DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Olanzapine

March 21, 2017

Olanzapine Oral disintegrating tablet

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

  • 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

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Leave the tablet in the foil package until you are ready to take it. Do not push the tablet through the blister pack. Peel open the package with dry hands and place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve rapidly and be swallowed in your saliva. While you may take these tablets with food or water, it is not necessary to do so. 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.

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?

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.

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. 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.

If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you have to urinate more frequently, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. You should monitor you blood sugar frequently 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.

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

  • breathing problems

  • difficulty in speaking or swallowing

  • excessive thirst and/or hunger

  • fast heartbeat (palpitations)

  • fever or chills, sore throat

  • fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face

  • frequently needing to urinate

  • inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

  • painful or prolonged erections

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

  • restlessness or need to keep moving

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • stiffness, spasms

  • tremors or trembling

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

  • changes in sexual desire

  • constipation

  • drowsiness

  • lowered blood pressure

  • weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Olanzapine Oral tablet

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 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

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.

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?

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.

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. 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.

If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you have to urinate more frequently, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. You should monitor you blood sugar frequently 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.

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

  • breathing problems

  • difficulty in speaking or swallowing

  • excessive thirst and/or hunger

  • fast heartbeat (palpitations)

  • fever or chills, sore throat

  • fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face

  • frequently needing to urinate

  • inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

  • painful or prolonged erections

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

  • restlessness or need to keep moving

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • stiffness, spasms

  • tremors or trembling

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

  • changes in sexual desire

  • constipation

  • drowsiness

  • lowered blood pressure

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Olanzapine Solution for injection

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

  • 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

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?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving 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.

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. 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.

If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you have to urinate more frequently, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. You should monitor you blood sugar frequently 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.

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

  • breathing problems

  • difficulty in speaking or swallowing

  • excessive thirst and/or hunger

  • fast heartbeat (palpitations)

  • fever or chills, sore throat

  • fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face

  • frequently needing to urinate

  • inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

  • painful or prolonged erections

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

  • restlessness or need to keep moving

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • stiffness, spasms

  • tremors or trembling

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

  • changes in sexual desire

  • constipation

  • drowsiness

  • lowered blood pressure

  • weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. You will not be given this medicine to store at home.

Olanzapine Suspension for injection

What is this medicine?

OLANZAPINE (oh LAN za peen) is used to treat schizophrenia.

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

  • 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

  • high cholesterol

  • 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)

  • stroke

  • 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. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Before treatment, you must register in the Zyprexa Relprevv Patient Care Program. Read the Medication Guide that comes with your injection before you start taking it and each time before you receive an injection. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

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

Overdosage: If you think you've 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?

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if you miss an appointment for your injection.

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?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving 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.

After your injection, you will need to stay at the clinic where you receive the injection for at least 3 hours so the doctor can make sure you do not have symptoms of Post-injection Delirium Sedation Syndrome (PDSS). PDSS is a serious problem that can happen if the medicine gets into your blood too fast. Some symptoms of PDSS include drowsiness, dizziness, feeling confused, having trouble talking or walking, seizures, having stiff or shaking muscles, feeling weak, being anxious or angry, passing out or fainting, and having blood pressure changes. When you leave the clinic, someone must be with you. If you have symptoms of PDSS after you leave the clinic or hospital, get medical help right away.

Do not drive or use heavy machinery for the rest of the day after receiving your injection. You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

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

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.

If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you have to urinate more frequently, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. You should monitor you blood sugar frequently if you have diabetes.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

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.

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.

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

  • anxious

  • breathing problems

  • confusion

  • difficulty in speaking or swallowing

  • dizziness

  • excessive drowsiness

  • excessive thirst and/or hunger

  • fainting

  • fast heartbeat (palpitations)

  • fever or chills, sore throat

  • fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face

  • frequently needing to urinate

  • inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

  • increase in blood pressure

  • irritable or angry

  • irritation at site where injected

  • pain at site where injected

  • painful or prolonged erections

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

  • restlessness or need to keep moving

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • stiffness, spasms

  • tremors or trembling

  • trouble walking

  • weakness

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

  • changes in sexual desire

  • constipation

  • lowered blood pressure

  • weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert