Zyprexa Relprevv (olanzapine) is an antipsychotic medication that affects chemicals in the brain.
Zyprexa Relprevv is an extended release injectable suspension used to treat adults who are in an agitated state due to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (manic depression). Zyprexa Relprevv is not for daily use to treat any psychotic condition.
Zyprexa Relprevv may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not receive Zyprexa Relprevv if you are allergic to olanzapine.
Before you receive Zyprexa Relprevv, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, a history of heart attack or stroke, or if you are also using a sedative such as Valium.
You may need to stop breast-feeding after receiving an Zyprexa Relprevv. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take Zyprexa Relprevv.
In an emergency situation it may not be possible before you are treated to tell your caregivers about your health conditions or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you have received this medicine.
Olanzapine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Before receiving Zyprexa Relprevv
Zyprexa Relprevv is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Olanzapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. You should not receive Zyprexa Relprevv if you are allergic to olanzapine.
If possible before you receive Zyprexa Relprevv, tell your doctor if you have:
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heart disease;
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congestive heart failure;
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a heart rhythm disorder;
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a history of heart attack or stroke; or
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if you are also using a sedative such as Valium.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Zyprexa Relprevv will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Olanzapine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You will need to stop breast-feeding after receiving Zyprexa Relprevv. Talk to your octor about the best way to feed your baby if you take Zyprexa Relprevv. In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with olanzapine to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How is Zyprexa Relprevv given?
Zyprexa Relprevv is injected into the muscle in your buttock (gluteus). You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.
After receiving Zyprexa Relprevv, you will need to stay at the clinic for at least 3 hours. When you leave the clinic, someone must be with you.
You should not drive or use heavy machinery for the rest of the day after receiving Zyprexa Relprevv.
Be aware that there are two Zyprexa intramuscular injections with different doses. Zyprexa intramuscular injection is a short-acting formulation and should not be confused with Zyprexa Relprevv.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Zyprexa Relprevv is given by a healthcare professional in an emergency setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Since Zyprexa Relprevv is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid?
Olanzapine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Drinking alcohol can increase sleepiness caused by olanzapine.
Zyprexa Relprevv side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zyprexa Relprevv: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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fast or slow heart rate;
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feeling like you might pass out;
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twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs; or
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being unable to sit still.
Less serious Zyprexa Relprevv side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Zyprexa Relprevv?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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blood pressure medication;
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alprazolam (Xanax)
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diazepam (Valium);
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clonazepam (Klonopin);
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lorazepam (Ativan);
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temazepam (Restoril); or
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if you take olanzapine by mouth (Zyprexa, Symbyax, or Zyprexa Zydis).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Zyprexa Relprevv. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
