About olanzapine depot injection

Symptoms of schizophrenia include hearing, seeing or sensing things which are not there and having mistaken beliefs about things. Often people with schizophrenia may become withdrawn and feel anxious.

Olanzapine depot injection works by correcting the imbalance of chemical substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain which lead to these symptoms.

Before having olanzapine depot injection

Before having olanzapine depot injection make sure your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver, kidney or prostate problems.
• If you have epilepsy, sugar diabetes or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
• If you have Parkinson's disease.
• If you have problems with constipation or a blocked bowel.
• If you suffer from any blood disorders.
• If you have had a heart attack, suffer from angina, have low blood pressure, any other heart problems, or if you have recently had heart surgery.
• If you have had a stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischaemic attack or TIA).
• If you have not previously been treated with olanzapine tablets.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to use olanzapine depot injection

• Read the manufacturer's information leaflet before beginning treatment.
• Olanzapine depot injection will be administered by your doctor or nurse. It is given by injection into the muscles of your buttock.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Olanzapine depot injection may cause tiredness, dizziness and difficulty walking and talking soon after it is given. Because of this you will be observed for 3 hours after each injection and advised not to drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the day.
• If you miss an injection you should tell your doctor or nurse because it should be given as soon as possible.
• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
• Even if you feel better, do not stop treatment without discussing it with your doctor first. Stopping suddenly may cause problems.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside olanzapine.
• Olanzapine may occasionally cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Try to avoid direct sunlight or use a sun cream higher than factor 15.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are having olanzapine depot injection.

Can olanzapine depot injection cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you develop 'flu-like' symptoms such as muscle stiffness with a high temperature, abnormal paleness, and a racing heartbeat, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store olanzapine depot injection

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines