A longer-acting formulation of risperidone has recently been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Risvan® is a modified-release injection that is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults for whom oral risperidone has been effective and well-tolerated.

Risvan® is intended for monthly administration. Risvan® should be initiated around 24 hours after the last oral risperidone dose or two weeks after the last fortnightly injection. Risvan® is available in two strengths: 75mg and 100mg. To maintain a similar steady-state exposure, patients previously receiving 3mg oral risperidone daily or the 37.5mg fortnightly injection can be initiated on Risvan® 75mg. The 100mg Risvan® injection is recommended for patients who have previously taken 4mg orally per day or the 50mg fortnightly injection. Supplemental oral risperidone doses are not recommended during therapy with Risvan®.

Risvan® is supplied as a pre-filled powder syringe that must be reconstituted immediately before use with the accompanying pre-filled diluent syringe. The product information should be referred to for detailed reconstitution instructions. Incorrect preparation can lead to a higher initial peak of risperidone (and potentially signs of overdose) followed by lower plasma levels (and poorer efficacy) over the rest of the dosing period.

A comparison of oral and injectable risperidone products can be seen in Table 1.

Table 1. Overview of risperidone preparations

  Oral Risperdal Consta® Risvan®
Type Immediate release

Modified release

Strengths 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, 4mg tabs

1mg/ml liquid

25mg

37.5mg

50mg

75mg

100mg

Administration Oral

Intramuscular

(gluteal or deltoid)

Usual dosing frequency Daily to twice daily Every two weeks Every 28 days
Approved indications Schizophrenia (+ related psychoses)

Behaviour disorders

Acute mania (bipolar 1)

Behavioural symptoms of dementia (≤ 12 weeks)

Schizophrenia (+ related psychoses)

Bipolar 1 disorder

Schizophrenia

References:

  1. Risperdal Consta® (Risperidone) Australian approved product information. Macquarie Park: Janssen-Cilag. Approved April 2023.
  2. Risperdal® (Risperidone) Australian approved product information. Macquarie Park: Janssen-Cilag. Approved August 2021.
  3. Risvan® (Risperidone) Australian approved product information. Burnley: Servier Laboratories. Approved July 2024.

Subscribe Knowledge Centre Updates

Enter your details to receive Knowledge Centre updates