ZYPREXA

Zyprexa tablets 5mg Why do I need this medicine? Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia. It helps to relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.

It is also used to treat a dysfunctional mood condition called bipolar disorder.

How do I take this medicine? Take Olanzapine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Olanzapine is available as a coated tablet, an orodispersible (orally disintegrating) tablet or as wafers.

If you have been given the coated tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.

If you have been given the orodispersible tablet, remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Place it directly in your mouth. It will dissolve quickly. Swallow it once it has dissolved in your mouth. You can also dissolve it in a glass of water, juice (orange or apple), milk or coffee just before you want to take it. Drink it immediately once the tablet has dissolved completely. The orodispersible tablet is easily broken. Handle it gently. Do not touch the tablet with wet hands.

If you have been given the wafer, remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Place it directly on the tongue. Allow it to dissolve and swallow it with your saliva. The wafer is easily broken. Handle it gently. Do not touch the wafer with wet hands.

Olanzapine may be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time everyday.

You may need to take Olanzapine for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Do not be discouraged if you do not feel better soon after taking the medicine. Olanzapine must be taken regularly for it to work well.

Do not stop taking Olanzapine unless instructed by your doctor. You may feel unwell if Olanzapine is stopped suddenly. When your doctor decides that you do not need Olanzapine anymore, he will usually reduce your dose slowly. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Remember to take your medicine regularly. Olanzapine must be taken exactly as directed for it to be effective. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Can I take this with other medicines? Alert your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:

- sleeping pills or anxiety medication such as diazepam, alprazolam or similar
- medicines that can cause drowsiness such as opioid painkillers (e.g. morphine, codeine), hay fever medicines
- antidepressants or medicines for mood disorders such as fluvoxamine, lithium
- epilepsy (fits) medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, lamotrigine, valproate
- Parkinson's disease medicines such as levodopa
- medicines that lower blood pressure
- antibiotics such as moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin or rifampicin
- diuretics (water pills)

If you are taking activated carbon or activated charcoal pills, do not take them at the same time that you take Olanzapine. If you must take carbon or charcoal pills, take them at least 2 hours before or after Olanzapine.

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while being treated with Olanzapine. Use effective birth control methods while being treated with Olanzapine.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Olanzapine. Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Alert your doctor if you have an eye condition called glaucoma, which causes high pressure in the eyes.

Olanzapine is not suitable for elderly people with psychosis that is related to dementia.


What should I take note of while using this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

- an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating
- low white blood cell count
- epilepsy (fits) or a history of fits
- Parkinson's disease
- heart, liver or kidney disease
- bowel blockage or bowel paralysis (paralytic ileus) which causes severe constipation
- other bowel diseases
- myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness)
- breast cancer or tumours dependent on a hormone known as prolactin
- recent stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (also known as a TIA or a "mini-stroke")
- diabetes or have a history of diabetes
- low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
- high cholesterol
- suicidal thoughts or attempts


Olanzapine may affect the way your body adjusts to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments.

The orodispersible tablet contains phenylalanine and may not be suitable for you if you suffer from phenylketonuria. Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Olanzapine.

OLANZAPINE

What side effects could I experience? Olanzapine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert. Dizziness may be worse when you get up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Olanzapine for the first time or if your dose is still being adjusted. This is normal and should disappear gradually as you get used to the medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.

Some common side effects with Olanzapine include increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, stomach discomfort, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, weakness and water retention. Inform your doctor if these side effects become severe or refuse to go away.

Other side effects are less common but may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- any signs of an impending heart attack
- difficulty breathing or wheezing
- severe tiredness or weakness
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, or other signs of infection
- uncontrolled muscle movements of your body, face or tongue, such as lip smacking or worm-like movements of the tongue
- uncontrollable urge to move constantly or an inability to sit still
- muscle stiffness or spasm
- shaky, trembling hands or legs
- excessive sweating
- rapid rise in your body temperature or an inability to cool down on a hot day
- excessive or persistent drowsiness or dizziness
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- swelling, pain or redness in the lower leg
- thoughts or attempts to harm yourself or others