours of suspension. Resuspension of RISPERDAL® CONSTA® will be necessary prior
to administration, as settling will occur over time once the product is in suspension. Keeping the vial upright, shake
vigorously back and forth for as long as it takes to resuspend the microspheres. Once in suspension, the product should
not be exposed to temperatures above 77°F (25°C).
9. Do not store the vial after reconstitution or the suspension may settle. If 2 minutes pass before injection, re-suspend
by shaking vigorously. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration,
whenever solution and container permit.
HOW SUPPLIED
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone) is available in dosage strengths of 12.5, 25, 37.5, or 50 mg risperidone. It is
provided as a dose pack, consisting of a vial containing the risperidone microspheres, a pre-filled syringe containing 2 mL
of diluent for RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, a SmartSite® Needle-Free Vial Access Device, and one Needle-Pro® safety needle
for intramuscular injection (20 G TW needle with needle protection device).
12.5-mg vial/kit (NDC 50458-309-11): 12.5 mg of a white to off-white powder provided in a vial with a violet flip-off cap
(NDC 50458-309-01).
10. Invert the vial completely and slowly withdraw the 25-mg vial/kit (NDC 50458-306-11): 25 mg of a white to off-white powder provided in a vial with a pink flip-off cap
suspension from the vial. Tear section of the vial label (NDC 50458-306-01).
at the perforation and apply detached label to syringe 37.5-mg vial/kit (NDC 50458-307-11): 37.5 mg of a white to off-white powder provided in a vial with a green flip-off cap
for identification purposes. (NDC 50458-307-01).
50-mg vial/kit (NDC 50458-308-11): 50 mg of a white to off-white powder provided in a vial with a blue flip-off cap
(NDC 50458-308-01).
Storage and Handling
The entire dose pack should be stored in the refrigerator (36°- 46°F; 2°- 8°C) and protected from light.
If refrigeration is unavailable, RISPERDAL® CONSTA® can be stored at temperatures not exceeding 77°F (25°C) for no
more than 7 days prior to administration. Do not expose unrefrigerated product to temperatures above 77°F (25°C).
Keep out of reach of children.
7519510
Revised September 2007
©Janssen 2003
Risperidone is manufactured by: Diluent is manufactured by:
11. Unscrew the syringe from the SmartSite® access Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Vetter Pharma Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG
device and discard both the vial and access device Wallingstown, Little Island, County Cork, Ireland Ravensburg or Langenargen, Germany or
appropriately. Cilag, AG
Microspheres are manufactured by: Schaffhausen, Switzerland or
Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics II Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.
Wilmington, Ohio Raritan, New Jersey
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® is distributed by:
Janssen, L.P.
Titusville, NJ 08560
12. Peel the blister pouch of the Needle-Pro® device open
halfway. Grasp sheath using the plastic peel pouch.
6
