Information about Olanzapine (Generic Zyprexa) :


Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The exact mechanism of its action is unknown. Probably, it affects certain substances in the brain.

It may also be administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Olanzapine in the following case you are allergic to any ingredient in it. In such case it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Olanzapine:
Before using Olanzapine you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), heart attack, stroke, blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, or high or low blood pressure; you have a history of liver problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, decreased muscle movement), enlarged prostate, narrow-angle glaucoma, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), aspiration pneumonia, or suicidal thoughts or attempts; you have Alzheimer disease, dementia, or trouble swallowing; you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes; you have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary), or if you are at risk for breast cancer; you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or smoke, or you will be exposed to high temperatures.

Be aware that Olanzapine may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: alpha blockers (eg, doxazosin), diazepam, or medicine for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased; anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine), fluvoxamine, or lorazepam because they may increase the risk of Olanzapine's side effects; carbamazepine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), omeprazole, or rifampin because they may decrease Olanzapine's effectiveness; dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by Olanzapine.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Olanzapine:
Use this medicine as recommended by your doctor. Olanzapine should be taken orally with or without food. It is recommended to drink extra fluids while you are taking Olanzapine.

Do not stop taking Olanzapine even if you feel well. Try not to miss any doses.

In case you miss a dose of Olanzapine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Olanzapine usage may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol and certain other medicines (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) may increase the risk of unfavorable reactions while taking Olanzapine. Dizziness may be increased by alcoholic beverages, hot weather, exercise, and fever. It is recommended to sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning to prevent dizziness or fainting. You should sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.

Try not to become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active, as heatstroke may take place.

You should know that your blood sugar may be raised by Olanzapine. It may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty, flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. In case you experience such symptoms, consult with your doctor immediately.

Olanzapine usage may lead to Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) - a possibly fatal syndrome. Symptoms of NMS are stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. In case you experience such symptoms, consult with your doctor immediately.

Some patients may develop muscle movements that they cannot control while taking Olanzapine, especially elderly patients, and women. The chance is greater in persons who take Olanzapine in higher doses or for a long time. Moreover, muscle problems may also take place after short-term treatment with low doses. Consult with your doctor right away in case you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while using Olanzapine.

Lab tests, including fasting blood sugar levels and liver function, may be performed while you are using Olanzapine. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

The ELDERLY may be more sensitive to the effects of Olanzapine, especially low blood sodium levels. Use Olanzapine with caution in this group.

Use Olanzapine with extreme caution in CHILDREN, as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Olanzapine during pregnancy. It is known that Olanzapine passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while taking Olanzapine.

Possible side effects of Olanzapine:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: back or joint pain; constipation; cough; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased appetite; indigestion; lightheadedness; numbness or tingling of the skin; restlessness; sore throat; weakness; weight gain.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; chest pain; confusion; decreased urination; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; increased saliva production or drooling; increased sweating; memory loss; menstrual changes; muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression, hallucinations); seizures; severe or prolonged dizziness or headache; shortness of breath; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.