Uzedy is a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation of risperidone. It is administered subcutaneously (rather than intramuscularly). Subcutaneous injections are given under the skin using shorter and smaller gauge needles. Intramuscular injections are given deeper into muscular tissue using longer and larger gauge needles. Uzedy is FDA-indicated to treat adults with schizophrenia. It can be given every 4 or 8 weeks.
Uzedy | |
Indication(s) | Schizophrenia |
Dosing available as prefilled syringes | 50 mg/0.14 mL |
Recommended starting and maintenance dose | To start: Switch from oral daily risperidone. Initiate as either once monthly injection or a once every 2 month injection, the day after the last dose of oral therapy. See table 1 in package insert to determine oral dose. |
Drug Metabolizing Enzyme | CYP2D6, CYP3A4 |
Dosing exclusions | In patients with renal or hepatic impairment, titrate with oral risperidone (up to at least 2 mg daily) before initiating Uzedy. |
Loading dose | No loading dose recommended |
Oral overlap | No oral supplementation recommended |
Establishing tolerability | Prior to initiating Uzedy, establish tolerability with oral risperidone in risperidone-naïve patients. |
Storage | Requires refrigeration. May store for up to 90 days in its unopened original packaging at room temperature. |
Reconstitution or mixing | Doesn't require reconstitution; but mixing in terms of shaking is required |
Injection site | Subcutaneously in the abdomen or back of the upper arm |
Injection interval | Every 4 or 8 weeks |
Preparation | Allow product to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Uzedy is a solid at refrigerated temperatures and must reach room temperature prior to administration. Flick syringe forcefully three times to move the bubble to the cap. Standing while you do this may help achieve required force. Holding the syringe up to a light or against a dark backdrop may improve visibility. If the bubble is not at the cap, repeat the flicking until it is. Bend and snap off the cap and attach the needle. Do not prime the syringe. Inject per the package insert instructions. |
Administration considerations | Select the injection site: subcutaneously in the abdomen or back of the upper arm. See package insert for full details. Pinch at least 1 inch of the selected area. Insert the needle into subcutaneous tissue. Release the pinched skin once the needle is in the subcutaneous tissue. Inject the medication- using a slow, firm, and steady push until the entire dose is delivered. Inject the entire dose at one time, without interruption. Resistance will be experienced during dose delivery. Do not use excessive force in an attempt to deliver Uzedy faster. Wait 2-3 seconds after the entire dose is delivered before removing the needle. Slowly pull the needle out from the injection site at the same angle as insertion. |
Timing variations | N/A |
When a dose is missed | When a dose of Uzedy is missed, administer the next Uzedy injection as soon as possible. See this tip for more information. |
REMS | No |
Additional information | Patients who are stable on oral risperidone doses lower than 2 mg/day or higher than 5 mg/day may not be candidates for Uzedy. |
Dose Conversion of Oral Risperidone to Uzedy™ | ||
Oral Dose | Uzedy Dosage Once Monthly | Uzedy Dosage Once Every 2 Months |
2 mg daily of risperidone | 50 mg | 100 mg |
3 mg daily of risperidone | 75 mg | 150 mg |
4 mg daily of risperidone | 100 mg | 200 mg |
5 mg daily of risperidone | 125 mg | 250 mg |
Reference: Teva Neuroscience, Inc. (2023). Uzedy prescribing information. | ||
FDA medication label
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