What is Perseris?
Perseris is an injectable treatment prescribed for adults to manage schizophrenia. Another version, called Risperdal Consta, is used in adults either on its own or paired with medications like lithium or valproate to treat bipolar disorder. Perseris may also be employed for other conditions not detailed in this medication overview.
Perseris Side Effects
Seek urgent medical care if you notice signs of an allergic response, such as hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Extended use or high doses of risperidone, the key ingredient in Perseris, may trigger a significant movement disorder that could be permanent. The likelihood of this condition rises with prolonged use, particularly among women and older adults.
Perseris can lead to severe side effects:
- Involuntary facial muscle activity (e.g., chewing motions, lip puckering, frowning, tongue shifting, or rapid blinking);
- Breast enlargement or soreness, nipple leakage, reduced sexual interest, impotence, challenges with erections or orgasms, or irregular menstruation;
- Unusual temperature sensations (feeling overly warm or chilled);
- Low blood pressure, accelerated or irregular heart rhythms, or a fluttering sensation in your chest;
- Breathing problems or abrupt faintness (as though you might collapse);
- Convulsions;
- Difficulty with swallowing;
- Infection indicators, including fever, chills, throat soreness, body discomfort, extreme fatigue, reduced appetite, or unexplained bruising/bleeding;
- Intense nervous system responses, such as muscle stiffness, elevated fever, sweating, confusion, uneven pulse, shaking, or near-fainting sensations;
- Raised blood sugar levels, shown by excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, or a sweet-smelling breath;
- Decreased blood cell levels, causing fever, chills, exhaustion, sores in the mouth or on the skin, easy bruising, abnormal bleeding, pale complexion, cold limbs, or shortness of breath/lightheadedness;
- An erection that is painful or lasts too long.
More typical side effects of Perseris might include:
- Headaches;
- Vision blurriness or skin irritation;
- Lightheadedness, sleepiness, or a worn-out feeling;
- Shaking, muscle spasms, or loss of sensation;
- Low mood, irritability, nervousness, or restlessness;
- Aches in the back, joints, muscles, or extremities;
- Digestive issues, constipation, or a parched mouth;
- Pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or loose stools;
- Excess saliva production;
- Symptoms resembling a cold, like a blocked nose, sneezing, or throat irritation;
- Greater hunger or added weight;
- Discomfort at the injection site, such as itching, bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, or a firm bump.
This list does not cover all possible side effects; additional ones may arise. Report any issues to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Perseris Warnings
Perseris is not authorized for elderly individuals with psychosis tied to dementia.
Before Using This Medication
Avoid this drug if you have an allergy to Perseris or paliperidone. It may elevate mortality risk in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not recommended for that purpose.
Tell you doctor if you have or had:
- Heart issues or prior heart attack;
- Dizziness, quickened pulse, or fainting episodes;
- A stroke or brief “mini-stroke” (TIA);
- Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia;
- Swallowing challenges;
- Reduced white blood cell counts;
- A strong reaction to medications for anxiety, mood issues, or mental health conditions like schizophrenia;
- Diabetes (in yourself or family);
- Elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels;
- Uncontrolled facial muscle movements (e.g., chewing, lip movements, frowning, tongue shifts, or blinking);
- Seizure history;
- Reduced bone density;
- Breast cancer;
- Dehydration;
- Liver or kidney conditions.
Taking antipsychotics in the last three months of pregnancy could lead to serious newborn complications. Notify your doctor promptly if you conceive, and don’t stop the medication without guidance. If pregnant, you might be added to a registry tracking risperidone’s effects on your baby. Perseris could make conception more difficult. If breastfeeding, let your doctor know if your baby exhibits sleepiness, odd growth patterns, tremors, or unusual muscle activity.
How is Perseris Administered?
If you’re already on another antipsychotic, you may need to continue it briefly. Don’t adjust your dose or timing without your doctor’s input. You might start with oral Perseris (pills or liquid) before transitioning to injections. Follow your physician’s directions closely.
Perseris is delivered through an injection beneath the skin or into a muscle by a healthcare professional. Risperdal Consta is typically administered every two weeks, while Perseris is given monthly, and Uzedy is dosed either monthly or every two months. Frequent blood tests and regular health check-ins may be required to monitor your progress.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Contact your doctor for advice if you miss your Perseris injection appointment.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get emergency medical help or dial the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if an overdose occurs.
