Olanzapine Intramuscular injection is used to quickly control agitation and disturbing behaviours in patients with schizophrenia (an illness that causes changes in perception, thoughts and behaviour) and bipolar disorder.
Olanzapine Intramuscular injection is to be injected into the buttock muscles.
Your doctor or nurse will administer this injection for you.
Olanzapine Intramuscular injection is given when you are not able to swallow pills or if you need urgent treatment for your condition. Your doctor will advise you about when you can switch from the injection to the pills.
This injection is for short-term use only. It must not be used for more than 3 consecutive days. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this injection.
In order for you to get the most benefit from Olanzapine Intramuscular injection, use it exactly as advised by your doctor.
A maximum of 3 injections can be given in any 24-hour period.
Olanzapine Intramuscular injection must not be injected intravenously or subcutaneously.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Olanzapine is not suitable for patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Alert your doctor if you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have:
- an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating
- epilepsy (fits) or a history of fits
- Parkinson's disease
- heart, liver or kidney disease
- bowel blockage or bowel paralysis (paralytic ileus) which causes severe constipation
- myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness)
- diabetes or have a history of diabetes
- high levels of cholesterol in the blood
- blood disorders
- thyroid disease
- risk factors for blood clot
- suicidal thoughts
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Olanzapine Intramuscular injection may affect the way your body adjusts to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may need to do routine blood tests such as fasting blood glucose and lipid profile, before and periodically during your treatment with Olanzapine.
Olanzapine Intramuscular injection may cause you dizziness and may also make you suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert. Dizziness may be worse when you get up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are using Olanzapine Intramuscular injection for the first time or if your dose is still being adjusted. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. Let your doctor know if you feel drowsy or dizzy after the injection. Your doctor may need to check your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other common side effects with Olanzapine include increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, stomach discomfort, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, weakness and water retention. There may also be some discomfort or pain at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- feeling of restlessness or involuntary, repetitive body movement
- muscle stiffness, high fever, excessive sweating, altered mental status
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine for anxiety e.g. diazepam, alprazolam
- medicines for cold and allergy e.g. antihistamines
- medicines for depression or mood disorders e.g. fluvoxamine, imipramine, lithium
- medicines for epilepsy (fits) e.g. carbamazepine, valproic acid
- medicine for Parkinson's disease e.g. levodopa
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, rifampicin
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, procainamide
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Olanzapine.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Olanzapine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Store in the original carton to protect the injection from light. Light can cause the medication to lose some of its effectiveness.
Do not freeze the injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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