Table 1: Approximate Dose Correspondence Between Symbyaxa and the Combination of ZYPREXA and Fluoxetine For
| Use in
| Combination
|
Symbyax (mg/day)
| ZYPREXA (mg/day)
| Fluoxetine (mg/day)
|
3mg olanzapine/25 mg fluoxetine
| 2.5
| 20
|
6 mg olanzapine/25 mg fluoxetine
| 5
| 20
|
12 mg olanzapine/25 mg fluoxetine
| 10+2.5
| 20
|
6 mg olanzapine/50 mg fluoxetine
| 5
| 40+10
|
12 mg olanzapine/50 mg fluoxetine
| 10+2.5
| 40+10
|
a Symbyax (olanzapine/fluoxetine HCl) is a fixed-dose combination of ZYPREXA and fluoxetine.
While there is no body of evidence to answer the question of how long a patient
treated with ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination should remain on it, it is
generally accepted that bipolar I disorder, including the depressive episodes
associated with bipolar I disorder, is a chronic illness requiring chronic
treatment. The physician should periodically reexamine the need for continued
pharmacotherapy.
Safety of co-administration of
doses above 18 mg olanzapine with 75 mg fluoxetine has not been evaluated in
clinical studies.
ZYPREXA monotherapy is not
indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I
disorder.
2.6 ZYPREXA and Fluoxetine in Combination: Treatment
Resistant Depression
When using ZYPREXA and
fluoxetine in combination, also refer to the Clinical Studies section of the
package insert for Symbyax.
Oral olanzapine should be
administered in combination with fluoxetine once daily in the evening, without
regard to meals, generally beginning with 5 mg of oral olanzapine and 20 mg of
fluoxetine. Dosage adjustments, if indicated, can be made according to efficacy
and tolerability within dose ranges of oral olanzapine 5 to 20 mg and fluoxetine
20 to 50 mg. Antidepressant efficacy was demonstrated with olanzapine and
fluoxetine in combination in adult patients with a dose range of olanzapine 6 to
18 mg and fluoxetine 25 to 50 mg.
Safety and efficacy of olanzapine
in combination with fluoxetine was determined in clinical trials supporting
approval of Symbyax (fixed dose combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine).
Symbyax is dosed between 3 mg/25 mg (olanzapine/fluoxetine) per day and
12 mg/50 mg (olanzapine/fluoxetine) per day. Table 1 above demonstrates the
appropriate individual component doses of ZYPREXA and fluoxetine versus Symbyax.
Dosage adjustments, if indicated, should be made with the individual components
according to efficacy and tolerability.
While there is no body of evidence
to answer the question of how long a patient treated with ZYPREXA and fluoxetine
in combination should remain on it, it is generally accepted that treatment
resistant depression (major depressive disorder in adult patients who do not
respond to 2 separate trials of different antidepressants of adequate dose and
duration in the current episode) is a chronic illness requiring chronic
treatment. The physician should periodically reexamine the need for continued
pharmacotherapy.
Safety of co-administration of
doses above 18 mg olanzapine with 75 mg fluoxetine has not been evaluated in
clinical studies.
ZYPREXA monotherapy is not
indicated for treatment of treatment resistant depression (major depressive
disorder in patients who do not respond to 2 antidepressants of adequate dose
and duration in the current episode).
2.7 ZYPREXA and Fluoxetine in Combination: Dosing in
Special Populations
The starting dose of oral olanzapine 2.5-5 mg with fluoxetine
20 mg should be used for patients with a predisposition to hypotensive
reactions, patients with hepatic impairment, or patients who exhibit a
combination of factors that may slow the metabolism of olanzapine or fluoxetine
in combination (female gender, geriatric age, nonsmoking status), or those
patients who may be pharmacodynamically sensitive to olanzapine. Dosing
modification may be necessary in patients who exhibit a combination of factors
that may slow metabolism. When indicated, dose escalation should be performed
with caution in these patients. ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination have not
been systematically studied in patients over 65 years of age or in patients
less than 18 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical
Pharmacology (12.3)].
5.5 Hyperlipidemia
Undesirable alterations
in lipids have been observed with olanzapine use. Clinical monitoring, including
baseline and periodic follow-up lipid evaluations in patients using olanzapine,
is recommended [see Patient Counseling Information (17.5)].
Clinically significant, and
sometimes very high (greater than 500 mg/dL), elevations in triglyceride levels have been
observed with olanzapine use. Modest mean increases in total cholesterol have
also been seen with olanzapine use.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adults — In an analysis of 5
placebo-controlled olanzapine monotherapy studies with treatment duration up to
12 weeks, olanzapine-treated patients had increases from baseline in mean
fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 5.3 mg/dL,
3.0 mg/dL, and 20.8 mg/dL respectively compared to decreases from baseline in
mean fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 6.1 mg/dL,
4.3 mg/dL, and 10.7 mg/dL for placebo-treated patients. For fasting HDL
cholesterol, no clinically meaningful differences were observed between
olanzapine-treated patients and placebo-treated patients. Mean increases in
fasting lipid values (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides)
were greater in patients without evidence of lipid dysregulation at baseline,
where lipid dysregulation was defined as patients diagnosed with dyslipidemia or
related adverse reactions, patients treated with lipid lowering agents, or
patients with high baseline lipid levels.
In long-term studies (at least 48
weeks), patients had increases from baseline in mean fasting total cholesterol,
LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 5.6 mg/dL, 2.5 mg/dL, and 18.7 mg/dL,
respectively, and a mean decrease in fasting HDL cholesterol of 0.16 mg/dL. In
an analysis of patients who completed 12 months of therapy, the mean nonfasting
total cholesterol did not increase further after approximately 4-6 months.
The proportion of patients who had
changes (at least once) in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or triglycerides
from normal or borderline to high, or changes in HDL cholesterol from normal or
borderline to low, was greater in long-term studies (at least 48 weeks) as
compared with short-term studies. Table 4 shows categorical
changes in fasting lipids values.
Table 4: Changes in Fasting Lipids Values from Adult Olanzapine Monotherapy Studies
|
|
| Up to expo
| 12 weeks sure
| At least expo
| 48 weeks sure
|
Laboratory Analyte
| Category Change (at least once) from Baseline
| Treatment Arm
| N
| Patients
| N
| Patients
|
| Increase by greater than or equal to 50 mg/dL
| Olanzapine
| 745
| 39.6%
| 487
| 61.4%
|
|
| Placebo
| 402
| 26.1%
| NAa | NAa |
Fasting
| Normal to High
| Olanzapine
| 457
| 9.2%
| 293
| 32.4%
|
Triglycerides
| (less than 150 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL) | Placebo
| 251
| 4.4%
| NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High
| Olanzapine
| 135
| 39.3%
| 75
| 70.7%
|
| (greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL and less than 200 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL) | Placebo
| 65
| 20-0%
| NAa | NAa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Increase by greater than or equal to 40 mg/dL | Olanzapine | 745
| 21.6%
| 489
| 32.9%
|
|
| Placebo | 402
| 9.5%
| NAa | NAa |
Fasting Total
| Normal to High
| Olanzapine | 392
| 2.8%
| 283
| 14.8%
|
Cholesterol
| (less than 200 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 240 mg/dL) | Placebo | 207
| 2.4%
| NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High
| Olanzapine | 222
| 23.0%
| 125
| 55.2%
|
| (greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL and less than 240 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 240 mg/dL) | Placebo | 112
| 12.5%
| NAa | NAa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Increase by greater than or equal to 30 mg/dL | Olanzapine | 536
| 23.7%
| 483
| 39.8%
|
|
| Placebo | 304
| 14.1%
| NAa | NAa |
| Fasting LDL | Normal to High
| Olanzapine | 154
| 0%
| 123
| 7.3%
|
Cholesterol
| (less than 100 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 160 mg/dL) | Placebo | 82
| 1.2%
| NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High
| Olanzapine | 302
| 10.6%
| 284
| 31.0%
|
| (greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL and less than 160 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 160 mg/dL) | Placebo | 173
| 8.1%
| NAa | NAa |
a Not Applicable.
In phase 1 of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention
Effectiveness (CATIE), over a median exposure of 9.2 months, the mean increase
in triglycerides in patients taking olanzapine was 40.5 mg/dL. In phase 1 of
CATIE, the mean increase in total cholesterol was 9.4 mg/dL.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents — The safety and
efficacy of olanzapine have not been established in patients under the age of 13
years. In an analysis of 3 placebo-controlled olanzapine monotherapy studies of
adolescents, including those with schizophrenia (6 weeks) or bipolar I disorder
(manic or mixed episodes) (3 weeks), olanzapine-treated adolescents had
increases from baseline in mean fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and
triglycerides of 12.9 mg/dL, 6.5 mg/dL, and 28.4 mg/dL, respectively, compared
to increases from baseline in mean fasting total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol
of 1.3 mg/dL and 1.0 mg/dL, and a decrease in triglycerides of 1.1 mg/dL for
placebo-treated adolescents. For fasting HDL cholesterol, no clinically
meaningful differences were observed between olanzapine-treated adolescents and
placebo-treated adolescents.
In long-term studies (at least 24
weeks), adolescents had increases from baseline in mean fasting total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 5.5 mg/dL, 5.4 mg/dL, and
20.5 mg/dL, respectively, and a mean decrease in fasting HDL cholesterol of
4.5 mg/dL. Table 5 shows categorical changes in fasting lipids
values in adolescents.
Table 5: Changes in Fasting Lipids Values from Adolescent Olanzapine Monotherapy Studies
|
|
| Up to
expo
| 6 weeks
sure
| At least
expo
| 24 weeks
sure
|
Laboratory Analyte
| Category Change (at least once)
from Baseline
| Treatment Arm
|
N
|
Patients
|
N
|
Patients
|
| Increase by greater than or equal to 50 mg/dL
| Olanzapine
| 138
| 37.0%
| 122
| 45.9%
|
|
| Placebo
| 66
| 15.2%
| NAa | NAa |
Fasting
| Normal to High
| Olanzapine
| 67
| 26.9%
| 66
| 36.4%
|
Triglycerides
| (less than 90 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 130 mg/dL) | Placebo
| 28
| 10.7%
| NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High
| Olanzapine
| 37
| 59.5%
| 31
| 64.5%
|
| (greater than or equal to 90 mg/dL and less than or equal to 130 mg/dL to greater than 130 mg/dL | Placebo
| 17
| 35.3%
| NAa | NAa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Increase by greater than or equal to 40 mg/dL | Olanzapine | 138
| 14.5%
| 122
| 14.8%
|
|
| Placebo | 66
| 4.5%
| NAa | NAa |
Fasting Total
| Normal to High
| Olanzapine | 87
| 6.9%
| 78
| 7.7%
|
Cholesterol
| (less than 170 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL) | Placebo | 43
| 2.3%
| NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High
| Olanzapine | 36
| 38.9%
| 33
| 57.6%
|
| (greater than or equal to 170 mg/dL and less than 200 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL) | Placebo | 13
| 7.7%
| NAa | NAa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Increase by greater than or equal to 30 mg/dL | Olanzapine | 137
| 17.5%
| 121
| 22.3%
|
|
| Placebo | 63
| 11.1%
| NAa | NAa |
| Fasting LDL | Normal to High
| Olanzapine | 98
| 5.1%
| 92
| 10.9%
|
Cholesterol
| (less than 110 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 130 mg/dL) | Placebo | 44
| 4.5%
| NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High
| Olanzapine | 29
| 48.3%
| 21
| 47.6%
|
| (greater than or equal to 110 mg/dL and less than 130 mg/dL to greater than or equal to 130 mg/dL) | Placebo | 9
| 0%
| NAa | NAa |
a Not Applicable.
5.6 Weight Gain
Potential consequences
of weight gain should be considered prior to starting olanzapine. Patients
receiving olanzapine should receive regular monitoring of weight [see Patient Counseling Information (17.6)].
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adults — In an analysis of 13
placebo-controlled olanzapine monotherapy studies, olanzapine-treated patients
gained an average of 2.6 kg (5.7 lb) compared to an average 0.3 kg (0.6 lb)
weight loss in placebo-treated patients with a median exposure of 6 weeks; 22.2%
of olanzapine-treated patients gained at least 7% of their baseline weight,
compared to 3% of placebo-treated patients, with a median exposure of 8 weeks;
4.2% of olanzapine-treated patients gained at least 15% of their baseline
weight, compared to 0.3% of placebo-treated patients, with a median exposure of
12 weeks. Clinically significant weight gain was observed across all baseline
Body Mass Index (BMI) categories. Discontinuation due to weight gain occurred in
0.2% of olanzapine-treated patients and in 0% of placebo-treated patients.
In long-term studies (at least 48
weeks), the mean weight gain was 5.6 kg (12.3 lb) (median exposure of 573 days,
N=2021). The percentages of patients who gained at least 7%, 15%, or 25% of
their baseline body weight with long-term exposure were 64%, 32%, and 12%,
respectively. Discontinuation due to weight gain occurred in 0.4% of
olanzapine-treated patients following at least 48 weeks of exposure.
Table 6 includes
data on adult weight gain with olanzapine pooled from 86 clinical trials. The
data in each column represent data for those patients who completed treatment
periods of the durations specified.
Table 6: Weight Gain with Olanzapine Use in Adults Amount Gained kg (lb) | 6
Weeks (N=7465) (%) | 6
Months (N=4162) (%) | 12
Months (N=1345) (%) | 24
Months (N=474) (%) | 36
Months (N=147) (%) |
| less than or equal to 0 | 26.2 | 24.3 | 20.8 | 23.2 | 17.0 |
| 0 to less than or equal to 5 (0-11 lb) | 57.0 | 36.0 | 26.0 | 23.4 | 25.2 |
| greater than 5 to less than or equal to 10 (11-22 lb)
| 14.9 | 24.6 | 24.2 | 24.1 | 18.4 |
| greater than 10 to less than or equal to 15 (22-33 lb)
| 1.8 | 10.9 | 14.9 | 11.4 | 17.0 |
| greater than 15 to less than or equal to 20 (33-44 lb)
| 0.1 | 3.1 | 8.6 | 9.3 | 11.6 |
| greater than 20 to less than or equal to 25 (44-55 lb)
| 0 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| greater than 25 to less than or equal to 30 (55-66 lb)
| 0 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 2.3 | 4.8 |
| greater than 30 (greater than 66 lb) | 0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 2 |
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents — The safety and
efficacy of olanzapine have not been established in patients under the age of 13
years. Mean increase in weight in adolescents was greater than in adults. In 4
placebo-controlled trials, discontinuation due to weight gain occurred in 1% of
olanzapine-treated patients, compared to 0% of placebo-treated patients.
Table 7: Weight Gain with Olanzapine Use in Adolescents from 4
Placebo-Controlled Trials
| Olanzapine-treated patients | Placebo-treated patients |
| Mean change in body weight
from baseline (median exposure = 3 weeks) | 4.6 kg (10.1 lb) | 0.3 kg (0.7 lb) |
| Percentage of
patients who gained at least 7% of baseline body weight | 40.6% | 9.8% |
| (median exposure to 7% = 4 weeks)
| (median exposure to 7% = 8 weeks)
|
| Percentage of
patients who gained at least 15% of baseline body weight | 7.1% | 2.7% |
| (median exposure to 15% =
19 weeks) | (median exposure to 15% = 8
weeks) |
In long-term studies (at least 24
weeks), the mean weight gain was 11.2 kg (24.6 lb); (median exposure of 201
days, N=179). The percentages of adolescents who gained at least 7%, 15%, or 25%
of their baseline body weight with long-term exposure were 89%, 55%, and 29%,
respectively. Among adolescent patients, mean weight gain by baseline BMI
category was 11.5 kg (25.3 lb), 12.1 kg (26.6 lb), and 12.7 kg (27.9 lb),
respectively, for normal (N=106), overweight (N=26) and obese (N=17).
Discontinuation due to weight gain occurred in 2.2% of olanzapine-treated
patients following at least 24 weeks of exposure.
Table 8 shows
data on adolescent weight gain with olanzapine pooled from 6 clinical trials.
The data in each column represent data for those patients who completed
treatment periods of the durations specified. Little clinical trial data is
available on weight gain in adolescents with olanzapine beyond 6 months of
treatment.
Table 8: Weight Gain with Olanzapine Use in Adolescents Amount Gained kg (lb) | 6
Weeks (N=243) (%) | 6
Months (N=191) (%) |
| less than or equal to 0 | 2.9 | 2.1 |
| 0 to less than or equal to 5 (0-11 lb) | 47.3 | 24.6 |
| greater than 5 to less than or equal to 10 (11-22 lb)
| 42.4 | 26.7 |
| greater than 10 to less than or equal to 15 (22-33 lb)
| 5.8 | 22.0 |
| greater than 15 to less than or equal to 20 (33-44 lb)
| 0.8 | 12.6 |
| greater than 20 to less than or equal to 25 (44-55 lb)
| 0.8 | 9.4 |
| greater than 25 to less than or equal to 30 (55-66 lb)
| 0 | 2.1 |
| greater than 30 to less than or equal to 35 (66-77 lb)
| 0 | 0 |
| greater than 35 to less than or equal to 40 (77-88 lb)
| 0 | 0 |
| greater than 40 (greater than 88 lb) | 0 | 0.5 |
5.7 Tardive Dyskinesia
A syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic
movements may develop in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs. Although the
prevalence of the syndrome appears to be highest among the elderly, especially
elderly women, it is impossible to rely upon prevalence estimates to predict, at
the inception of antipsychotic treatment, which patients are likely to develop
the syndrome. Whether antipsychotic drug products differ in their potential to
cause tardive dyskinesia is unknown.
The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia and the likelihood that it will
become irreversible are believed to increase as the duration of treatment and
the total cumulative dose of antipsychotic drugs administered to the patient
increase. However, the syndrome can develop, although much less commonly, after
relatively brief treatment periods at low doses or may even arise after
discontinuation of treatment.
There is no known treatment for established cases of tardive dyskinesia,
although the syndrome may remit, partially or completely, if antipsychotic
treatment is withdrawn. Antipsychotic treatment, itself, however, may suppress
(or partially suppress) the signs and symptoms of the syndrome and thereby may
possibly mask the underlying process. The effect that symptomatic suppression
has upon the long-term course of the syndrome is unknown.
Given these considerations, olanzapine should be prescribed in a manner that
is most likely to minimize the occurrence of tardive dyskinesia. Chronic
antipsychotic treatment should generally be reserved for patients (1) who suffer
from a chronic illness that is known to respond to antipsychotic drugs, and
(2) for whom alternative, equally effective, but potentially less harmful
treatments are not available or appropriate. In patients who do require chronic
treatment, the smallest dose and the shortest duration of treatment producing a
satisfactory clinical response should be sought. The need for continued
treatment should be reassessed periodically.
If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient on
olanzapine, drug discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients
may require treatment with olanzapine despite the presence of the syndrome.
For specific information about the warnings of lithium or valproate, refer to
the Warnings section of the package inserts for these other products.
5.8 Orthostatic Hypotension
Olanzapine may induce orthostatic hypotension associated with
dizziness, tachycardia, bradycardia and, in some patients, syncope, especially
during the initial dose-titration period, probably reflecting its α1-adrenergic antagonistic properties [see
Patient Counseling Information (17.7)].
For oral olanzapine therapy, the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope
may be minimized by initiating therapy with 5 mg QD [see
Dosage and Administration (2)]. A more gradual
titration to the target dose should be considered if hypotension occurs.
Hypotension, bradycardia with or without hypotension, tachycardia, and
syncope were also reported during the clinical trials with intramuscular
olanzapine for injection. In an open-label clinical pharmacology study in
nonagitated patients with schizophrenia in which the safety and tolerability of
intramuscular olanzapine were evaluated under a maximal dosing regimen (three
10 mg doses administered 4 hours apart), approximately one-third of these
patients experienced a significant orthostatic decrease in systolic blood
pressure (i.e., decrease greater than or equal to 30 mmHg) [see Dosage and
Administration (2.4)]. Syncope was reported in 0.6%
(15/2500) of olanzapine-treated patients in phase 2-3 oral olanzapine studies
and in 0.3% (2/722) of olanzapine-treated patients with agitation in the
intramuscular olanzapine for injection studies. Three normal volunteers in phase
1 studies with intramuscular olanzapine experienced hypotension, bradycardia,
and sinus pauses of up to 6 seconds that spontaneously resolved (in 2 cases the
reactions occurred on intramuscular olanzapine, and in 1 case, on oral
olanzapine). The risk for this sequence of hypotension, bradycardia, and sinus
pause may be greater in nonpsychiatric patients compared to psychiatric patients
who are possibly more adapted to certain effects of psychotropic drugs. For
intramuscular olanzapine for injection therapy, patients should remain recumbent
if drowsy or dizzy after injection until examination has indicated that they are
not experiencing postural hypotension, bradycardia, and/or hypoventilation.
Olanzapine should be used with particular caution in patients with known
cardiovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction or ischemia, heart
failure, or conduction abnormalities), cerebrovascular disease, and conditions
which would predispose patients to hypotension (dehydration, hypovolemia, and
treatment with antihypertensive medications) where the occurrence of syncope, or
hypotension and/or bradycardia might put the patient at increased medical risk.
Caution is necessary in patients who receive treatment with other drugs
having effects that can induce hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory or central
nervous system depression [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Concomitant administration of intramuscular
olanzapine and parenteral benzodiazepine has not been studied and is therefore
not recommended. If use of intramuscular olanzapine in combination with
parenteral benzodiazepines is considered, careful evaluation of clinical status
for excessive sedation and cardiorespiratory depression is recommended.
5.9 Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis
Class Effect — In clinical trial and/or postmarketing
experience, events of leukopenia/neutropenia have been reported temporally
related to antipsychotic agents, including ZYPREXA. Agranulocytosis has also
been reported.
Possible risk factors for
leukopenia/neutropenia include pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC) and
history of drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia. Patients with a history of a
clinically significant low WBC or drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia should
have their complete blood count (CBC) monitored frequently during the first few
months of therapy and discontinuation of ZYPREXA should be considered at the
first sign of a clinically significant decline in WBC in the absence of other
causative factors.
Patients with clinically
significant neutropenia should be carefully monitored for fever or other
symptoms or signs of infection and treated promptly if such symptoms or signs
occur. Patients with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count
less than 1000/mm3) should discontinue ZYPREXA and have their
WBC followed until recovery.
5.10 Dysphagia
Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with
antipsychotic drug use. Aspiration pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and
mortality in patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Olanzapine is not
approved for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
5.11 Seizures
During premarketing testing, seizures occurred in 0.9% (22/2500)
of olanzapine-treated patients. There were confounding factors that may have
contributed to the occurrence of seizures in many of these cases. Olanzapine
should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or with
conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold, e.g., Alzheimer's
dementia. Olanzapine is not approved for the treatment of patients with
Alzheimer's disease. Conditions that lower the seizure threshold may be more
prevalent in a population of 65 years or older.
5.12 Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment
Somnolence was a commonly reported adverse reaction associated
with olanzapine treatment, occurring at an incidence of 26% in olanzapine
patients compared to 15% in placebo patients. This adverse reaction was also
dose related. Somnolence led to discontinuation in 0.4% (9/2500) of patients in
the premarketing database.
Since olanzapine has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor
skills, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery,
including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that olanzapine therapy
does not affect them adversely [see Patient Counseling
Information (17.8)].
5.13 Body Temperature Regulation
Disruption of the body's ability to reduce core body temperature
has been attributed to antipsychotic agents. Appropriate care is advised when
prescribing olanzapine for patients who will be experiencing conditions which
may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature, e.g., exercising
strenuously, exposure to extreme heat, receiving concomitant medication with
anticholinergic activity, or being subject to dehydration [see Patient Counseling Information (17.9)].
5.14 Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness
Clinical experience with olanzapine in patients with certain
concomitant systemic illnesses is limited [see Clinical
Pharmacology (12.3)].
