What is Risperdal Consta® and what does it treat?
Risperdal Consta® (Risperidone Long Acting Injection) is a new injection (“shot”) formulation of the atypical antipsychotic Risperdal®. Risperdal Consta® contains the same medication that is in the oral Risperdal® tablets and solution. The medication (risperidone) in Risperdal Consta® is enclosed in tiny beads called “microspheres”. After the microspheres are injected into the body, they slowly dissolve, releasing a constant amount of the risperidone medication. It is the only atypical antipsychotic available in a long acting or depot formulation as a shot. The FDA approved Risperdal Consta® in October of 2003 for the treatment of schizophrenia. Doctors may decide to use Risperdal Consta® for other conditions such as bipolar disorder. Just like the oral formulations, Risperdal Consta treats both the positive symptoms (hallucinations, abnormal thoughts) and negative symptoms (withdrawn, lack of motivation and emotions) of schizophrenia. The advantage of the injection over the oral table
