Sunday, November 8, 2009

HealthDay

Risperdal Consta Approved for Bipolar Disorder

Long-acting version of antipsychotic

Posted May 18, 2009

MONDAY, May 18 (HealthDay News) -- The Janssen Pharmaceuticals drug Risperdal Consta (risperidone) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for people with Bipolar 1 disorder, the drug maker said Monday.

Risperdal Consta is the long-acting version of Risperdal, which was first FDA-approved more than a decade ago and is now sanctioned for Bipolar 1, schizophrenia and autism.

Type 1 bipolar disorder involves at least one manic episode, with or without a major depressive episode.

Approval of Risperdal Consta for Bipolar 1 was granted as a single therapy, or in combination with lithium or valproate, Janssen said in a news release.

As with similar antipsychotic drugs, the packaging for Risperdal Consta includes a warning that the drug is not approved for elderly people with dementia-related psychosis, and could increase their risk of death.

More information

The FDA has more about this drug's approval history.

Add your thoughts

Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

advertisement

advertisement

Featured Video

What Is Breast Cancer?

Watch how cancer forms inside the breast, and learn the possible signs and symptoms.

Learning About Depression

Depression is more than just a "down mood."

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages.

Flu Symptoms & Prevention

Learn about the virus, and how to prevent and treat it.

Common Sleeping Problems

Learn what sleep is, why we need it, and what happens inside our bodies when we get some shut-eye.

Arthritis: Pain in Your Joints

What you can do right now to ease the pain of arthritis.

advertisement

Put U.S. News on Your Site

Keep up with the latest headlines by adding our news widget to your website.
Get this widget ยป

advertisement

What's the Link, If Any, Between Dietary Fat and Breast Cancer?

Read Dr. Walter C. Willett's reply.

To talk to other people who share your health issues, check out our health community.

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
Make USNews.com your home page.