Other
Post-Injection Delirium/Sedation Syndrome — Adverse events with signs and symptoms consistent with olanzapine overdose, in particular, sedation (including coma) and/or delirium, have been reported following injections of ZYPREXA RELPREVV. ZYPREXA RELPREVV must be administered in a registered healthcare facility with ready access to emergency response services. After each injection, patients must be observed at the healthcare facility by a healthcare professional for at least 3 hours. Because of this risk, ZYPREXA RELPREVV is available only through a restricted distribution program called ZYPREXA RELPREVV Patient Care Program and requires prescriber, healthcare facility, patient, and pharmacy enrollment [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2), Overdosage (10.2), and Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis — Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Analyses of seventeen placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs, revealed a risk of death in drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times the risk of death in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10-week controlled trial, the rate of death in drug-treated patients was about 4.5%, compared to a rate of about 2.6% in the placebo group. Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that, similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, treatment with conventional antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. The extent to which the findings of increased mortality in observational studies may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to some characteristic(s) of the patients is not clear. ZYPREXA RELPREVV is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.5) and Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Post-Injection Delirium/Sedation Syndrome — During premarketing clinical studies, adverse events that presented with signs and symptoms consistent with olanzapine overdose, in particular, sedation (including coma) and/or delirium, were reported in patients following an injection of ZYPREXA RELPREVV [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Overdosage (10.1)]. Patients should be informed of this risk and how to recognize related symptoms [see Patient Counseling Information (17)]. ZYPREXA RELPREVV must be administered in a registered healthcare facility with ready access to emergency response services. After each ZYPREXA RELPREVV injection, a healthcare professional must continuously observe the patient at the healthcare facility for at least 3 hours for symptoms consistent with olanzapine overdose, including sedation (ranging from mild in severity to coma) and/or delirium (including confusion, disorientation, agitation, anxiety, and other cognitive impairment). Other symptoms noted include extrapyramidal symptoms, dysarthria, ataxia, aggression, dizziness, weakness, hypertension, and convulsion. The potential for onset of an event is greatest within the first hour. The majority of cases have occurred within the first 3 hours after injection; however, the event has occurred after 3 hours. Following the 3-hour observation period, healthcare professionals must confirm that the patient is alert, oriented, and absent of any signs and symptoms of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome prior to being released. All patients must be accompanied to their destination upon leaving the facility. For the remainder of the day of each injection, patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery, and should be advised to be vigilant for symptoms of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome and be able to obtain medical assistance if needed. If post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome is suspected, close medical supervision and monitoring should be instituted in a facility capable of resuscitation [see Overdosage (10)].
Dosing in Specific Populations — Tolerance of oral ZYPREXA should be established prior to initiating treatment with ZYPREXA RELPREVV. The recommended starting dose is ZYPREXA RELPREVV 150 mg/4 wks in patients who are debilitated, who have a predisposition to hypotensive reactions, who otherwise exhibit a combination of factors that may result in slower metabolism of olanzapine (e.g., nonsmoking female patients ≥65 years of age), or who may be more pharmacodynamically sensitive to olanzapine. When indicated, dose escalation should be undertaken with caution in these patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.18), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
ZYPREXA RELPREVV has not been studied in subjects under 18 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Maintenance Treatment — Although no controlled studies have been conducted to determine how long patients should be treated with ZYPREXA RELPREVV, efficacy has been demonstrated over a period of 24 weeks in patients with stabilized schizophrenia. Additionally, oral ZYPREXA has been shown to be effective in maintenance of treatment response in schizophrenia in longer-term use. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.
Switching from Other Antipsychotics — There are no systematically collected data to specifically address how to switch patients with schizophrenia from other antipsychotics to ZYPREXA RELPREVV.
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus
Healthcare providers should consider the risks and benefits when prescribing olanzapine to patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, or having borderline increased blood glucose level (fasting 100-126 mg/dL, nonfasting 140-200 mg/dL). Patients taking olanzapine should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients starting treatment with olanzapine should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has resolved when the atypical antipsychotic was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic treatment despite discontinuation of the suspect drug [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including olanzapine. Assessment of the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and glucose abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increased background risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia and the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in the general population. Epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of treatment-emergent hyperglycemia-related adverse reactions in patients treated with the atypical antipsychotics. While relative risk estimates are inconsistent, the association between atypical antipsychotics and increases in glucose levels appears to fall on a continuum and olanzapine appears to have a greater association than some other atypical antipsychotics.