Olanzapine exhibits in vitro muscarinic receptor affinity. In premarketing
clinical trials with olanzapine, olanzapine was associated with constipation,
dry mouth, and tachycardia, all adverse reactions possibly related to
cholinergic antagonism. Such adverse reactions were not often the basis for
discontinuations from olanzapine, but olanzapine should be used with caution in
patients with clinically significant prostatic hypertrophy, narrow angle
glaucoma, or a history of paralytic ileus or related conditions.
In 5 placebo-controlled studies of
olanzapine in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (n=1184), the
following treatment-emergent adverse reactions were reported in
olanzapine-treated patients at an incidence of at least 2% and significantly
greater than placebo-treated patients: falls, somnolence, peripheral edema,
abnormal gait, urinary incontinence, lethargy, increased weight, asthenia,
pyrexia, pneumonia, dry mouth and visual hallucinations. The rate of
discontinuation due to adverse reactions was greater with olanzapine than
placebo (13% vs 7%). Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated
with olanzapine are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo.
Olanzapine is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related
psychosis [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and
Precautions (5.1), and Patient Counseling Information (17.2)].
Olanzapine has not been evaluated or used to any appreciable extent in
patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart
disease. Patients with these diagnoses were excluded from premarketing clinical
studies. Because of the risk of orthostatic hypotension with olanzapine, caution
should be observed in cardiac patients [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.8)].
5.15 Hyperprolactinemia
As with other drugs
that antagonize dopamine D2 receptors, olanzapine
elevates prolactin levels, and the elevation persists during chronic
administration. Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic GnRH, resulting in
reduced pituitary gonadotropin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit
reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and
male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been
reported in patients receiving prolactin-elevating compounds. Long-standing
hyperprolactinemia when associated with hypogonadism may lead to decreased bone
density in both female and male subjects.
Tissue culture experiments indicate
that approximately one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin dependent
in vitro, a factor of potential importance if the prescription of these drugs is
contemplated in a patient with previously detected breast cancer. As is common
with compounds which increase prolactin release, an increase in mammary gland
neoplasia was observed in the olanzapine carcinogenicity studies conducted in
mice and rats [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Neither clinical studies nor epidemiologic
studies conducted to date have shown an association between chronic
administration of this class of drugs and tumorigenesis in humans; the available
evidence is considered too limited to be conclusive at this time.
In placebo-controlled olanzapine
clinical studies (up to 12 weeks), changes from normal to high in prolactin
concentrations were observed in 30% of adults treated with olanzapine as
compared to 10.5% of adults treated with placebo. In a pooled analysis from
clinical studies including 8136 adults treated with olanzapine, potentially
associated clinical manifestations included menstrual-related events1 (2% [49/3240] of females), sexual function-related
events2 (2% [150/8136] of females and males), and
breast-related events3 (0.7% [23/3240] of females, 0.2%
[9/4896] of males).
In placebo-controlled olanzapine
monotherapy studies in adolescent patients (up to 6 weeks) with schizophrenia or
bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), changes from normal to high in
prolactin concentrations were observed in 47% of olanzapine-treated patients
compared to 7% of placebo-treated patients. In a pooled analysis from clinical
trials including 454 adolescents treated with olanzapine, potentially associated
clinical manifestations included menstrual-related events1 (1% [2/168] of females), sexual function-related events2 (0.7% [3/454] of females and males), and breast-related
events3 (2% [3/168] of females, 2% [7/286] of males)
[see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
1 Based on a
search of the following terms: amenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, menstruation delayed,
and oligomenorrhea.
2 Based on a search of the
following terms: anorgasmia, delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction,
decreased libido, loss of libido, abnormal orgasm, and sexual
dysfunction.
3 Based on a search of the following
terms: breast discharge, enlargement or swelling, galactorrhea, gynecomastia,
and lactation disorder.
5.16 Use in Combination with Fluoxetine, Lithium, or
Valproate
When using ZYPREXA and
fluoxetine in combination, the prescriber should also refer to the Warnings and
Precautions section of the package insert for Symbyax. When using ZYPREXA in
combination with lithium or valproate, the prescriber should refer to the
Warnings and Precautions sections of the package inserts for lithium or
valproate [see Drug Interactions (7)].
5.17 Laboratory Tests
Fasting blood glucose
testing and lipid profile at the beginning of, and periodically during,
treatment is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4, 5.5) and Patient Counseling Information
(17.4, 17.5)].
Additional Findings Observed in Clinical
Trials
Dose Dependency of Adverse Reactions in
Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials
Extrapyramidal Symptoms: The following
table enumerates the percentage of patients with treatment-emergent
extrapyramidal symptoms as assessed by categorical analyses of formal rating
scales during acute therapy in a controlled clinical trial comparing oral
olanzapine at 3 fixed doses with placebo in the treatment of schizophrenia in a
6-week trial.
Table 15: Treatment-Emergent Extrapyramidal Symptoms Assessed by Rating Scales Incidence in a Fixed Dosage Range, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Oral Olanzapine in Schizophrenia — Acute Phase
|
| Percentage of
| Patients Reporting Event |
|
| Placebo | Olanzapine 5 ± 2.5 mg/day | Olanzapine 10 ± 2.5 mg/day | Olanzapine 15 ± 2.5 mg/day |
| Parkinsonisma | 15
| 14
| 12
| 14
|
| Akathisiab | 23
| 16
| 19
| 27
|
a Percentage of patients with a Simpson-Angus Scale total score >3.
b Percentage of patients with a Barnes Akathisia Scale global score ≥2.
The following table enumerates the percentage of patients with
treatment-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms as assessed by spontaneously reported
adverse reactions during acute therapy in the same controlled clinical trial
comparing olanzapine at 3 fixed doses with placebo in the treatment of
schizophrenia in a 6-week trial.
