Risperidone Injection

What is this medicine?

RISPERIDONE (ris PER i done) is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• abnormal production of milk

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• breathing problems

• changes in emotions or moods

• difficulty moving, slow movements, tremor

• fever or chills, sore throat

• males: prolonged, painful erection

• missed or irregular menstrual periods

• muscle pain, spasms

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

• problems with balance, talking, walking

• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome such as confusion; fast or irregular heart beat; high fever; increased sweating; stiff muscles

• signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia such as uncontrollable head, neck, arm, or leg movements

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

• tremor

• trouble swallowing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• dry mouth

• drowsiness

• tiredness

• trouble sleeping

• upset stomach

• weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

• dextromethorphan; quinidine

• dronedarone

• metoclopramide

• pimozide

• quinidine

• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for blood pressure

• certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole. and voriconazole

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin

• fluoxetine

• levodopa

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• paroxetine

• rifampin

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration

• dementia

• diabetes

• difficulty swallowing

• heart disease

• history of breast cancer

• history of stroke

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• low blood pressure

• Parkinson's disease

• seizures

• an unusual or allergic reaction to risperidone, paliperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.