Mean increases in blood glucose have been observed in patients treated (median exposure of 9.2 months) with olanzapine in phase 1 of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE). The mean increase of serum glucose (fasting and nonfasting samples) from baseline to the average of the 2 highest serum concentrations was 15.0 mg/dL.
In a study of healthy volunteers, subjects who received olanzapine (N=22) for 3 weeks had a mean increase compared to baseline in fasting blood glucose of 2.3 mg/dL. Placebo-treated subjects (N=19) had a mean increase in fasting blood glucose compared to baseline of 0.34 mg/dL.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adults — In an analysis of 5 placebo-controlled adult olanzapine monotherapy studies with a median treatment duration of approximately 3 weeks, olanzapine was associated with a greater mean change in fasting glucose levels compared to placebo (2.76 mg/dL versus 0.17 mg/dL). The difference in mean changes between olanzapine and placebo was greater in patients with evidence of glucose dysregulation at baseline (patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus or related adverse reactions, patients treated with anti-diabetic agents, patients with a baseline random glucose level ≥200 mg/dL, and/or a baseline fasting glucose level ≥126 mg/dL).
Olanzapine-treated patients had a greater mean HbA1c increase from baseline of 0.04% (median exposure 21 days), compared to a mean HbA1c decrease of 0.06% in placebo-treated subjects (median exposure 17 days).
In an analysis of 8 placebo-controlled studies (median treatment exposure 4-5 weeks), 6.1% of olanzapine-treated subjects (N=855) had treatment-emergent glycosuria compared to 2.8% of placebo-treated subjects (N=599). Table 2 shows short-term and long-term changes in fasting glucose levels from adult olanzapine monotherapy studies.
a Not Applicable. | ||||||
| Up to 12 weeks exposure | At least 48 weeks exposure | |||||
| Laboratory Analyte | Category Change (at least once) from Baseline | Treatment Arm | N | Patients | N | Patients |
| Normal to High | Olanzapine | 543 | 2.2% | 345 | 12.8% | |
| Fasting | (<100 mg/dL to ≥126 mg/dL) | Placebo | 293 | 3.4% | NAa | NAa |
| Glucose | Borderline to High | Olanzapine | 178 | 17.4% | 127 | 26.0% |
| (≥100 mg/dL and <126 mg/dL to ≥126 mg/dL) | Placebo | 96 | 11.5% | NAa | NAa | |
The mean change in fasting glucose for patients exposed at least 48 weeks was 4.2 mg/dL (N=487). In analyses of patients who completed 9-12 months of olanzapine therapy, mean change in fasting and nonfasting glucose levels continued to increase over time.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents — The safety and efficacy of ZYPREXA RELPREVV have not been established in patients under the age of 18 years.
In an analysis of 3 placebo-controlled oral olanzapine monotherapy studies of adolescent patients (13-17 years), including those with schizophrenia (6 weeks) or bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes) (3 weeks), olanzapine was associated with a greater mean change from baseline in fasting glucose levels compared to placebo (2.68 mg/dL versus -2.59 mg/dL). The mean change in fasting glucose for adolescents exposed at least 24 weeks was 3.1 mg/dL (N=121). Table 3 shows short-term and long-term changes in fasting blood glucose from adolescent oral olanzapine monotherapy studies.
a Not Applicable. | ||||||
| Up to 12 weeks exposure | At least 24 weeks exposure | |||||
| Laboratory Analyte | Category Change (at least once) from Baseline | Treatment Arm | N | Patients | N | Patients |
| Normal to High | Olanzapine | 124 | 0% | 108 | 0.9% | |
| Fasting | (<100 mg/dL to ≥126 mg/dL) | Placebo | 53 | 1.9% | NAa | NAa |
| Glucose | Borderline to High | Olanzapine | 14 | 14.3% | 13 | 23.1% |
| (≥100 mg/dL and <126 mg/dL to ≥126 mg/dL) | Placebo | 13 | 0% | NAa | NAa | |
Dyslipidemia
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)].
Clinically significant, and sometimes very high (>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.
a Not Applicable. | ||||||
| Up to 12 weeks exposure | At least 48 weeks exposure | |||||
| Laboratory Analyte | Category Change (at least once) from Baseline | Treatment Arm | N | Patients | N | Patients |
| Increase by ≥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 | (<150 mg/dL to ≥200 mg/dL) | Placebo | 251 | 4.4% | NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High | Olanzapine | 135 | 39.3% | 75 | 70.7% | |
| (≥150 mg/dL and <200 mg/dL to ≥200 mg/dL) | Placebo | 65 | 20.0% | NAa | NAa | |
| Increase by ≥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 | (<200 mg/dL to ≥240 mg/dL) | Placebo | 207 | 2.4% | NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High | Olanzapine | 222 | 23.0% | 125 | 55.2% | |
| (≥200 mg/dL and <240 mg/dL to ≥240 mg/dL) | Placebo | 112 | 12.5% | NAa | NAa | |
| Increase by ≥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 | (<100 mg/dL to ≥160 mg/dL) | Placebo | 82 | 1.2% | NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High | Olanzapine | 302 | 10.6% | 284 | 31.0% | |
| (≥100 mg/dL and <160 mg/dL to ≥160 mg/dL) | Placebo | 173 | 8.1% | NAa | NAa | |
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.
Dose group differences with respect to increases in fasting triglycerides have been observed. In a 24-week randomized, double-blind, fixed-dose study with ZYPREXA RELPREVV, statistically significant differences among dose groups have been observed for fasting triglycerides. Incidence of changes from normal to high levels of fasting triglycerides at any time during the trial indicated significant differences between the highest dose group (300 mg/2 weeks, 24.5% [13/53]) and the lower dose groups (150 mg/2 weeks, 6.5% [4/62]; 405 mg/4 weeks, 9.8% [13/133]).
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents — The safety and efficacy of ZYPREXA RELPREVV have not been established in patients under the age of 18 years.
In an analysis of 3 placebo-controlled oral olanzapine monotherapy studies of adolescents (13-17 years), 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.
a Not Applicable. | ||||||
| Up to 6 weeks exposure | At least 24 weeks exposure | |||||
| Laboratory Analyte | Category Change (at least once) from Baseline | Treatment Arm | N | Patients | N | Patients |
| Increase by ≥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 | (<90 mg/dL to >130 mg/dL) | Placebo | 28 | 10.7% | NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High | Olanzapine | 37 | 59.5% | 31 | 64.5% | |
| (≥90 mg/dL and ≤130 mg/dL to >130 mg/dL) | Placebo | 17 | 35.3% | NAa | NAa | |
| Increase by ≥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 | (<170 mg/dL to ≥200 mg/dL) | Placebo | 43 | 2.3% | NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High | Olanzapine | 36 | 38.9% | 33 | 57.6% | |
| (≥170 mg/dL and <200 mg/dL to ≥200 mg/dL) | Placebo | 13 | 7.7% | NAa | NAa | |
| Increase by ≥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 | (<110 mg/dL to ≥130 mg/dL) | Placebo | 44 | 4.5% | NAa | NAa |
| Borderline to High | Olanzapine | 29 | 48.3% | 21 | 47.6% | |
| (≥110 mg/dL and <130 mg/dL to ≥130 mg/dL) | Placebo | 9 | 0% | NAa | NAa | |
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)].
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 to event 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 to event 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.
| 6 Weeks | 6 Months | 12 Months | 24 Months | 36 Months | |
| Amount Gained | (N=7465) | (N=4162) | (N=1345) | (N=474) | (N=147) |
| kg (lb) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) |
| ≤0 | 26.2 | 24.3 | 20.8 | 23.2 | 17.0 |
| 0 to ≤5 (0-11 lb) | 57.0 | 36.0 | 26.0 | 23.4 | 25.2 |
| >5 to ≤10 (11-22 lb) | 14.9 | 24.6 | 24.2 | 24.1 | 18.4 |
| >10 to ≤15 (22-33 lb) | 1.8 | 10.9 | 14.9 | 11.4 | 17.0 |
| >15 to ≤20 (33-44 lb) | 0.1 | 3.1 | 8.6 | 9.3 | 11.6 |
| >20 to ≤25 (44-55 lb) | 0 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| >25 to ≤30 (55-66 lb) | 0 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 2.3 | 4.8 |
| >30 (>66 lb) | 0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 2 |
Dose group differences with respect to weight gain have been observed in some studies. In a 24-week randomized, double-blind, fixed-dose study with ZYPREXA RELPREVV, mean baseline-to-endpoint increase in weight (150 mg/2 weeks, n=140: 0.67 kg; 405 mg/4 weeks, n=315: 0.89 kg; 300 mg/2 weeks, n=140: 1.70 kg) was observed with significant differences between the lowest and highest dose groups (150 vs 300 mg/2 weeks). 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 adult patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, 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.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents — The safety and efficacy of ZYPREXA RELPREVV have not been established in patients under the age of 18 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.
| 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.
| 6 Weeks | 6 Months | |
| Amount Gained | (N=243) | (N=191) |
| kg (lb) | (%) | (%) |
| ≤0 | 2.9 | 2.1 |
| 0 to ≤5 (0-11 lb) | 47.3 | 24.6 |
| >5 to ≤10 (11-22 lb) | 42.4 | 26.7 |
| >10 to ≤15 (22-33 lb) | 5.8 | 22.0 |
| >15 to ≤20 (33-44 lb) | 0.8 | 12.6 |
| >20 to ≤25 (44-55 lb) | 0.8 | 9.4 |
| >25 to ≤30 (55-66 lb) | 0 | 2.1 |
| >30 to ≤35 (66-77 lb) | 0 | 0 |
| >35 to ≤40 (77-88 lb) | 0 | 0 |
| >40 (>88 lb) | 0 | 0.5 |
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 RELPREVV 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 <1000/mm3) should discontinue ZYPREXA RELPREVV and have their WBC followed until recovery.
Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment in a Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Overall, there was no difference in the incidence of discontinuation due to adverse reactions between ZYPREXA RELPREVV (4%; 13/306 patients) and placebo (5%; 5/98 patients) in an 8-week trial.
Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions in a Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trial
In an 8-week trial, treatment-emergent adverse reactions with an incidence of 5% or greater in at least one of the ZYPREXA RELPREVV treatment groups (210 mg/2 weeks, 405 mg/4 weeks, or 300 mg/2 weeks) and greater than placebo were: headache, sedation, weight gain, cough, diarrhea, back pain, nausea, somnolence, dry mouth, nasopharyngitis, increased appetite, and vomiting.
Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of 2% or More among ZYPREXA RELPREVV-Treated Patients in a Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Table 9 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of treatment-emergent adverse reactions that occurred in 2% or more of patients treated with ZYPREXA RELPREVV and with incidence greater than placebo who participated in the 8-week, placebo-controlled trial.
a The term abdominal pain upper was combined under abdominal pain. | ||||
b The term tooth abscess was combined under tooth infection. | ||||
c The terms alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, and gamma-glutamyltransferase increased were combined under hepatic enzyme increased. | ||||
d The term tension headache was combined under headache. | ||||
e The term somnolence was combined under sedation. | ||||
f The term sinus congestion was combined under nasal congestion. | ||||
| Percentage of Patients Reporting Adverse Event | ||||
| ZYPREXA RELPREVV | ZYPREXA RELPREVV | ZYPREXA RELPREVV | ||
| Placebo | 405 mg/4 wks | 210 mg/2 wks | 300 mg/2 wks | |
| Body System/Adverse Reaction | (N=98) | (N=100) | (N=106) | (N=100) |
| Ear and Labyrinth Disorders | ||||
| Ear pain | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Abdominal paina | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Diarrhea | 4 | 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Dry mouth | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Flatulence | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Nausea | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Toothache | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Vomiting | 2 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||||
| Fatigue | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Injection site pain | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Pain | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Pyrexia | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Infections and Infestations | ||||
| Nasopharyngitis | 2 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
| Tooth infectionb | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Viral infection | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications | ||||
| Procedural pain | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Investigations | ||||
| Electrocardiogram QT-corrected interval prolonged | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Hepatic enzyme increasedc | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Weight increased | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||||
| Increased appetite | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | ||||
| Arthralgia | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Back pain | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Muscle spasms | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Musculoskeletal stiffness | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||||
| Dizziness | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Dysarthria | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Headached | 8 | 13 | 15 | 18 |
| Sedatione | 7 | 13 | 8 | 13 |
| Tremor | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||||
| Abnormal dreams | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Hallucination, auditory | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Restlessness | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Sleep disorder | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Thinking abnormal | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Reproductive System and Breast Disorders | ||||
| Vaginal discharge | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | ||||
| Cough | 5 | 3 | 5 | 9 |
| Nasal congestionf | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| Pharyngolaryngeal pain | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Sneezing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||||
| Acne | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||||
| Hypertension | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Dose Dependency of Adverse Reactions
Dose group differences have been observed for weight, fasting triglycerides and prolactin elevation for ZYPREXA RELPREVV [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7, 5.17)].
A dose group difference for oral olanzapine has been observed for fatigue, dizziness, weight gain and prolactin elevation. 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 adult patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, incidence of fatigue (10 mg/day: 1.5%; 20 mg/day: 2.1%; 40 mg/day: 6.6%) was observed with significant differences between 10 vs 40 and 20 vs 40 mg/day. The incidence of dizziness (10 mg/day: 2.6%; 20 mg/day: 1.6%; 40 mg/day: 6.6%) was observed with significant differences between 20 vs 40 mg. Dose group differences were also noted for weight gain and prolactin elevation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7, 5.17)].
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.
a Percentage of patients with a Simpson-Angus Scale total score >3. | ||||
b Percentage of patients with a Barnes Akathisia Scale global score ≥2. | ||||
| Percentage of Patients Reporting Event | ||||
| Olanzapine | Olanzapine | Olanzapine | ||
| Placebo | 5 ± 2.5 mg/day | 10 ± 2.5 mg/day | 15 ± 2.5 mg/day | |
| Parkinsonisma | 15 | 14 | 12 | 14 |
| Akathisiab | 23 | 16 | 19 | 27 |
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.
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. | ||||
| Percentage of Patients Reporting Event | ||||
| Olanzapine | Olanzapine | Olanzapine | ||
| Placebo | 5 ± 2.5 mg/day | 10 ± 2.5 mg/day | 15 ± 2.5 mg/day | |
| (N=68) | (N=65) | (N=64) | (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 |
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 (<1%) with olanzapine use.
Other Adverse Reactions
Local Injection Site Reactions
Eleven ZYPREXA RELPREVV-treated patients (3.6%) and 0 placebo-treated patients experienced treatment-emergent injection-related adverse reactions (injection site pain, buttock pain, injection site mass, induration, injection site induration) in the placebo-controlled database. The most frequently occurring treatment-emergent adverse reaction was injection site pain (2.3% ZYPREXA RELPREVV-treated; 0% placebo-treated).
Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Clinical Trial Evaluation of Olanzapine for Extended-Release Injectable Suspension
Injection site abscess has been reported in clinical trials with ZYPREXA RELPREVV therapy. Isolated cases required surgical intervention.
Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions During the Clinical Trial Evaluation of Oral Olanzapine
In clinical trials of oral olanzapine monotherapy for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients, treatment-emergent adverse reactions with an incidence of 5% or greater in the olanzapine treatment arm and at least twice that of placebo were: postural hypotension, constipation, weight gain, dizziness, personality disorder, and akathisia.
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 ≥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 adverse reactions are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.
Body as a Whole — Infrequent: chills, face edema, photosensitivity reaction, suicide attempt1; Rare: chills and fever, hangover effect, sudden death1.
Cardiovascular System — Infrequent: cerebrovascular accident, vasodilatation.
Digestive System — Infrequent: abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, tongue edema; Rare: ileus, intestinal obstruction, liver fatty deposit.
Hemic and Lymphatic System — Infrequent: thrombocytopenia.
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders — Frequent: alkaline phosphatase increased; Infrequent: 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: amenorrhea2, breast pain, decreased menstruation, impotence2, increased menstruation2, menorrhagia2, metrorrhagia2, polyuria2, 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.
Vital Signs and Laboratory Studies
Laboratory Changes
ZYPREXA RELPREVV in Adults: Statistically significant within group mean changes for ZYPREXA RELPREVV, which were also significantly different from placebo, were observed for the following: eosinophils, monocytes, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and direct bilirubin. There were no statistically significant differences between ZYPREXA RELPREVV and placebo in the incidence of potentially clinically significant changes in any of the laboratory values studied.
Statistically significant within group mean changes for ZYPREXA RELPREVV, which were also significantly different from oral olanzapine (in a 24-week double-blind study), were observed for the following: gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and sodium.
From an analysis of the laboratory data in an integrated database of 41 completed clinical studies in adult patients treated with oral olanzapine, high GGT levels were recorded in ≥1% (88/5245) of patients.
Statistically significant differences were observed between ZYPREXA RELPREVV and oral olanzapine for the incidence of treatment-emergent low platelet count (0% ZYPREXA RELPREVV vs 1% oral olanzapine); and low total bilirubin (2.8% ZYPREXA RELPREVV vs 0.7% for oral olanzapine). There was a statistically significant difference between ZYPREXA RELPREVV and oral olanzapine in potentially clinically significant changes for high leukocyte count (0% ZYPREXA RELPREVV vs 1% oral olanzapine).
Changes in aminotransferases observed with ZYPREXA RELPREVV treatment were similar to those reported with ZYPREXA treatment. In placebo-controlled ZYPREXA RELPREVV studies, clinically significant ALT elevations (≥3 times the upper limit of the normal range) were observed in 2.7% (8/291) of patients exposed to olanzapine compared to 3.2% (3/94) of the placebo patients. None of these patients experienced jaundice. In 3 of these patients, liver enzymes reverted to the normal range despite continued treatment, and in 5 cases enzymes values decreased, but were still above the normal range at the end of therapy.
Within the larger premarketing ZYPREXA RELPREVV database of 1886 patients with baseline ALT ≤90 IU/L, the incidence of ALT elevation to >200 IU/L was 0.8%. None of these patients experienced jaundice or other symptoms attributable to liver impairment and most had transient changes that tended to normalize while ZYPREXA RELPREVV treatment was continued.
From an analysis of the laboratory data in an integrated database of 41 completed clinical studies in adult patients treated with oral olanzapine, elevated uric acid was recorded in ≥3% (171/4641) of patients.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adults: An assessment of the premarketing experience for oral 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 ≤90 IU/L, the incidence of ALT elevations to >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 oral olanzapine monotherapy studies in adults, clinically significant ALT elevations (change from <3 times the upper limit of normal [ULN] at baseline 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 ≥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.
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.
Oral olanzapine administration was also associated with increases in serum prolactin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17)], with an asymptomatic elevation of the eosinophil count in 0.3% of patients, and with an increase in CPK.
ECG Changes — Comparison of ZYPREXA RELPREVV and oral olanzapine, in a 24 week study, revealed no significant differences on ECG changes. Between-group comparisons for pooled placebo-controlled trials revealed no significant oral olanzapine/placebo differences in the proportions of patients experiencing potentially important changes in ECG parameters, including QT, QTc, and PR intervals. Oral olanzapine use was associated with a mean increase in heart rate of 2.4 beats per minute compared to no change among placebo patients. This slight tendency to tachycardia may be related to olanzapine's potential for inducing orthostatic changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].
Risk Summary
Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs, including ZYPREXA RELPREVV, during the third trimester are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery (see Clinical Considerations). Overall available data from published epidemiologic studies of pregnant women exposed to olanzapine have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data). There are risks to the mother associated with untreated schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder and with exposure to antipsychotics, including ZYPREXA RELPREVV, during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations).
Olanzapine was not teratogenic when administered orally to pregnant rats and rabbits at doses that are 9- and 30-times the daily oral maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), based on mg/m2 body surface area; some fetal toxicities were observed at these doses (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-associated maternal and embryo/fetal risk
There is a risk to the mother from untreated schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, including increased risk of relapse, hospitalization, and suicide. Schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder are associated with increased adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth. It is not known if this is a direct result of the illness or other comorbid factors.
Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions
Extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms, including agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder have been reported in neonates who were exposed to antipsychotic drugs, including ZYPREXA RELPREVV, during the third trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms have varied in severity. Monitor neonates for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms and manage symptoms appropriately. Some neonates recovered within hours or days without specific treatment; others required prolonged hospitalization.
Data
Human Data
Placental passage has been reported in published study reports; however, the placental passage ratio was highly variable ranging between 7% to 167% at birth following exposure during pregnancy. The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown.
Published data from observational studies, birth registries, case reports and meta-analyses that have evaluated the use of atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy do not establish an increased risk of major birth defects. A retrospective cohort study from a Medicaid database of 9258 women exposed to antipsychotics during pregnancy did not indicate an overall increased risk for major birth defects.
Animal Data
In oral reproduction studies in rats at doses up to 18 mg/kg/day and in rabbits at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day (9 and 30 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area, respectively), no evidence of teratogenicity was observed. In an oral rat teratology study, early resorptions and increased numbers of nonviable fetuses were observed at a dose of 18 mg/kg/day (9 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area), and gestation was prolonged at 10 mg/kg/day (5 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area). In an oral rabbit teratology study, fetal toxicity manifested as increased resorptions and decreased fetal weight, occurred at a maternally toxic dose of 30 mg/kg/day (30 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area). No evidence of teratogenicity or embryo-fetal toxicity was observed in rats or rabbits with olanzapine at intramuscular doses up to 75 mg/kg (1 and 2 times the MRHD of 300 mg every 2 weeks, respectively, based on mg/m2 body surface area).
