Olanzapine (Systemic)

Brand name(s): Zyprexa

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For olanzapine, the following should be considered:

Allergies-Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to olanzapine. Tell your doctor if you are phenylketonuric and can not take phenylalanine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy-Olanzapine has not been studied in pregnant women. A few women have become pregnant during treatment with this medicine; some pregnancies were normal and some resulted in miscarriages. Olanzapine crosses the placenta in animals and has been shown to cause a decrease in the number of successful births. You should tell your doctor if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with olanzapine.

Breast-feeding-It is not known whether olanzapine passes into human breast milk. However, it does pass into the milk of animals. In general, breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with olanzapine.

Children-Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of olanzapine in children up to 18 years of age with use in other age groups.

Older adults-This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. However, it is removed from the body more slowly in older people and they may need a lower dose of this medicine. This medicine should not be used for behavioral problems in older adults with dementia.

Other medicines-Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Many different medicines can increase the chance that you will develop unwanted effects while taking olanzapine. These effects include liver problems, heat stroke, drowsiness, constipation, and dizziness or fainting when getting up from a lying or sitting position. When you are taking olanzapine, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems-The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of olanzapine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Alzheimer's disease-Risk of aspiration pneumonia and convulsions (seizures) may be increased

• Aspiration pneumonia, risk or history of-may increase risk of adverse events

• Breast cancer (or history of)-Certain types of breast cancer may be worsened

• Convulsions (seizures) (existing or history of)-Olanzapine has been reported to cause seizures rarely

• Dehydration or
• Exposure to extreme heat or
• Strenuous exercise-Increased risk of heat stroke because olanzapine affects the body's ability to cool itself

• Diabetes or family history of diabetes-May make condition worse and cause serious side effects

• Enlarged prostate or
• Glaucoma, narrow-angle or
• Paralytic ileus (severe intestinal problem) (history of)-May be worsened

• Heart or blood vessel disease, including previous heart attack or
• Poor circulation to the brain-Low blood pressure may be worsened or may make these conditions worse

• Liver disease-Olanzapine can cause liver problems

Last Revised: 04/18/2005