Table 16: Treatment-Emergent Extrapyramidal Symptoms Assessed by Adverse Reactions Incidence in a Fixed Dosage Range, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Oral Olanzapine in Schizophrenia — Acute Phase
| Percentage
| of Patients
| Reporting Event
|
|
| Placebo (N=68)
| Olanzapine 5 ± 2.5 mg/day (N=65)
| Olanzapine 10 ± 2.5 mg/day (N=64) | Olanzapine 15 ± 2.5 mg/day (N=69) |
| Dystonic eventsa | 1
| 3
| 2
| 3
|
| Parkinsonism eventsb | 10
| 8
| 14
| 20
|
| Akathisia eventsc | 1
| 5
| 11
| 10
|
| Dyskinetic eventsd | 4
| 0
| 2
| 1
|
| Residual eventse | 1
| 2
| 5
| 1
|
Any extrapyramidal event
| 16
| 15
| 25
| 32
|
a Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category: dystonia,
generalized spasm, neck rigidity, oculogyric crisis, opisthotonos, torticollis.
b Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category: akinesia,
cogwheel rigidity, extrapyramidal syndrome, hypertonia, hypokinesia, masked
facies, tremor.
c Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category: akathisia,
hyperkinesia.
d Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category: buccoglossal
syndrome, choreoathetosis, dyskinesia, tardive dyskinesia.
e Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category: movement
disorder, myoclonus, twitching.
The following table enumerates the percentage of adolescent patients with
treatment-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms as assessed by spontaneously reported
adverse reactions during acute therapy (dose range: 2.5 to 20 mg/day).
Table 17: Treatment-Emergent Extrapyramidal Symptoms Assessed by Adverse Reactions Incidence in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of Oral Olanzapine in Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder — Adolescents
| Percentage of Patients | Reporting Event |
| Categoriesa | Placebo (N=89)
| Olanzapine (N=179)
|
Dystonic events
| 0
| 1
|
Parkinsonism events
| 2
| 1
|
Akathisia events
| 4
| 6
|
Dyskinetic events
| 0
| 1
|
Nonspecific events
| 0
| 4
|
Any extrapyramidal event
| 6
| 10
|
a Categories are based on Standard MedDRA Queries (SMQ) for extrapyramidal symptoms as defined in MedDRA
version 12.0.
The following table enumerates the percentage of patients with
treatment-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms as assessed by categorical analyses
of formal rating scales during controlled clinical trials comparing fixed doses
of intramuscular olanzapine for injection with placebo in agitation. Patients in
each dose group could receive up to 3 injections during the trials
[see Clinical Studies ( 14.3)]. Patient
assessments were conducted during the 24 hours following the initial dose of
intramuscular olanzapine for injection.
Table 18: Treatment-Emergent Extrapyramidal Symptoms Assessed by Rating Scales Incidence in a Fixed Dose, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Intramuscular Olanzapine for Injection in Agitated Patients with Schizophrenia
|
|
| Percentage of
| Patients Reporting Event
|
|
|
Placebo
| Olanzapine IM 2.5 mg
| Olanzapine IM 5 mg
| Olanzapine IM 7.5 mg
| Olanzapine IM 10 mg
|
| Parkinsonisma | 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 3
|
| Akathisiab | 0
| 0
| 5
| 0
| 0
|
a Percentage of patients with a Simpson-Angus Scale total score >3.
b Percentage of patients with a Barnes Akathisia Scale global score ≥2.
The following table enumerates the percentage of patients with
treatment-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms as assessed by spontaneously reported
adverse reactions in the same controlled clinical trial comparing fixed doses of
intramuscular olanzapine for injection with placebo in agitated patients with
schizophrenia.
Table 19: Treatment-Emergent Extrapyramidal Symptoms Assessed by Adverse Reactions Incidence in a Fixed Dose, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Intramuscular Olanzapine for Injection in Agitated Patients with Schizophrenia
|
| Percentage of
| Patients
| Reporting
| Event
|
|
Placebo (N=45)
| Olanzapine IM 2.5 mg (N=48)
| Olanzapine IM 5 mg (N=45)
| Olanzapine IM 7.5 mg (N=46)
| Olanzapine IM 10 mg (N=46)
|
| Dystonic eventsa | 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
|
| Parkinsonism eventsb | 0
| 4
| 2
| 0
| 0
|
| Akathisia eventsc | 0
| 2
| 0
| 0
| 0
|
| Dyskinetic eventsd | 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
|
| Residual eventse | 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
|
Any extrapyramidal events
| 0
| 4
| 2
| 0
| 0
|
a Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category:
dystonia, generalized spasm, neck rigidity, oculogyric crisis, opisthotonos,
torticollis.
b Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category:
akinesia, cogwheel rigidity, extrapyramidal syndrome, hypertonia, hypokinesia,
masked facies, tremor.
c Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category:
akathisia, hyperkinesia.
d Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category:
buccoglossal syndrome, choreoathetosis, dyskinesia, tardive dyskinesia.
e Patients with the following COSTART terms were counted in this category:
movement disorder, myoclonus, twitching.
Dystonia, Class Effect: Symptoms of
dystonia, prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle groups, may occur in
susceptible individuals during the first few days of treatment. Dystonic
symptoms include: spasm of the neck muscles, sometimes progressing to tightness
of the throat, swallowing difficulty, difficulty breathing, and/or protrusion of
the tongue. While these symptoms can occur at low doses, the frequency and
severity are greater with high potency and at higher doses of first generation
antipsychotic drugs. In general, an elevated risk of acute dystonia may be
observed in males and younger age groups receiving antipsychotics; however,
events of dystonia have been reported infrequently (less than 1%) with olanzapine use.
Other Adverse Reactions: The following
table addresses dose relatedness for other adverse reactions using data from a
schizophrenia trial involving fixed dosage ranges of oral olanzapine. It
enumerates the percentage of patients with treatment-emergent adverse reactions
for the 3 fixed-dose range groups and placebo. The data were analyzed using the
Cochran-Armitage test, excluding the placebo group, and the table includes only
those adverse reactions for which there was a trend.
