What Is Uzedy? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Uzedy is a long-acting injectable form of risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is designed to treat serious mental health conditions in adults while eliminating the need to take daily oral pills. Here is everything you need to know about Uzedy in 2026 — what it is, what it treats, how it's given, and what to expect.

What Is Uzedy?

Uzedy is the brand name for risperidone extended-release injectable suspension for subcutaneous use. It is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals in partnership with MedinCell, using MedinCell's proprietary SteadyTeq™ polymer technology that slowly releases risperidone into the body over weeks to months.

Unlike daily oral risperidone tablets, Uzedy is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in the abdomen or upper arm by a healthcare professional — either once a month or once every two months, depending on the dose and your condition. Because it releases medication steadily over this period, you get continuous therapeutic levels of risperidone without needing to remember a daily pill.

What Is Uzedy Used For?

Uzedy is FDA-approved for two conditions in adults:

Schizophrenia: Approved April 28, 2023. Used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, given once monthly or once every two months. Clinical trials showed Uzedy reduced the risk of schizophrenia relapse by up to 80% compared to placebo.

Bipolar I Disorder (maintenance): Approved October 10, 2025. Used for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults, given once monthly, either as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy alongside lithium or valproate.

Uzedy is NOT approved for dementia-related psychosis. Uzedy is also not used to treat the acute manic phase of bipolar disorder — it is a maintenance medication for long-term stability.

How Is Uzedy Given?

Uzedy is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the abdomen or upper arm. It must be administered by a healthcare professional — you cannot self-inject Uzedy at home. Most patients receive it at their psychiatrist's office, community mental health center, or specialty pharmacy clinic.

One of Uzedy's key advantages over other long-acting risperidone formulations is that it does not require a loading dose or oral overlap. You can start Uzedy the day after your last oral risperidone dose. Therapeutic blood levels are reached within 6 to 24 hours of the first injection, thanks to SteadyTeq™ polymer technology.

Uzedy Dosage Options

Uzedy comes in prefilled syringes in the following strengths:

For schizophrenia (once monthly): 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg

For schizophrenia (once every 2 months): 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg

For bipolar I disorder (once monthly only): 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg

Your prescriber will determine the right starting dose based on your history with oral risperidone. Doses can be adjusted based on tolerability and treatment response. Patients can also switch between once-monthly and every-2-month schedules as clinically appropriate.

Who Should NOT Use Uzedy?

Uzedy is contraindicated (not safe) for:

People who are allergic to risperidone, paliperidone, or any ingredients in Uzedy

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (black box warning: higher risk of death)

Uzedy should be used with caution in people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, a history of seizures, or Parkinson's disease. Tell your prescriber about all medical conditions and medications you take.

Is Uzedy a Controlled Substance?

No. Uzedy (risperidone) is not a controlled substance and is not DEA-scheduled. It does not have abuse potential and can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber without special DEA registration.

How to Access Uzedy

Uzedy is a specialty medication dispensed through specialty pharmacies and administered in clinical settings. If you or your prescriber are having trouble locating Uzedy at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help — we call pharmacies in your area to find which ones can fill your prescription, then text you the results.

For a deeper look at how Uzedy works in the body, read: How Does Uzedy Work? Mechanism of Action Explained in Plain English.