Zyprexa

Zyprexa, also known as Olanzapine, is an atypical antipsychotic. While approved by the FDA for Schizophrenia in 1996 and bipolar disorder in 2000, it is used off label to treat psychosis, manic depression, dementia, anxiety, anorexia and severe agitation. This type of antipsychotic drug blocks particular dopamine and serotonin receptors which are linked to these disorders. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Zyprexa earns $2.6 billion per year in sales revenue in the US.

Potential Dangers

In July 2002 a Duke University Study found that as a result of taking Zyprexa at least 289 patients had developed diabetes and of those, 23 had died. These findings initiated more studies, which motivated Eli Lilly to begin including warnings of the likeliness of developing diabetes and hypoglycemia. . In April 2005 the FDA issued a warning stating that older people who are prescribed Zyprexa for dementia have a higher opportunity of death than those who are not. Drugs such as Zyprexa have also been known to cause Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, (NMS) a potentially fatal nervous system disorder. Other injuries linked to the use of Zyprexa include:

• Diabetes
• Heart attack
• Pancreatitis
• Diabetic coma
• Ketoacidosis
• Hyperglycemia
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Extra weight gain

Pharmaceutical Litigation Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen have extensive experience in cases involving injury or wrongful death associated with prescription drugs. Contact us to set an appointment with an attorney to discuss your case.