Zyprexa, also known as Olanzapine, is
manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co. The drug is used in
treating schizophrenia, bi-polar disorders and some
other psychotic mental disorders. The Food & Drug
Administration (FDA) approved Zyprexa's use as a
schizophrenia treatment in 1996 and approved the drug
for treatment of bi-polar disorder in 2000. Zyprexa, Eli
Lilly's top-selling drug ($2.5 billion in sales in
2002), has been prescribed to over 6 million people
worldwide since its debut.
The most common side effects of Zyprexa use include,
but may not be limited to, drowsiness, weight gain,
restlessness, dizziness, increased appetite,
constipation and fatigue.
A July 2002 Duke University study revealed the link
between Zyprexa and the onset of diabetes.
Nearly 300 cases of diabetes were identified in the
study, most occurring within six months of starting
Zyprexa treatment. In August 2003, researchers with the
Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston University and
the University of Illinois at Chicago released findings
from a study conducted on three antipsychotic
medications, including Zyprexa, that also linked the
drug to an increased rate of diabetes. Numerous other
studies have linked Zyprexa use with serious diabetic
conditions, including diabetic coma, caused by severe
insulin deficiency. Currently, however, no warning
exists on Zyprexa's product information recommending
that potential users monitor blood glucose levels. Eli
Lilly contends that people with schizophrenia are more
prone to develop diabetes anyway.
Zyprexa has been associated with pancreatitis.
Zyprexa is also linked to the development of two very
serious illnesses, Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome (NMS) and Tardive
Dyskinesia (TD). NMS is a potentially fatal Zyprexa
side effect that is associated with the use of nearly
all antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms of NMS include, but
are not limited to, acute kidney
failure, body temperature in excess of 106 degrees
(hyperpyrexia), rigid muscles, irregular pulse or blood
pressure, rapid
heart beat (tachycardia), and irregular heartbeat.
TD may cause patients taking antipsychotic drugs to lose
their ability to control voluntary movements and is
sometimes irreversible. TD occurs most frequently in
elderly women although it can affect anyone.
In 2002, medical journalist and author Robert
Whitaker published a report revealing eye-opening
clinical trial data for Zyprexa that was allegedly not
made available to physicians prescribing the medication.
According to Whitaker, 20 of the 2,500 patients who took
part in Zyprexa trials died; 20 committed suicide; and
22 percent suffered a serious adverse event. Two-thirds
of the patients did not complete the trial.
Furthermore, off-label Zyprexa use is a growing
problem in the medical community. Physicians continue to
prescribe the medication for "off-label" symptoms such
as anxiety and depression, even though the drug has not
been FDA-approved to treat the conditions. Off-label
users may increase their risk of developing a negative
side effect because the drug has not been properly
tested to treat these disorders. In July 2003, the FDA
approved Zyprexa for use with lithium or depakote to
treat bipolar mania.
In January 2004, Eli Lilly issued a warning to
physicians stating that Zyprexa was linked to a
significantly higher risk of stroke and death when used
by elderly patients.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious
health problems due to Zyprexa side effects. In
addition, it may be important to contact an
attorney who can help you protect your legal rights.
Please keep in mind that there may be time
limits within which you must commence suit.
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