OLANZAPINE
• Keep a regular check-up schedule. Your doctor may
Why is this medicine prescribed to you?
Olanzapine is prescribed to treat schizophrenia (severe
mental disorder) and bipolar disorder (manic depression).
How do you use it?
Use olanzapine exactly as instructed by your doctor for it
to be effective.
• Take olanzapine with or without food; with food if it
causes stomach upset.
• If you are given the orally disintegrating tablet, place the
tablet, using dry hands, on your tongue and allow it to
dissolve without chewing. Swallow as it dissolves.
• If you forget to use this medicine on schedule, use it
immediately as you remember. However, if it is already
time for the next dose, just proceed with your next
regular dose schedule.
• Unless advised by your doctor, do not double or adjust
dosage, or stop use even if you feel well. Abrupt
or sudden stopping may cause withdrawal reactions.
What do you need to know before you use it?
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist:
- if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or
breast-feeding;
- if you have any of the following conditions: allergy,
liver problem, prostate problem, urination problem,
heart problem, low white blood cell count, blood
pressure problem, high cholesterol, low white blood
cell count, seizures, stomach or intestinal problem,
difficulty swallowing, glaucoma, diabetes, smoking;
- if you are using any other prescription or over-the-
counter (OTC) medicines and dietary or
herbal supplements.
• If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop
taking it and inform your doctor immediately.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Drink plenty of fluids, avoid heavy exercise and keep
cool in hot weather while taking this medicine.
This pharmacy information service of Mercury Drug Corporation contains only basic drug
information and must not be relied upon as substitute for professional medical care. It is intended
to be used as supplementary information to consultation with your doctor. Mercury Drug
www.mercurydrug.com Corporation shall not be responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or
Tel: 8911 5071-87 misuse of the information contained herein for any final treatment decisions or outcomes.
prescribe tests to check and monitor your progress
while under treatment with this medicine.
• If you need to undergo surgery or dental procedure,
inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this
medicine before going through it.
• Side effects may possibly occur as with most medicines.
You may not experience any side effect; however, if you
experience any of these side effects with olanzapine,
inform your doctor immediately, especially if they
become severe or persistent: increased thirst,
constipation, stomach upset or pain, dry mouth,
appetite changes, excessive hunger, weight gain,
headache, lightheadedness, fainting, dizziness,
drowsiness, weakness, agitation, restlessness,
confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior,
thoughts of hurting yourself; problems with speech,
balance or vision; white patches or sores inside the
mouth or on the lips, sweating, frequent urination,
swelling in the hands or feet, back pain, dark urine, clay-
colored stools, fever, chills, body aches, flu-like
symptoms, stiff muscles, uncontrollable jerky muscle
movements, fast or irregular heartbeat, painful
menstrual periods, shaking, sudden numbness
especially on one side of the body, yellowing of the skin
or eyes and allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty
breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or
throat.
• If you experience dizziness, drowsiness or vision
problems, do not drive, operate machinery or perform
any activity which will need you to be alert or to see
clearly.
• If your mouth gets dry while on olanzapine, drink water,
chew sugar-free gum or suck on a hard candy.
• The side effects mentioned here are not complete and
others may occur. If you observe other side effects or
reactions, call your doctor for advice.
• Do not share your medicine with others even if you
have the same disease symptoms.
How do you handle it before and after use?
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and
moisture. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.
Discard it properly when it is expired or no longer needed.