Generic Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

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Olanzapine is used for:

Treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to affect certain substances in the brain.

Do NOT use Olanzapine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Olanzapine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Olanzapine:

Some medical conditions may interact with Olanzapine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if 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
• if 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
• if you have Alzheimer disease, dementia, or trouble swallowing
• if you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes
• if 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
• if you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or smoke, or you will be exposed to high temperatures

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Olanzapine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, 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

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Olanzapine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Olanzapine:

Use Olanzapine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Olanzapine by mouth with or without food.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Olanzapine is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Continue to take Olanzapine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Olanzapine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Olanzapine.

Important safety information:

• Olanzapine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or decreased vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Olanzapine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Olanzapine.
• Talk with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Olanzapine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Olanzapine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Olanzapine may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Olanzapine. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
• Some patients who take Olanzapine may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Olanzapine in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if 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 taking Olanzapine.
• Lab tests, including fasting blood sugar levels and liver function, may be performed while you use Olanzapine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Olanzapine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially uncontrolled muscle movements.
• Olanzapine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Olanzapine while you are pregnant. Olanzapine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Olanzapine.

Possible side effects of Olanzapine:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

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 medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

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 shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.