Dose Proportionality and Oral Dose Correspondence — ZYPREXA RELPREVV provides a dose of 150, 210, 300, or 405 mg olanzapine. An injection of a larger dose produces a dose-proportional increase in the systemic exposure. The olanzapine exposure after doses of ZYPREXA RELPREVV corresponds to exposure for oral doses of olanzapine. A ZYPREXA RELPREVV dose of 300 mg olanzapine injected every two weeks delivers approximately 20 mg olanzapine per day and a ZYPREXA RELPREVV dose of 150 mg olanzapine injected every two weeks delivers approximately 10 mg per day. These ZYPREXA RELPREVV doses sustain steady-state olanzapine concentrations over long periods of treatment.
Pharmacokinetic Impact of Switching to ZYPREXA RELPREVV from Oral Olanzapine — The switch from oral olanzapine to ZYPREXA RELPREVV changes the pharmacokinetics from an elimination-rate-controlled to an absorption-rate-controlled process. The switch to ZYPREXA RELPREVV may require treatment for a period of approximately 3 months to re-establish steady-state conditions. Initial treatment with ZYPREXA RELPREVV is recommended at a dose corresponding to the mg/day oral dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. Plasma concentrations of olanzapine during the first injection interval may be lower than those maintained by a corresponding oral dose. Even though the concentrations are lower, the olanzapine concentrations remained within a therapeutically effective range and supplementation with orally administered olanzapine was generally not necessary in clinical trials.
Olanzapine is extensively distributed throughout the body, with a volume of distribution of approximately 1000 L. It is 93% bound to plasma proteins over the concentration range of 7 to 1100 ng/mL, binding primarily to albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein.
Metabolism and Elimination — Following a single oral dose of 14C labeled olanzapine, 7% of the dose of olanzapine was recovered in the urine as unchanged drug, indicating that olanzapine is highly metabolized. Approximately 57% and 30% of the dose was recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. In the plasma, olanzapine accounted for only 12% of the AUC for total radioactivity, indicating significant exposure to metabolites. After multiple dosing, the major circulating metabolites were the 10-N-glucuronide, present at steady state at 44% of the concentration of olanzapine, and 4′-N-desmethyl olanzapine, present at steady state at 31% of the concentration of olanzapine. Both metabolites lack pharmacological activity at the concentrations observed.
Direct glucuronidation and cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated oxidation are the primary metabolic pathways for olanzapine. In vitro studies suggest that CYPs 1A2 and 2D6, and the flavin-containing monooxygenase system are involved in olanzapine oxidation. CYP2D6 mediated oxidation appears to be a minor metabolic pathway in vivo, because the clearance of olanzapine is not reduced in subjects who are deficient in this enzyme.
Intramuscular Formulations — There are two formulations of ZYPREXA which are available for intramuscular injection. One form (ZYPREXA RELPREVV) is described in this package insert. The other formulation (ZYPREXA IntraMuscular) is a solution of olanzapine. When ZYPREXA IntraMuscular is injected intramuscularly, olanzapine (as the free base) is rapidly absorbed and peak plasma concentrations occur within 15 to 45 minutes. With the exception of higher maximum plasma concentrations, the pharmacokinetics of olanzapine after ZYPREXA IntraMuscular are similar to those for orally administered olanzapine. Refer to the package insert for ZYPREXA IntraMuscular for additional information.
Specific Populations — In general, the decision to use ZYPREXA RELPREVV in specific populations should be thoughtfully considered. For patients who have never taken oral olanzapine, tolerability should be established with oral olanzapine prior to initiating treatment with ZYPREXA RELPREVV. The recommended starting dose is ZYPREXA RELPREVV 150 mg/4 wks, in patients who are debilitated, who have a predisposition to hypotensive reactions, who otherwise exhibit a combination of factors that may result in slower metabolism of olanzapine (e.g., nonsmoking female patients >65 years of age), or who may be more pharmacodynamically sensitive to olanzapine. When indicated, dose escalation should be performed with caution in these patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. Precautions noted below need to be carefully weighed.
Renal Impairment — Because olanzapine is highly metabolized before excretion and only 7% of the drug is excreted unchanged, renal dysfunction alone is unlikely to have a major impact on the pharmacokinetics of olanzapine. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of orally administered olanzapine were similar in patients with severe renal impairment and normal subjects, indicating that dosage adjustment based upon the degree of renal impairment is not required. In addition, olanzapine is not removed by dialysis. The effect of renal impairment on metabolite elimination has not been studied.
