olanzapine IM

This medication is used to treat severe agitation associated with certain mental/mood conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar mania). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).
Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment (especially when used in teenagers). See also Precautions section.

How to use olanzapine IM
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using olanzapine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by a slow, intramuscular injection (IM) by a healthcare professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
This medication is intended for short-term control of acute agitation symptoms. If you require continuous treatment for your condition, your doctor may switch you to an oral medication.

Dry mouth, constipation, nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, weight gain, drowsiness, back pain, or redness/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This drug can make you dizzy or light-headed after rising from a seated or lying position. If you are dizzy or light-headed after using this drug, it is best to lie down until you no longer feel that way when trying to get up.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: ankle/leg swelling, agitation, confusion, fast or slow heartbeat, slowed breathing, restlessness, weakness, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling of hands or feet, trouble walking (abnormal gait), painful menstrual periods, pink urine, tremor, yellowing of the eyes or skin, painful urination, eye problems, difficulty swallowing, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat).
Get medical help right away if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, severe headache, seizures.
This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. High blood sugar can rarely cause serious conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as unusual increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugars regularly.
This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels, especially in teenagers. These effects, along with diabetes, may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. (See also Notes section.)
This medication may rarely cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you develop the following: fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat.
Olanzapine may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face or tongue).
In rare instances, this medication may increase your blood level of a certain hormone (prolactin). For females, this rare increase in prolactin levels may result in unwanted breast milk, the menstrual period stopping, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using olanzapine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have a history of the following: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (see also Side Effects section).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, low blood pressure, breast cancer, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer\'s disease, seizures, prostate problems, glaucoma (narrow angle type), intestinal disease, difficulty swallowing, tardive dyskinesia (see also Side Effects section), smoking, low white blood cell count.
Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if either you or a family member has a history of the following: diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, obesity.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
This medication can make you prone to heat stroke. Avoid activities that might cause you to overheat (e.g., doing strenuous work, exercising in hot weather, or using hot tubs).
Teenagers may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially weight gain, and also increased amounts of cholesterol, triglycerides and prolactin. See also Side Effects section for more details.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, or seizures.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn anytime during their first month, tell the doctor right away.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: carbamazepine, fluvoxamine, drugs for high blood pressure, omeprazole, drugs for Parkinson\'s disease, rifampin, sibutramine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slurred speech, slowed breathing, or seizures.

NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., fasting blood sugar-FBS, weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Go for regular eye exams as part of your regular health care, and to check for any unlikely, but possible, eye problems.

MISSED DOSE:
Not applicable.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised May 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.