Zyprexa

Olanzapine Disintegrating tablet

What is it used for?

OLANZAPINE is used for the treatment of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following 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 diseases
• 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 is this medicine should be taken?

Take this medicine orally. 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 put the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve rapidly and can be swallowed in your saliva. While you may take these tablets with food or water, it is not necessary to do so. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. It should never be taken more often than prescribed. You should never stop taking this medicine prematurely unless your doctor specifically advised you to do so.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

This medicine should never be taken with any of the following drugs:

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

It may also trigger possible interactions with the following:

• 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 is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. It might take several weeks before you can feel the full effect of this medicine. Notify your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms get worse, if you have a 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 shouldn’t stop taking this medicine abruptly. You may need to gradually reduce the dose in order to prevent the possible side effects. Consult with your physician for more information on the issue.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells.

Refrain from using alcohol at all costs. 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 used in those medications can increase possible side effects for this drug.

Your might experience dry mouth symptom. If you do, chew sugarless gum or suck a sugar candy. Drinking plenty of water will also help to overcome it.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to the heat or cold. Try not to get overheated or dehydrated from the exercises. Avoid extreme temperatures, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Make sure you dress warmly in cold weather.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen.You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• difficulty breathing
• difficulty in speaking or swallowing
• excessive thirst and/or hunger
• fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• frequently needing to urinate
• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
• painful or prolonged erections
• restlessness or need to keep moving
• stiffness, spasms
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash
• swelling of face or legs
• tremors or trembling

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• changes in sexual desire
• constipation
• drowsiness
• lowered blood pressure
• weight gain

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

Store it at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). You should do your best to protect it from the light and moisture. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.