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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis)?

Olanzapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Olanzapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not take olanzapine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take olanzapine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;
• heart disease, high or low blood pressure;
• a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• a history of heart failure, heart attack, or stroke;
• a history of breast cancer;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• diabetes;
• an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating;
• bowel problems; or
• narrow-angle glaucoma.

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking olanzapine, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Olanzapine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using olanzapine.

The olanzapine orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of olanzapine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Olanzapine can be taken with or without food.

Olanzapine is usually taken once a day. Olanzapine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes counseling and other psychological support programs. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using olanzapine. Do not stop taking olanzapine suddenly without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have serious side effects if you stop taking olanzapine suddenly.

To take olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets (Zyprexa Zydis):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Olanzapine can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking olanzapine.

You may gain weight or have high cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) while taking this medicine, especially if you are a teenager. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you are taking a combination of drugs, use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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