Table 20: Percentage of Patients from a Schizophrenia Trial with
Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions for the 3 Dose Range Groups and Placebo
| Adverse Reaction | Percentage of Patients Reporting Event |
Placebo
(N=68) | Olanzapine 5
± 2.5 mg/day (N=65) | Olanzapine 10
± 2.5 mg/day (N=64) | Olanzapine 15
± 2.5 mg/day (N=69) |
| Asthenia | 15 | 8 | 9 | 20 |
| Dry mouth | 4 | 3 | 5 | 13 |
| Nausea | 9 | 0 | 2 | 9 |
| Somnolence | 16 | 20 | 30 | 39 |
| Tremor | 3 | 0 | 5 | 7 |
Differences among Fixed-Dose Groups
Observed in Other Olanzapine Clinical Trials
In a single 8-week randomized, double-blind, fixed-dose study comparing 10
(N=199), 20 (N=200) and 40 (N=200) mg/day of oral olanzapine in patients with
schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, differences among 3 dose groups were
observed for the following safety outcomes: weight gain, prolactin elevation,
fatigue and dizziness. Mean baseline to endpoint increase in weight (10 mg/day:
1.9 kg; 20 mg/day: 2.3 kg; 40 mg/day: 3 kg) was observed with significant
differences between 10 vs 40 mg/day. Incidence of treatment-emergent prolactin
elevation greater than 24.2 ng/mL (female) or greater than 18.77 ng/mL (male) at any time during
the trial (10 mg/day: 31.2%; 20 mg/day: 42.7%; 40 mg/day: 61.1%) with
significant differences between 10 vs 40 mg/day and 20 vs 40 mg/day; fatigue
(10 mg/day: 1.5%; 20 mg/day: 2.1%; 40 mg/day: 6.6%) with significant differences
between 10 vs 40 and 20 vs 40 mg/day; and dizziness (10 mg/day: 2.6%; 20 mg/day:
1.6%; 40 mg/day: 6.6%) with significant differences between 20 vs 40 mg, was
observed.
Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the
Clinical Trial Evaluation of Oral Olanzapine
Following is a list of treatment-emergent adverse reactions reported by
patients treated with oral olanzapine (at multiple doses greater than or equal to 1 mg/day) in clinical
trials. This listing is not intended to include reactions (1) already listed in
previous tables or elsewhere in labeling, (2) for which a drug cause was remote,
(3) which were so general as to be uninformative, (4) which were not considered
to have significant clinical implications, or (5) which occurred at a rate equal
to or less than placebo. Reactions are classified by body system using the
following definitions: frequent adverse reactions are those occurring in at
least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in 1/100
to 1/1000 patients; rare reactions are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000
patients.
Body as a Whole —
Infrequent: chills, face edema, photosensitivity reaction,
suicide attempt
1;
Rare: chills
and fever, hangover effect, sudden death
1.
Cardiovascular System —
Infrequent: cerebrovascular accident, vasodilatation.
Digestive System —
Infrequent: nausea and vomiting, tongue edema;
Rare: ileus, intestinal obstruction, liver fatty deposit.
Hemic and Lymphatic System —
Infrequent: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders —
Infrequent: alkaline phosphatase increased, bilirubinemia,
hypoproteinemia.
Musculoskeletal System —
Rare: osteoporosis.
Nervous System —
Infrequent: ataxia, dysarthria, libido decreased, stupor;
Rare: coma.
Respiratory System —
Infrequent: epistaxis;
Rare: lung edema.
Skin and Appendages —
Infrequent: alopecia.
Special Senses —
Infrequent: abnormality of accommodation, dry eyes;
Rare: mydriasis.
Urogenital System —
Infrequent: amenorrhea
2, breast
pain, decreased menstruation, impotence
2, increased
menstruation
2, menorrhagia
2,
metrorrhagia
2, polyuria
2, urinary
frequency, urinary retention, urinary urgency, urination impaired.
1 These terms represent serious adverse events but do
not meet the definition for adverse drug reactions. They are included here
because of their seriousness.
2 Adjusted for gender.
Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the
Clinical Trial Evaluation of Intramuscular Olanzapine for Injection
Following is a list of treatment-emergent adverse reactions reported by
patients treated with intramuscular olanzapine for injection (at 1 or more doses
greater than or equal to 2.5 mg/injection) in clinical trials. This listing is not intended to include
reactions (1) already listed in previous tables or elsewhere in labeling,
(2) for which a drug cause was remote, (3) which were so general as to be
uninformative, (4) which were not considered to have significant clinical
implications, or (5) for which occurred at a rate equal to or less than placebo.
Reactions are classified by body system using the following definitions:
frequent adverse reactions are those occurring in at least 1/100 patients;
infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients.
Body as a Whole —
Frequent: injection site pain.
Cardiovascular System —
Infrequent: syncope.
Digestive System —
Infrequent: nausea.
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders —
Infrequent: creatine phosphokinase increased.
Clinical Trials in Adolescent Patients (age
13 to 17 years)
Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions in Oral
Olanzapine Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials
Adverse reactions in adolescent patients treated with oral olanzapine (doses
greater than or equal to 2.5 mg) reported with an incidence of 5% or more and reported at least twice as
frequently as placebo-treated patients are listed in Table
21.
Table 21: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions of ≥5% Incidence among Adolescents (13-17 Years Old) with Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder (Manic or Mixed Episodes)
|
| Percentage of
| Patients Reporting Event
|
|
| 6 Week Trial
| % Schizophrenia Patients
| 3 Week Trial
| % Bipolar Patients
|
Adverse Reactions
| Olanzapine (N=72)
| Placebo (N=35)
| Olanzapine (N=107)
| Placebo (N=54)
|
Sedationa
| 39
| 9
| 48
| 9
|
Weight increased
| 31
| 9
| 29
| 4
|
Headache
| 17
| 6
| 17
| 17
|
Increased appetite
| 17
| 9
| 29
| 4
|
Dizziness
| 8
| 3
| 7
| 2
|
Abdominal painb
| 6
| 3
| 6
| 7
|
Pain in extremity
| 6
| 3
| 5
| 0
|
Fatigue
| 3
| 3
| 14
| 6
|
Dry mouth
| 4
| 0
| 7
| 0
|
a Patients with the following MedDRA terms were counted in this category:
hypersomnia, lethargy, sedation, somnolence.
b Patients with the following MedDRA terms were counted in this category:
abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper.
Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence
of 2% or More among Oral Olanzapine-Treated Patients in Short-Term (3-6 weeks),
Placebo-Controlled TrialsAdverse reactions in adolescent patients treated with oral olanzapine (doses
greater than or equal to 2.5 mg) reported with an incidence of 2% or more and greater than placebo are
listed in Table 22.
