Sign inBefore 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.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness or drowsiness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol - it will increase any feelings of drowsiness |
| Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site | These should not last long |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets |
| Increase in appetite, constipation, rash, weight gain, restlessness, stiffness or uncontrollable muscle movements, swollen hands, feet and ankles, and sexual problems | If any of these become troublesome, discuss them with your doctor |
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
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, ZypAdhera®, Eli Lilly and Company Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2009, accessed April 2010.
- British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)