Hepatic Impairment — Although the presence of hepatic impairment may be expected to reduce the clearance of olanzapine, a study of the effect of impaired liver function in subjects (n=6) with clinically significant (Childs Pugh Classification A and B) cirrhosis revealed little effect on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered olanzapine.
Geriatric — In a study involving 24 healthy subjects, the mean elimination half-life of orally administered olanzapine was about 1.5 times greater in elderly (≥65 years) than in nonelderly subjects (<65 years). Caution should be used in dosing the elderly, especially if there are other factors that might additively influence drug metabolism and/or pharmacodynamic sensitivity [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Gender — For both oral ZYPREXA and ZYPREXA RELPREVV higher average plasma concentrations of olanzapine were observed in women than in men. There were, however, no apparent differences between men and women in effectiveness or adverse effects. Dosage modifications based on gender should not be needed.
Smoking Status — For both oral ZYPREXA and ZYPREXA RELPREVV, studies have demonstrated that the clearance of olanzapine is higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, although dosage modifications are not routinely recommended.
Race — In vivo studies of orally administered olanzapine have shown that exposures are similar among Japanese, Chinese and Caucasians, especially after normalization for body weight differences. Dosage modifications for race are, therefore, not recommended.
Combined Effects — The combined effects of age, smoking, and gender could lead to substantial pharmacokinetic differences in populations. The clearance in young smoking males, for example, may be 3 times higher than that in elderly nonsmoking females. Dosing modification may be necessary in patients who exhibit a combination of factors that may result in slower metabolism of olanzapine [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Carcinogenesis — Oral carcinogenicity studies were conducted in mice and rats. Olanzapine was administered to mice in two 78-week studies at doses of 3, 10, 30/20 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 0.8-5 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area) and 0.25, 2, 8 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 0.06-2 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area). Rats were dosed for 2 years at doses of 0.25, 1, 2.5, 4 mg/kg/day (males) and 0.25, 1, 4, 8 mg/kg/day (females) (equivalent to 0.13-2 and 0.13-4 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area, respectively). The incidence of liver hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas was significantly increased in 1 mouse study in female mice at 2 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area. These tumors were not increased in another mouse study in females dosed up to 2-5 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area; in this study, there was a high incidence of early mortalities in males of the 30/20 mg/kg/day group. The incidence of mammary gland adenomas and adenocarcinomas was significantly increased in female mice dosed at ≥2 mg/kg/day and in female rats dosed at ≥4 mg/kg/day (0.5 and 2 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area, respectively). Rats were also treated intramuscularly with ZYPREXA RELPREVV once a month for 2 years at doses of 5, 10, 20 mg/kg (males) and 10, 25, 50 mg/kg (females) (equivalent to 0.08-0.8 times the daily oral MRHD of 300 mg every 2 weeks based on mg/m2 body surface area; dosing was limited due to local reactions at the IM injection site). The incidence of tumors in this study was not altered when compared to solution for ZYPREXA RELPREVV control or pamoic acid treated animals. Antipsychotic drugs have been shown to chronically elevate prolactin levels in rodents. Serum prolactin levels were not measured during the olanzapine carcinogenicity studies; however, measurements during subchronic toxicity studies showed that olanzapine elevated serum prolactin levels up to 4-fold in rats at the same doses used in the carcinogenicity study. An increase in mammary gland neoplasms has been found in rodents after chronic administration of other antipsychotic drugs and is considered to be prolactin mediated. The relevance for human risk of the finding of prolactin mediated endocrine tumors in rodents is unknown [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17)].
Mutagenesis — No evidence of genotoxic potential for olanzapine was found in the Ames reverse mutation test, in vivo micronucleus test in mice, the chromosomal aberration test in Chinese hamster ovary cells, unscheduled DNA synthesis test in rat hepatocytes, induction of forward mutation test in mouse lymphoma cells, or in vivo sister chromatid exchange test in bone marrow of Chinese hamsters.
Impairment of Fertility — In an oral fertility and reproductive performance study in rats, male mating performance, but not fertility, was impaired at a dose of 22.4 mg/kg/day and female fertility was decreased at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day (11 and 1.5 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area, respectively). Discontinuance of olanzapine treatment reversed the effects on male mating performance. In female rats, the precoital period was increased and the mating index reduced at 5 mg/kg/day (2.5 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area). Diestrous was prolonged and estrous delayed at 1.1 mg/kg/day (0.6 times the daily oral MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area); therefore olanzapine may produce a delay in ovulation.