What Should I Avoid While Receiving Perseris?
Steer clear of alcohol, as it could cause harmful effects. Prevent overheating or dehydration during exercise, hot weather, or inadequate fluid intake. Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations about fluid types and amounts, since overhydration can be as risky as dehydration. Avoid driving or risky tasks until you know how Perseris impacts you. Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to prevent dizziness, which might lead to falls, mishaps, or serious injuries.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Perseris?
Taking Perseris alongside medications that cause drowsiness can amplify this effect. Check with your doctor before using opioids, sleep aids, muscle relaxants, or treatments for anxiety or seizures. Using some drugs together may be unsafe, and certain medications could alter levels of other drugs in your system, increasing side effects or reducing effectiveness. Drugs that may interact with Perseris include:
- Methylphenidate;
- Clozapine;
- Blood pressure treatments.
Popular Questions About Perseris
What is Perseris dosing?
Perseris is a long-acting injectable form of risperidone, administered once monthly via subcutaneous injection. The recommended doses are 90 mg or 120 mg, depending on the patient’s prior oral risperidone dose. For instance:
- 90 mg corresponds to 3 mg/day of oral risperidone.
- 120 mg corresponds to 4 mg/day of oral risperidone.
It is injected into the abdomen or the back of the upper arm by a healthcare provider. Patients must establish tolerability with oral risperidone before starting Perseris.
Perseris vs Uzedy: How do they compare?
Uzedy and Perseris are both long-acting injectable formulations of risperidone, but they differ in key aspects:
- Dosing flexibility: Uzedy offers monthly and bi-monthly dosing options, while Perseris is limited to monthly doses.
- Needle size: Uzedy uses a smaller gauge needle for administration.
- Pharmacokinetics: Uzedy achieves therapeutic concentrations faster (6–24 hours post-injection) and maintains steady plasma levels over time.
Additionally, Uzedy does not require loading doses or oral supplementation, unlike some other formulations.
What happens if Perseris is discontinued?
Perseris was announced for discontinuation in July 2024. Patients using Perseris may need to transition to alternative treatments like Uzedy. Clinical guidance suggests switching to Uzedy four weeks after the last Perseris dose, as it provides a comparable pharmacokinetic profile.
Is Perseris used for bipolar disorder?
Perseris is FDA-approved for treating schizophrenia in adults but not specifically for bipolar disorder. However, other risperidone formulations like Risperdal Consta® are approved as adjunctive therapy for bipolar I disorder when combined with lithium or valproate.
Can Perseris be given in the arm?
Yes, Perseris can be administered in the back of the upper arm or the abdomen. It should not be injected by any other route. Healthcare providers must rotate injection sites monthly to minimize irritation.
Does Perseris need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Perseris must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F). If necessary, it can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C/77°F) for up to 30 days before administration.
Sources we used to write this article:
- https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/medincells-partner-teva-provided-treatment-insights-into-switching-to-uzedy-from-perseris
- https://www.smchealth.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/uzedy_06_08_2023.pdf?1686867918
- https://www.perseris.com/Downloads/USPI.pdf
- https://www.perserishcp.com/storage-and-preparation
- https://www.superiorhealthplan.com/content/dam/centene/Superior/policies/pharmacy-policies/CP.PHAR.293-09012022.pdf
- https://www.perserishcp.com/depot-delivery-system-and-administration
- https://dhcfp.nv.gov/uploadedfiles/dhcfpnvgov/content/public/adminsupport/meetingarchive/sssb/2021/sssb_07-29-21_p_tejani_perseris.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2018/210655Orig1s000ChemR.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/210655s000lbl.pdf
- https://www.perserishcp.com/pdf/perseris-injection-resources.pdf
- https://www.cda-amc.ca/sites/default/files/DRR/2021/SR0671-Perseris-Combine.pdf
- https://ir.tevapharm.com/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/New-Data-Provide-Treatment-Insights-into-Options-for-Switching-Adult-Patients-Diagnosed-with-Schizophrenia-to-UZEDY-risperidone-Extended-Release-Injectable-Suspension-from-Perseris-RBP-7000/default.aspx
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6679950/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2671778/
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/210655s010lbl.pdf