Zyprexa is the brand name for Olanzapine, a thienobenzodiazepine. It is
considered an “atypical” antipsychotic medication used to treat
Schizophrenia and Bipolar Mania. Approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in 1996, it is thought that Zyprexa works by decreasing
the effects of two chemical messengers in the brain, serotonin and dopamine.
For millions of people, prescription drugs are necessary to health and even
survival. Yet, the very drugs designed to help people may cause adverse
reactions that range from illness to disability to death. As recently as
April 11, 2005 the FDA issued an alert advising health care providers,
patients, and patient caregivers to safety issues regarding Zyprexa.
In February of 2004, Zyprexa drug maker, Eli Lilly and Company, notified
doctors and psychiatrists that elderly patients with dementia face an
increased risk of stroke with Zyprexa treatment. While not approved for use
in elderly dementia patients, or for anxiety or depression, physicians still
prescribe the drug on an “off-label” basis. Off-label use refers to the
practice of marketing or prescribing a drug in a different dose, for a
longer period of time, or for a different medical condition than approved by
the FDA.
In the April 2005 announcement, the FDA asked manufacturers of Atypical
Antipsychotic Drugs, including Zyprexa, to include a Boxed Warning in their
product’s label that describes the risks and note that these drugs are not
approved for “off-label” indications. Some estimates indicate that up to 75%
of the 12 million patients who have been prescribed Zyprexa are not
sufferers of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Mania, and have been prescribed
Zyprexa "off-label".
Evidence dating back to the 1950’s tied the use of Zyprexa and similar drugs
to increased risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperglycemia and other
pancreas-related illnesses. Zyprexa’s maker, Eli Lilly, continued to
aggressively market the drug despite its known risks.
Zyprexa represents about one-third of Eli Lilly’s 4.3 billion in sales last
year. While Eli Lilly continues to enjoy the profits from Zyprexa sales,
patients continue to suffer from the known and newly discovered health risks
associated with the drug. Brown & Crouppen believes that the dangers of
Zyprexa will increase as the drug remains in use at nursing homes and
hospitals to treat the outbursts of the mentally ill and elderly.
Brown & Crouppen:
Prescription Drug Injury Lawyers
Brown & Crouppen
has been building a reputation for success with
personal injury clients for over 25 years. Today, we are one of
mid-America’s largest personal injury law firms with over 70 legal
professionals and five offices throughout Missouri and Illinois. A large
area of our concentration is dangerous drug litigation involving
manufacturers and suppliers of unsafe drugs and products. If you have
been injured by a dangerous drug, the manufacturer may have failed in its
duty to design, make, inspect and label the product appropriately.
You can count on the lawyers of Brown & Crouppen for top-notch legal skills
and our commitment to making the justice system work for our clients. If you
have legal concerns and would like to benefit from the support of a strong
team of legal professionals, please contact us onlineor call our office today at 1-800-536-HELP.
Copyright 2005 - Zyprexa Lawyers
.com :
Missouri Injury Lawyers, Brown & Crouppen
Fighting for the legal rights of patients, including lawsuits regarding
prescription medication side effects,
dangerous drugs,
pharmaceutical negligence claims in Missouri and Illinois.
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