Is There a Generic for RISPERDAL CONSTA?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

In recent years, following the expiration of key patents, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several generic versions of the long-acting injectable antipsychotic, RISPERDAL CONSTA. This has provided a lower-cost alternative to the brand-name medication for patients managing conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

Quick Summary

Generic versions of risperidone extended-release injectable suspension are now available for Risperdal Consta, offering a more affordable option. While other branded risperidone injectables exist, only the direct generics are therapeutically identical. Patients should consult their doctor before switching.

Key Points

Generic Available: Multiple FDA-approved generic versions of risperidone extended-release injectable suspension exist, serving as a therapeutically equivalent, lower-cost option to RISPERDAL CONSTA.
Cost Savings: Generic injectable risperidone is significantly cheaper than the brand-name product, potentially offering substantial cost savings for patients and healthcare systems.
Identical Administration: The direct generic version of RISPERDAL CONSTA is administered via intramuscular injection every two weeks, just like the brand-name drug.
Alternative Formulations Exist: Other branded risperidone injectables, such as Perseris, Rykindo, and Uzedy, are available but are not direct generics and differ in administration route, dosing interval, and approved indications.
Consult a Doctor Before Switching: Any change in medication, including a switch to a generic, should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider to ensure continuity of care and address individual patient needs.
Insurance Coverage Varies: While many insurance plans cover generic options, coverage and out-of-pocket costs can differ. Patients should contact their provider and check for available savings programs.

Yes, a Generic for RISPERDAL CONSTA is Now Available

For many years, Janssen's RISPERDAL CONSTA® was the sole long-acting injectable (LAI) version of the atypical antipsychotic risperidone on the market. With the expiration of its patents, companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals, Lupin, and Amneal have received FDA approvals for their own generic versions of risperidone extended-release injectable suspension. These generics are designed to be therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name drug, offering a more affordable option.

Understanding the Different Risperidone Injectable Options

It is important to differentiate the direct generics of RISPERDAL CONSTA from other long-acting risperidone injectable products. While these alternatives contain the same active ingredient, they differ in formulation, administration, dosing frequency, and approved uses.

Direct Generics vs. Brand-Name

Direct generics are therapeutically equivalent to RISPERDAL CONSTA. They share key characteristics:

Formulation: Both use microsphere technology for a two-week slow release.
Administration: Intramuscular injection every two weeks.
Initial Overlap: Oral risperidone is needed for the first three weeks of starting treatment.
Cost: Generics are significantly more affordable.

Alternatives to RISPERDAL CONSTA

Other branded risperidone long-acting injectables offer different features. They are not direct generics and require a separate prescription:

Perseris®: Subcutaneous injection once per month, indicated only for schizophrenia.
Uzedy®: Subcutaneous injection with monthly or every two months dosing, approved for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.
Rykindo®: Intramuscular injection every two weeks, with a potentially shorter oral overlap period, approved for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

Comparing Risperidone Long-Acting Injectables

The table below highlights the differences between the available long-acting risperidone formulations. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine the best option.


Feature	RISPERDAL CONSTA® (Brand)	Direct Generic (e.g., Teva, Amneal)	Perseris® (Alternative Brand)	Rykindo® (Alternative Brand)	Uzedy® (Alternative Brand)
Active Ingredient	risperidone	risperidone	risperidone	risperidone	risperidone
Route of Injection	Intramuscular (IM)	Intramuscular (IM)	Subcutaneous (SQ)	Intramuscular (IM)	Subcutaneous (SQ)
Dosing Frequency	Every 2 weeks	Every 2 weeks	Once a month	Every 2 weeks	Once monthly or once every 2 months
Initial Oral Overlap	3 weeks	3 weeks	Not required	Shorter than 3 weeks	Not required
Indications	Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder	Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder	Schizophrenia	Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder	Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder
Approximate Cost	Higher retail price	Significant savings over brand	Varies by dose and coverage	Varies by dose and coverage	Varies by dose and coverage

Potential for Cost Savings and Insurance Coverage

Generic drugs offer significant cost savings. Manufacturers often provide savings cards or copay assistance. Generic risperidone injectable is typically covered by insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, coverage can vary, and prior authorization may be required. Always check with your insurance provider.

The Importance of Physician Consultation

Switching to a generic or an alternative risperidone injectable should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. They can assess if a switch is appropriate based on your condition and dosage needs.

Conclusion

Yes, a generic for RISPERDAL CONSTA is available as risperidone extended-release injectable suspension, offering a therapeutically equivalent and lower-cost option. However, alternative branded injectables like Perseris, Rykindo, and Uzedy are also available with different features. Always consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for your individual needs. You can find more information on these options from resources like Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a generic version is considered therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name product. This means it contains the same active ingredient, has the same strength, is administered in the same way (intramuscularly), and has the same clinical effect and safety profile as RISPERDAL CONSTA.

Several companies have received FDA approval for a generic version of risperidone extended-release injectable suspension. Notable manufacturers include Teva Pharmaceuticals and Amneal Pharmaceuticals, both of which received approval in late 2023 and 2025, respectively.

The retail price of generic risperidone extended-release injectable suspension is significantly lower than the brand-name RISPERDAL CONSTA, potentially offering substantial savings. The exact cost will depend on your insurance coverage and pharmacy.

Perseris is a different branded long-acting injectable formulation of risperidone that is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once a month, and is only indicated for schizophrenia. In contrast, the generic for Risperdal Consta is an intramuscular injection given every two weeks and is approved for both schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

If a patient is switching from brand-name RISPERDAL CONSTA to its direct generic equivalent while continuing their regular injection schedule, no oral supplementation is typically required. However, switching to an alternative risperidone injectable (like Uzedy) or restarting after a period off treatment may require specific oral overlap protocols.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, are likely to cover the generic version of risperidone extended-release injectable suspension, as they are generally required to cover generic medications. Some plans may have different coverage for the brand versus generic, so it's best to verify with your insurance provider.

Yes, manufacturers of generic risperidone injectables, such as Teva Pharmaceuticals, often offer patient savings cards or assistance programs to help eligible commercially insured patients with their out-of-pocket costs. The brand-name manufacturer also offers similar programs.