olanzapine pamoate IM

Olanzapine injection is used to treat a certain mental/mood disorder (schizophrenia). Olanzapine helps you to think more clearly, feel less nervous, and take part in everyday life. It may also help to decrease hallucinations (hearing/seeing things that are not there). Extended-release olanzapine injection is a long-acting psychiatric medication called an atypical antipsychotic. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.
Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment (especially when used in teenagers). See also Warning/Precautions sections.

How to use olanzapine pamoate IM
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Read and sign the Informed Consent form provided by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
These requirements apply in the United States. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country\'s regulations.
There are 2 types of olanzapine injection (short- and long-acting). These 2 forms have different uses and dosing and the 2 products are not interchangeable. There is also a form that can be taken by mouth. The extended-release injection should only be used if you have already taken olanzapine by mouth without any serious side effects.
This medication is given by injection into the buttock muscle by a health care professional as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 to 4 weeks. Do not rub/massage the injection site after your dose. Do not inject into a vein or under the skin.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, headache, or redness/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
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.
Olanzapine extended-release injection is designed to release medication slowly over 2 to 4 weeks. If the medication releases too quickly, your drug levels may be too high. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms of high olanzapine levels occur: very drowsy/hard to wake up, severe dizziness, slowed breathing, new or worsening mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation, nervousness, aggression), restlessness, muscle stiffness/spasm, shaking (tremor), unusual weakness, difficulty walking or speaking, balance problems, seizure.
This drug may rarely make your blood sugar level rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Weight gain from this drug may increase the risk of this side effect. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst and urination, breath smells fruity, feel very hungry/weak/tired. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar level regularly.
This drug may 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.)
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: yellowing of the eyes/skin, severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat).
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, severe headache.
This medication may rarely cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Seek immediate medical attention 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 cases, olanzapine may increase your level of a certain substance made by the body (prolactin). For females, this increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missed/stopped periods, 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.
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.
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 (such as bowel obstruction, paralytic ileus), difficulty swallowing, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (see also Side Effects section), tardive dyskinesia (see also Side Effects section), 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. Do not drive for the rest of the day after receiving your injection.
This medication can make you prone to heat stroke. Avoid activities that might cause you to overheat (such as 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, diabetes, and 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.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor\'s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs for high blood pressure, drugs for Parkinson\'s disease (such as levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole), sibutramine.
Other medications can affect the removal of olanzapine from your body, which may affect how olanzapine works. Examples include carbamazepine, fluvoxamine, omeprazole, rifampin, among others.
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 (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slurred speech, slowed breathing, or seizures.

NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood sugar, complete blood count, weight, blood fats/triglyceride levels, liver function tests, blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Talk with your doctor about ways to control weight gain, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, and exercising.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

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