RISPERDAL® CONSTA® (risperidone) is used for the treatment of schizophrenia.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR RISPERDAL CONSTA
Elderly Patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. RISPERDAL CONSTA (risperidone) is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
In a study of people taking RISPERDAL CONSTA, the most common side effects in the treatment of schizophrenia were sleepiness, restlessness, tremors and muscle stiffness, stomach upset, constipation, dry mouth, feeling tired, and weight increase.
High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with 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 with RISPERDAL CONSTA. 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.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious, sometimes permanent side effect reported with 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.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare and potentially fatal side effect reported with 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.
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 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.
Some people taking 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 can be reduced or it may go away over time.
Inform your healthcare professional if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy with RISPERDAL CONSTA. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you are planning to breast-feed.
RISPERDAL CONSTA may affect your alertness or driving ability; therefore, do not drive or operate machinery before talking to your healthcare professional.
Some medications interact with RISPERDAL CONSTA. Please inform your healthcare professional of any medications or supplements that you are taking. Avoid alcohol while on RISPERDAL CONSTA.
If you have any questions about RISPERDAL CONSTA or your therapy, talk with your doctor.
For more information, read the Important Product Information by clicking here.
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