[Posted 06/13/2011]ISSUE:FDA notified healthcare professionals
and the public of medication error reports in which patients
were given risperidone (Risperdal) instead of ropinirole
(Requip) and vice versa. In some cases, patients who took the
wrong medication needed to be hospitalized. The FDA determined
that the factors contributing to the confusion between the two
products include: BACKGROUND:Risperidone (Risperdal) is an
antipsychotic medication used to treat mental illnesses
including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability
associated with autistic disorder. Ropinirole (Requip) is a
dopamine agonist used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
and Restless Legs Syndrome. RECOMMENDATION:Healthcare
Professionals are reminded to clearly print or spell out the
medication name on prescriptions and make certain their patients
know the name of their prescribed medication and their reason
for taking it. For more information visit the FDA website at:
Web Siteand Web Site. Studies have shown that older ad