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Zyprexa FAQs
What is Zyprexa?
Why did the FDA require a change to the Zyprexa® label?
What are the health risks associated with Zyprexa?
What are the side effects of Zyprexa?
What should I do if I have some of the symptoms associated with
Zyprexa?
Why should I contact a lawyer?
What is Zyprexa?
Zyprexa is the brand name for an anti-psychotic drug approved for the treatment
of Schizophrenia, Bi-polar disorder, and other psychotic mental disorders.
Zyprexa may be linked to diabetes, hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels),
and diabetic ketoacidosis (a potentially fatal complication of diabetes).
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Why did the FDA require a change to the Zyprexa® label?
In September 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered Eli Lilly
to revise the Zyprexa® labeling and product information to inform doctors and
patients that the use of Zyprexa® (and other SGAs) has been associated with an
increased risk of glucose abnormalities and diabetes. On March 1, 2004, Eli
Lilly issued a "Dear Doctor" letter to individual physicians in which
it informed doctors of the increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes in
patients taking Zyprexa® and described the label changes.
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What are the health risks associated with Zyprexa?
Zyprexa and other antipsychotic medications can cause serious problems such as:
- A life-threatening nervous system problem called neuroleptic malignant
syndrome (NMS). NMS can cause a high fever, stiff muscles, sweating, a fast
or irregular heart beat, change in blood pressure, and confusion. NMS can
affect your kidneys. NMS is a medical emergency. Call your healthcare
professional right away if you experience these symptoms.
- A movement problem called tardive dyskinesia (TD). Call your healthcare
professional right away if you get muscle movements that cannot be stopped.
- High blood sugar and diabetes. Patients with diabetes or who have a higher
chance for diabetes should have their blood sugar checked often.
- Strokes have happened in older patients treated for mental illness from
dementia. Zyprexa is not approved for this use.
- Other serious side effects include low blood pressure seen as dizziness,
and possibly fainting; increased heart beat; seizures; liver problems;
increased body temperature; and difficulty swallowing.
- The most common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness,
restlessness, constipation, upset stomach, weight gain, increased appetite,
and tremor.
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What are the side effects of Zyprexa?
Following are some examples of the serious Zyprexa side effects:
- Diabetic coma
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes Mellitus - when the body is unable to process sugar normally or
produce adequate insulin
- Hyperglycemia - elevated blood sugar
- Pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas
- Tardive Dyskinesia - an irreversible neurological disorder
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome - a rare, life-threatening reaction to
neuroleptic medication
- Ketoacidosis - when the body has severe deficiency of insulin
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What should I do if I have some of the symptoms associated
with Zyprexa?
If you experience any of the symptoms related to Zyprexa or suspect you might
have a glucose abnormality, you should consult with a physician promptly.
Zyprexa has been approved by the FDA, and it can be dangerous to stop taking
Zyprexa immediately. If you have concerns about Zyprexa, speak with your doctor
or medical professional today.
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Why should I contact a lawyer?
The legal system can provide compensation for people victimized by the conduct
of negligent drug manufacturers and other responsible parties. When an otherwise
preventable serious injury or death occurs from the use of any prescription
medication, a medical lawsuit provides an effective vehicle to obtain
compensation for your damages. If you have experienced any of the adverse side
effects associated with Zyprexa,
contact Ted A.
Greve & Associates, P.A. today.
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For more information, visit our page on Prescription Negligence.
Contact us online through our free evaluation form if you have any questions about your claim.
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