Olanzapine tablets

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.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow it with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each new prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• breathing problems

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever or chills, sore throat

• inability to keep still

• males: prolonged or painful erection

• missed menstrual periods

• problems with balance, talking, walking

• rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome like confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; high fever; increased sweating; stiff muscles

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

• trouble swallowing

• uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• constipation

• drowsiness

• weight gain

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

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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 of breast cancer

• cigarette smoker

• 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

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care provider 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 provider 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.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Ask your doctor or health care provider 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 provider 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. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

If you smoke, tell your doctor if you notice this medicine is not working well for you. Talk to your doctor if you are a smoker or if you decide to stop smoking.