The Generic and Brand Relationship
RISPERDAL CONSTA is the brand name for a specific formulation of the drug risperidone. Like many medications, it has a single generic name but can be marketed under multiple brand names by different manufacturers. In the case of RISPERDAL CONSTA, the generic name is simply risperidone. This long-acting injectable (LAI) format provides a controlled, sustained release of the medication over a two-week period following an intramuscular injection.
Formulations of Risperidone
Risperidone is not limited to the long-acting injectable form. It is also available in several other formats, both oral and injectable, each with its own brand names. This can sometimes cause confusion for patients and caregivers.
Oral vs. Injectable Risperidone
- Oral Risperidone: Marketed under the brand name RISPERDAL, this version is available as oral tablets, liquid solutions, and orally disintegrating tablets. It is taken daily, or twice daily, depending on the dosage, to maintain therapeutic levels of the drug in the body.
- Injectable Risperidone: This includes RISPERDAL CONSTA, administered via deep intramuscular injection every two weeks. The injectable form is often preferred for patients who may struggle with daily medication adherence, a common issue in conditions like schizophrenia. When initiating treatment with RISPERDAL CONSTA, a patient must take an oral form of risperidone for the first three weeks until the extended-release injection reaches therapeutic plasma concentrations.
Other Risperidone Brand Names
In addition to RISPERDAL CONSTA, other branded versions of long-acting injectable risperidone are available. These products differ in their formulation, method of delivery (intramuscular vs. subcutaneous), and frequency of administration.
- Perseris: This is a once-monthly subcutaneous injection of risperidone, administered in the abdomen or upper arm.
- Uzedy: A once-monthly or once-every-two-months subcutaneous injectable suspension of risperidone.
- Rykindo: Another long-acting intramuscular injectable risperidone, given every two weeks.
- Risvan: A once-monthly intramuscular injectable risperidone.
Comparison of Injectable Risperidone Formulations
| Feature | RISPERDAL CONSTA (Brand) | Generic Risperidone (LAI) | Other Branded Injectables (e.g., Perseris, Uzedy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Risperidone | Risperidone | Risperidone |
| Manufacturer | Janssen Pharmaceuticals | Various (e.g., Amneal, Teva) | Various (e.g., Indivior for Perseris) |
| Administration Route | Intramuscular (IM) | Intramuscular (IM) | Subcutaneous (SC) for Perseris and Uzedy |
| Frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks | Monthly (Perseris), monthly or every 2 months (Uzedy) |
| Injection Site | Deltoid or gluteal muscle | Deltoid or gluteal muscle | Abdomen or upper arm for SC injectables |
| Generic Availability | Brand-name reference product | Available since 2023 | Depends on specific brand |
Medical Uses of Risperidone
Risperidone is a versatile medication with several approved uses. RISPERDAL CONSTA is specifically indicated for two main conditions:
- Schizophrenia: A chronic mental illness that affects thinking, emotion, and behavior.
- Bipolar I Disorder: It can be used as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment with lithium or valproate for the maintenance of Bipolar I Disorder.
Safety Information and Important Warnings
As an antipsychotic, risperidone and its various formulations come with important safety information, including a boxed warning from the FDA.
- Elderly Patients with Dementia: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis are at an increased risk of death when treated with antipsychotic drugs, including risperidone. RISPERDAL CONSTA is not approved for this use.
- Metabolic Changes: Atypical antipsychotics can lead to metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), dyslipidemia, and weight gain. Patients should be monitored for these changes.
- Tardive Dyskinesia: This is a potentially irreversible movement disorder that can develop in patients receiving antipsychotics. The risk is higher with longer treatment and higher cumulative doses.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: Patients may experience dizziness or fainting when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing, especially at the beginning of treatment.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): This is a rare but potentially fatal condition characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, and altered mental status. It requires immediate medical attention.
Conclusion: Navigating Risperidone Options
For those wondering what is another name for RISPERDAL CONSTA, the answer is risperidone, its generic name. It is important to remember that this specific name refers to a long-acting, every-two-weeks intramuscular injection, not to be confused with the daily oral RISPERDAL tablets or other branded injectable formats like Perseris or Uzedy. Several generic versions of the LAI are also now available, providing additional options for patients. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to understand the differences between these formulations and determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on a patient's specific needs and medical history. For more detailed information on injectable risperidone, see the long-acting injection review from the National Institutes of Health.
