Risperdal Consta® is a long-acting injectable formulation of risperidone, a second-generation (“atypical”) antipsychotic. Here is basic information about this medication.

FDA-Approved Indications

1. Schizophrenia
2. Monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder
3. Adjunctive therapy to lithium or valproate for the maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder.

Disadvantages

1. Requires refrigeration
2. Administered every 2 weeks rather than every month

Dose

The recommended dose for the treatment of schizophrenia is 25 mg IM every 2 weeks.

The maximum dose is 50 mg IM every 2 weeks.

Dosage forms available (USA)

Vial kits: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, and 50 mg

The kit includes:

1. A vial containing the risperidone microspheres
2. A pre-filled syringe containing 2 mL of diluent
3. A SmartSite® Needle-Free Vial Access Device
4. Two Needle-Pro® safety needles for intramuscular injection (a 21 G UTW 1-inch needle with needle protection device for deltoid administration and a 20 G TW 2-inch needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration).