Drug Alert – Zyprexa Causing Diabetes/Deaths
March 1, 2004 – The FDA and Eli Lilly and Company notified healthcare professionals of revision to the WARNINGS section of Zyprexa (olanzapine) labeling, describing the increased risk of Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), Diabetes, coma and death in patients taking Zyprexa. FDA has asked all manufacturers of atypical antipsychotic medications, including Lilly, to add this Warning statement to labeling.

WARNING
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus
“Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including Zyprexa.”

Note: Dr. Hansen wants to remind you that drugs are dangerous and that serious side-effects are often not discovered during the drug approval process by the FDA. Sometimes the side-effects are not reported until years later. Often, even though the side effects may include death, the FDA merely asks the manufacturer to add a WARNING to the prescribing information, which most patients never read.
If you are told you need a drug for the treatment of any condition, you should read the WARNINGS and Side-Effects boxes first and you should ask me (you can send an "Ask Dr. Hansen" question) if there is a safer alternative. In most cases there are natural alternatives that are safer and more effective.