Olanzapine

1.1 Schizophrenia

Oral olanzapine tablets are indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia. Efficacy was established in three clinical trials in adult patients with schizophrenia: two 6-week trials and one maintenance trial. In adolescent patients with schizophrenia (ages 13-17), efficacy was established in one 6-week trial [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

When deciding among the alternative treatments available for adolescents, clinicians should consider the increased potential (in adolescents as compared with adults) for weight gain and dyslipidemia. Clinicians should consider the potential long-term risks when prescribing to adolescents, and in many cases this may lead them to consider prescribing other drugs first in adolescents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

1.2 Bipolar I Disorder (Manic or Mixed Episodes)

Monotherapy — Oral olanzapine tablets are indicated for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder. Efficacy was established in three clinical trials in adult patients with manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder: two 3- to 4-week trials and one monotherapy maintenance trial. In adolescent patients with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (ages 13-17), efficacy was established in one 3-week trial [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

When deciding among the alternative treatments available for adolescents, clinicians should consider the increased potential (in adolescents as compared with adults) for weight gain and dyslipidemia. Clinicians should consider the potential long-term risks when prescribing to adolescents, and in many cases this may lead them to consider prescribing other drugs first in adolescents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Adjunctive Therapy to Lithium or Valproate — Oral olanzapine tablets are indicated for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder as an adjunct to lithium or valproate. Efficacy was established in two 6-week clinical trials in adults. The effectiveness of adjunctive therapy for longer-term use has not been systematically evaluated in controlled trials [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

1.3 Special Considerations in Treating Pediatric Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder

Pediatric schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder are serious mental disorders; however, diagnosis can be challenging. For pediatric schizophrenia, symptom profiles can be variable, and for bipolar I disorder, pediatric patients may have variable patterns of periodicity of manic or mixed symptoms. It is recommended that medication therapy for pediatric schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder be initiated only after a thorough diagnostic evaluation has been performed and careful consideration given to the risks associated with medication treatment. Medication treatment for both pediatric schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder should be part of a total treatment program that often includes psychological, educational and social interventions.

1.5 Olanzapine and Fluoxetine in Combination: Depressive Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder

Oral olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, based on clinical studies. When using olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination, refer to the Clinical Studies section of the package insert for Symbyax.

Olanzapine monotherapy is not indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

1.6 Olanzapine and Fluoxetine in Combination: Treatment Resistant Depression

Oral olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination is indicated for the treatment of treatment resistant depression (major depressive disorder in patients who do not respond to 2 separate trials of different antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in the current episode), based on clinical studies in adult patients. When using olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination, refer to the Clinical Studies section of the package insert for Symbyax.
Olanzapine monotherapy is not indicated for the treatment of treatment resistant depression.

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide) for the oral formulations.

Patients should be advised of the following issues and asked to alert their prescriber if these occur while taking olanzapine as monotherapy or in combination with fluoxetine. If you do not think you are getting better or have any concerns about your condition while taking olanzapine tablets, call your doctor. When using olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination, also refer to the Patient Counseling Information section of the package insert for Symbyax.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
Patients and caregivers should be counseled that a potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as NMS has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs, including olanzapine. Signs and symptoms of NMS include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
Patients should be advised to report to their health care provider at the earliest onset of any signs and symptoms that may be associated with Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus
Patients should be advised of the potential risk of hyperglycemia-related adverse reactions. Patients should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients who have diabetes should follow their doctor's instructions about how often to check their blood sugar while taking olanzapine tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Dyslipidemia
Patients should be counseled that dyslipidemia has occurred during treatment with olanzapine. Patients should have their lipid profile monitored regularly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Weight Gain
Patients should be counseled that weight gain has occurred during treatment with olanzapine. Patients should have their weight monitored regularly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Orthostatic Hypotension
Patients should be advised of the risk of orthostatic hypotension, especially during the period of initial dose titration and in association with the use of concomitant drugs that may potentiate the orthostatic effect of olanzapine, e.g., diazepam or alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Patients should be advised to change positions carefully to help prevent orthostatic hypotension, and to lie down if they feel dizzy or faint, until they feel better. Patients should be advised to call their doctor if they experience any of the following signs and symptoms associated with orthostatic hypotension: dizziness, fast or slow heart beat, or fainting.

Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment
Because 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 Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].

Body Temperature Regulation
Patients should be advised regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration. Patients should be advised to call their doctor right away if they become severely ill and have some or all of these symptoms of dehydration: sweating too much or not at all, dry mouth, feeling very hot, feeling thirsty, not able to produce urine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].

Concomitant Medication
Patients should be advised to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking, or plan to take, Symbyax. Patients should also be advised to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking, plan to take, or have stopped taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including herbal supplements, since there is a potential for interactions [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Alcohol
Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking olanzapine tablets [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy — Advise women to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with olanzapine tablets. Advise patients that olanzapine tablets may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms (agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder) in a neonate. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to olanzapine tablets during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Lactation — Advise breastfeeding women using olanzapine tablets to monitor infants for excess sedation, irritability, poor feeding and extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors and abnormal muscle movements) and to seek medical care if they notice these signs. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Infertility — Advise females of reproductive potential that olanzapine tablets may impair fertility due to an increase in serum prolactin levels. The effects on fertility are reversible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Pediatric Use — Olanzapine tablets are indicated for treatment of schizophrenia and manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adolescents 13 to 17 years of age. Compared to patients from adult clinical trials, adolescents were likely to gain more weight, experience increased sedation, and have greater increases in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, prolactin, and hepatic aminotransferase levels. Patients should be counseled about the potential long-term risks associated with olanzapine tablets and advised that these risks may lead them to consider other drugs first [see Indications and Usage (1.1, 1.2)]. Safety and effectiveness of olanzapine tablets in patients under 13 years of age have not been established. Safety and efficacy of olanzapine tablets and fluoxetine in combination in patients 10 to 17 years of age have been established for the acute treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Safety and effectiveness of olanzapine tablets and fluoxetine in combination in patients <10 years of age have not been established [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Need for Comprehensive Treatment Program in Pediatric Patients
Olanzapine is indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program for pediatric patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that may include other measures (psychological, educational, social) for patients with the disorder. Effectiveness and safety of olanzapine have not been established in pediatric patients less than 13 years of age. Atypical antipsychotics are not intended for use in the pediatric patient who exhibits symptoms secondary to environmental factors and/or other primary psychiatric disorders. Appropriate educational placement is essential and psychosocial intervention is often helpful. The decision to prescribe atypical antipsychotic medication will depend upon the healthcare provider's assessment of the chronicity and severity of the patient’s symptoms [see Indications and Usage (1.3)].
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Revised : September 2022

Manufactured for:
Macleods Pharma USA, Inc.
Princeton, NJ 08540

Manufactured by:
Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, INDIA

Medication Guide available at: www.macleodspharma.com/usa

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