Table 22: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions of ≥2% Incidence among Adolescents (13-17 Years Old) (Combined Incidence from Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder [Manic or Mixed Episodes])
| Percentage of
| Patients Reporting Event
|
Adverse Reaction
| Olanzapine (N=179)
| Placebo (N=89)
|
Sedationa
| 44
| 9
|
Weight increased
| 30
| 6
|
Increased appetite
| 24
| 6
|
Headache
| 17
| 12
|
Fatigue
| 9
| 4
|
Dizziness
| 7
| 2
|
Dry mouth
| 6
| 0
|
Pain in extremity
| 5
| 1
|
Constipation
| 4
| 0
|
Nasopharyngitis
| 4
| 2
|
Diarrhea
| 3
| 0
|
Restlessness
| 3
| 2
|
Livery enzymes increasedb
| 8
| 1
|
Dyspepsia
| 3
| 1
|
Epistaxis
| 3
| 0
|
Respiratory tract infectionc
| 3
| 2
|
Sinusitis
| 3
| 0
|
Arthralgia
| 2
| 0
|
Musculoskeletal stiffness
| 2
| 0
|
a Patients with the following MedDRA terms were counted in this category:
hypersomnia, lethargy, sedation, somnolence.
b The terms alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and
hepatic enzyme were combined under liver enzymes.
c Patients with the following MedDRA terms were counted in this category: lower
respiratory tract infection, respiratory tract infection, respiratory tract
infection viral, upper respiratory tract infection, viral upper respiratory
tract infection.
6.2 Vital Signs and Laboratory Studies
Vital Sign Changes — Oral olanzapine
was associated with orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia in clinical trials.
Intramuscular olanzapine for injection was associated with bradycardia,
hypotension, and tachycardia in clinical trials [see
Warnings and Precautions (5)].
Laboratory Changes
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adults: An
assessment of the premarketing experience for olanzapine revealed an association
with asymptomatic increases in ALT, AST, and GGT. Within the original
premarketing database of about 2400 adult patients with baseline ALT less than or equal to 90 IU/L,
the incidence of ALT elevations to greater than 200 IU/L was 2% (50/2381). None of these
patients experienced jaundice or other symptoms attributable to liver impairment
and most had transient changes that tended to normalize while olanzapine
treatment was continued.
In placebo-controlled olanzapine monotherapy studies in adults, clinically
significant ALT elevations (change from less than 3 times the upper limit of normal
[ULN] at baseline to greater than or equal to 3 times ULN) were observed in 5% (77/1426) of patients
exposed to olanzapine compared to 1% (10/1187) of patients exposed to placebo.
ALT elevations greater than or equal to 5 times ULN were observed in 2% (29/1438) of olanzapine-treated
patients, compared to 0.3% (4/1196) of placebo-treated patients. ALT values
returned to normal, or were decreasing, at last follow-up in the majority of
patients who either continued treatment with olanzapine or discontinued
olanzapine. No patient with elevated ALT values experienced jaundice, liver
failure, or met the criteria for Hy's Rule.
Rare postmarketing reports of hepatitis have been received. Very rare cases
of cholestatic or mixed liver injury have also been reported in the
postmarketing period.
Caution should be exercised in patients with signs and symptoms of hepatic
impairment, in patients with pre-existing conditions associated with limited
hepatic functional reserve, and in patients who are being treated with
potentially hepatotoxic drugs.
Olanzapine administration was also associated with increases in serum
prolactin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)], with an asymptomatic elevation of the eosinophil
count in 0.3% of patients, and with an increase in CPK.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents:
In placebo-controlled clinical trials of adolescent patients with schizophrenia
or bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), greater frequencies for the
following treatment-emergent findings, at anytime, were observed in laboratory
analytes compared to placebo: elevated ALT (greater than or equal to 3X ULN in patients with ALT at
baseline less than 3X ULN), (12% vs 2%); elevated AST (28% vs 4%); low total bilirubin
(22% vs 7%); elevated GGT (10% vs 1%); and elevated prolactin (47% vs 7%).
In placebo-controlled olanzapine monotherapy studies in adolescents,
clinically significant ALT elevations (change from less than 3 times ULN at baseline
to greater than or equal to 3 times ULN) were observed in 12% (22/192) of patients exposed to olanzapine
compared to 2% (2/109) of patients exposed to placebo. ALT elevations greater than or equal to 5 times
ULN were observed in 4% (8/192) of olanzapine-treated patients, compared to 1%
(1/109) of placebo-treated patients. ALT values returned to normal, or were
decreasing, at last follow-up in the majority of patients who either continued
treatment with olanzapine or discontinued olanzapine. No adolescent patient with
elevated ALT values experienced jaundice, liver failure, or met the criteria for
Hy's Rule.
ECG Changes — In pooled studies of
adults as well as pooled studies of adolescents, there were no significant
differences between olanzapine and placebo in the proportions of patients
experiencing potentially important changes in ECG parameters, including QT, QTc
(Fridericia corrected), and PR intervals. Olanzapine use was associated with a
mean increase in heart rate compared to placebo (adults: +2.4 beats per minute
vs no change with placebo; adolescents: +6.3 beats per minute vs -5.1 beats per
minute with placebo). This increase in heart rate may be related to olanzapine's
potential for inducing orthostatic changes [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.8)].
6.3 Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during
post-approval use of ZYPREXA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily
from a population of uncertain size, it is difficult to reliably estimate their
frequency or evaluate a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Adverse reactions reported since market introduction that were temporally
(but not necessarily causally) related to ZYPREXA therapy include the following:
allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylactoid reaction, angioedema, pruritus or
urticaria), diabetic coma, diabetic ketoacidosis, discontinuation reaction
(diaphoresis, nausea or vomiting), jaundice, neutropenia, pancreatitis,
priapism, rash, rhabdomyolysis, and venous thromboembolic events (including
pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis). Random cholesterol levels of greater than or equal to 240 mg/dL and random triglyceride levels of greater than or equal to 1000 mg/dL have been reported.