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Novo-Risperidone

(risperidone)

In this factsheet:
• How does Novo-Risperidone work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Novo-Risperidone?
• What form(s) does Novo-Risperidone come in?
• Who should NOT take Novo-Risperidone?
• What side effects are possible with Novo-Risperidone?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Novo-Risperidone?
• What other drugs could interact with Novo-Risperidone?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Novo-Risperidone work? What will it do for me?

Risperidone belongs to the group of medications known as antipsychotic agents. These medications are used to treat mental and emotional problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia can cause symptoms such as hallucinations (e.g., hearing, seeing, or sensing things that are not there), delusions, unusual suspiciousness, and emotional withdrawal. People with this condition may also feel depressed, anxious, or tense. Bipolar disorder was previously referred to as manic depressive illness and causes alternating episodes of mania and depression.

Risperidone is also used for the short-term treatment of behavioural problems (such as verbal or physical aggression, suspiciousness, and agitation) in people with severe dementia. Medications like risperidone are thought to work by correcting the function of nerve pathways in certain areas of the brain.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if theortheir doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Novo-Risperidone?

For adults with schizophrenia, the dose is usually started at 1 mg to 2 mg per day (given either once or twice per day) and increased slowly over several days to 4 mg to 6 mg per day. Lower doses are often used for people with low blood pressure, kidney problems, or liver disease.

For seniors with schizophrenia, the dose is usually 0.25 mg given twice daily to a maximum daily dose of 3 mg.

For behavioural problems in people with severe dementia, the usual starting dose is 0.5 mg per day (0.25 mg twice a day). This dose is slowly increased to a usual dose of 1 mg per day (0.5 mg twice a day). The safety of risperidone has not been established beyond a maximum dose of 16 mg per day (8 mg given twice daily).

Risperidone can be taken with or without meals. Risperdal M-Tabs should not be split into halves. The oral solution should not be taken with cola or tea.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. The dose of risperidone varies according to needs and the condition being treated.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store risperidone at room temperature in a dry place (not the bathroom), protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Novo-Risperidone come in?

0.25 mg
Each yellow, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved with "N" on one side and "0.25" on the other side, contains risperidone 0.25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

0.5 mg
Each brownish-red, scored, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved with 2 N's on the scored side and 0.5 on the other side, contains risperidone 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

1 mg
Each white, oblong, film-coated tablet, engraved with N on one side and 1 on the other side, contains risperidone 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

2 mg
Each orange, oblong, scored, film-coated tablet, engraved with 2 N's on the scored side and 2 on the other side, contains risperidone 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C yellow No. 6, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and triacetin.

3 mg
Each yellow, oblong, scored, film-coated tablet, engraved with 2 N's on the scored side and 3 on the other side, contains risperidone 3 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C yellow No. 10, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

4 mg
Each green, oblong, scored, film-coated tablet, engraved with 2 N's on the scored side and 4 on the other side, contains risperidone 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 2, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Novo-Risperidone?

Anyone allergic to this medication or the ingredients of the medication should not use it.

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