Important Safety Information about ZYPREXA® (olanzapine)
What are the possible side effects of ZYPREXA?
Like all
medicines, ZYPREXA can cause side effects. Tell your doctor about any side
effect that concerns you.
Common side effects of ZYPREXA are:
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Increased appetite
- Upset stomach
- Weight gain
- Tremors (shakes)
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness
Serious side effects may include:
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- Strokes and "mini-strokes" called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).—These are more common in elderly people with dementia. Like other mental health medicines, ZYPREXA should be used cautiously in these people. ZYPREXA is not approved for people with dementia.
- High blood sugar.
- People taking ZYPREXA should be monitored regularly for signs of high blood sugar.
- People who are at risk for getting diabetes should have a fasting blood sugar test at the beginning of treatment with ZYPREXA and regularly during treatment. You may be at risk for diabetes if you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or get little exercise. A fasting blood sugar test is done after you have not had anything to eat or drink for 6 hours.
Everyone taking ZYPREXA should be aware of the signs of high blood sugar.
These signs include:
- Being very thirsty
- Needing to urinate more than you usually do
- Feeling very hungry
- Feeling weak or tired
People who develop signs of high blood sugar while taking ZYPREXA should have a fasting blood sugar test. In some cases, high blood sugar goes away when ZYPREXA is stopped. However, some people have to keep taking medicine for diabetes even after they stop taking ZYPREXA.
- High lipid levels (fats in the blood). People taking ZYPREXA should have lipid level tests, including triglyceride and cholesterol levels, at the beginning of treatment and have follow-up tests during treatment.
- Weight gain. People taking ZYPREXA may gain weight and should have their weight checked regularly while taking ZYPREXA.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This is a rare but very serious reaction to certain medicines for mental health problems, including ZYPREXA. The symptoms include high fever; sweating; rigid muscles; sleepiness; confusion; and changes in breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. Stop taking ZYPREXA and go to an emergency center immediately if you have these symptoms. NMS can cause death and must be treated in a hospital.
- Tardive dyskinesia. This is a condition seen with certain medicines for mental health problems, including ZYPREXA. It causes body movements that keep happening and that you cannot control. These movements usually affect the face and tongue. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even if you stop taking ZYPREXA. It may also start after you stop taking ZYPREXA. Tell your doctor if you get body movements that you cannot control.
Other potentially serious side effects include:
- Low blood pressure. ZYPREXA may cause blood pressure to drop, especially when you are getting up from a sitting or lying position. Low blood pressure is more likely to happen in people who:
- Have heart problems
- Have brain problems such as strokes
- Take certain medicines
- Drink alcohol
- Seizures. ZYPREXA should be used with caution by people who have had seizures in the past or who might be more likely to have them.
- Trouble with judgment, thinking, and reflexes. Do not drive or use dangerous machines until you know how ZYPREXA affects you.
- Trouble swallowing. If you have swallowing problems, tell your doctor. Also tell your doctor if you have had trouble swallowing in the past.
- Body temperature problems. ZYPREXA can cause problems with regulating body temperature (getting overheated or dehydrated). Be careful not to become overheated during hot weather or exercise, or when using a hot tub.
Signs of low blood pressure include dizziness, fast heartbeat, and fainting. To lessen the risk of fainting, stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you have questions or if you have any side effects that concern you, talk with your doctor and/or pharmacist.
Other important safety information
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant while taking ZYPREXA. Your doctor can help you decide whether the benefits of taking the medicine outweigh any possible risks to the pregnancy.
If you have been told that you have a disorder called phenylketonuria, you should be aware that ZYPREXA® Zydis® (olanzapine) orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine.
If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to ZYPREXA, you should not take it.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may include thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself or others. If you have these thoughts, tell your doctor or go to an emergency center immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you want to report any problems with the use of ZYPREXA, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. For more information, talk with your doctor or visit www.ZYPREXA.com or call 1-800-LillyRx.
ZYPREXA is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.
Zyrtec is a registered trademark of UCB, SA.
