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Overview: Uzedy is used to treat schizophrenia. It is a long-acting injection that is given under the skin. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and restlessness. Uzedy can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Try to avoid getting overheated, stay hydrated, and wear light and breathable clothing while you are using Uzedy.

Uses

What is Uzedy used for?

Uzedy (risperidone) is commonly used to treat schizophrenia.

Learn more about How Uzedy Works for Schizophrenia.

Uzedy may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

See also: Risperidone, Perseris, and Rykindo

How does Uzedy work (mechanism of action)?

Uzedy belongs to a group of medicines called second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. It is thought to work by balancing brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known to affect thoughts and mood.

How is Uzedy supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Uzedy

Dosage forms and strengths

Uzedy is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Uzedy?

Uzedy is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Uzedy?

The most common side effects of Uzedy are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Movement problems, including tremors
  • Restlessness
  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort, indigestion, or pain in the upper stomach
  • Excess saliva in your mouth or dry mouth
  • Infection or pain in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Rash

There may be other side effects of Uzedy that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Uzedy?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Uzedy are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Uzedy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Uzedy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like Uzedy, may cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop using Uzedy and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Confusion 
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating

Uncontrolled Movements. Uzedy can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of the face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Metabolism Problems. Uzedy can cause high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work and weight. Call your healthcare provider if you gain weight or develop the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Uzedy may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. High levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Irregular or no periods
  • Production of breastmilk when not pregnant or nursing
  • Inability to get or keep an erection
  • Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
  • Decreased muscle and body hair

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Uzedy may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position. This may increase your risk of falling. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Blood Disorders. Uzedy can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (leukopenia, neutropenia, or agranulocytosis). Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Stop using Uzedy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Uzedy can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Uzedy affects you.

Seizures. Some people who have used Uzedy have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using Uzedy and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Trouble Swallowing. Uzedy can cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), which can increase your risk of choking while eating or drinking. Eat small amounts of food, and chew your food well. Get emergency help if you are choking or have food stuck in your esophagus that is not passing.

Painful, Prolonged Erection (Priapism). Uzedy may cause an unwanted erection that is persistent, painful, and that may occur without sexual arousal. Permanent damage to the penis may occur if priapism is not treated quickly. Stop using Uzedy and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of priapism.

  • Erection lasting for more than 4 hours
  • Erection that is unrelated to sexual stimulation
  • Painful or tender penis

Body Temperature Regulation. Uzedy can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms.

  • Excessive or no sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling very hot
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Not able to pee

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Uzedy?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Uzedy.

  • Uzedy
  • Risperidone
  • Paliperidone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Uzedy.

What should I know about Uzedy before using it?

Uzedy is given to you by a healthcare provider every one or two months in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy. It is given as an injection under the skin in your upper arm or stomach area. You should have taken risperidone (the medicine in Uzedy) by mouth before starting Uzedy to make sure you tolerate the medicine.

Because Uzedy can make it hard for you to regulate your body temperature, try to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, do not overexercise, and wear light and breathable clothing.

It may be difficult for you to get pregnant while using Uzedy. These effects likely go away after you stop using Uzedy. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Uzedy. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Uzedy?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Uzedy is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Uzedy may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Uzedy, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death, stroke, or ministroke in older adults who use Uzedy or another antipsychotic and have memory loss or psychosis related to dementia. Uzedy is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Pregnancy. Uzedy used later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant while using Uzedy. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Uzedy while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Uzedy, you can register with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry. This registry collects safety information about the use of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Uzedy passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Uzedy while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Uzedy?

For more information about Uzedy, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.uzedy.com or call them at 800-887-8100.

Interactions

Does Uzedy interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Uzedy and foods or drinks.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while using Uzedy. The risk of dizziness and sleepiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Uzedy.

Does Uzedy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Uzedy.

  • Methylphenidate, which is a stimulant medicine commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital
  • Paroxetine or fluoxetine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A dopamine agonist, such as pramipexole (Mirapex ER), ropinirole, rotigotine (Neupro), or apomorphine (Apokyn), which is a medicine that may be used for Parkinson’s disease or restless legs syndrome (RLS)
  • Levodopa, which is a medicine commonly used for Parkinson’s disease
  •  A medicine for high blood pressure
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Uzedy. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Uzedy. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Uzedy?

If you or someone else has used too much Uzedy, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Uzedy?

If you miss an appointment to get your Uzedy dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. 

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