Olanzapine Solution for injection Health Article

Generic name(s):

Olanzapine Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis

What is this medicine?

OLANZAPINE (oh LAN za peen) is used to treat schizophrenia, psychotic disorders,and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast cancer or history or breast cancer
• dementia
• diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes
• difficulty swallowing
• glaucoma
• heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack
• history of brain tumor or head injury
• kidney or liver disease
• low blood pressure or dizziness when standing up
• Parkinson's disease
• prostate trouble
• seizures (convulsions)
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to olanzapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It will be given at regular intervals as needed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• certain antibiotics like grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin
• certain phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, and thioridazine
• cisapride
• clozapine
• droperidol
• halofantrine
• levomethadyl
• pimozide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• carbamazepine
• charcoal
• fluvoxamine
• levodopa and other medicines for Parkinson's disease
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, or sleeping problems
• omeprazole
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• tobacco from cigarettes

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Notify your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms get worse, if you have new symptoms, if you are having an unusual effect from this medicine, or if you feel out of control, very discouraged or think you might harm yourself or others.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness with olanzapine.

Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated or dehydrated from exercise. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.