Zyprexa Lawsuits
By Aaron Larson
March, 2005
Contents
What is Zyprexa
Zyprexa (olanzapine), produced by Eli Lilly and Company, is an "atypical" or "second generation" antipsychotic medication. Second generation antipsychotics (SGA's) are designed to provide effective treatment of psychotic disorders without the serious side effects associated with first generation antipsychotic medications. Zyprexa works by blocking certain serotonin and dopamine receptors, thereby reducing the symptoms of certain psychotic disorders.
The FDA approved Zyprexa for the short-term treatment of schizophrenia in 1996. In 2000, the FDA approved Zyprexa for long-term treatment of schizophrenia, and for the short-term treatment of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Although not yet approved by the FDA for such purposes, some physicians prescribe Zyprexa for for other conditions including dementia and anxiety.
Factual Background
Recent research suggests that significant numbers of Zyprexa users experience precursor conditions of diabetes such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a condition where the body uses fat as an energy source when glucose is not available, resulting in the build-up of ketones in the bloodstream (ketosis). Significant numbers of Zyprexa users also experience the onset of diabetes.
In 2003 the FDA required atypical antipsychotics, including Zyprexa, include warnings to patients about increased of development of diabetes and hyperglycemia.
Zyprexa Litigation
Lawyers are presently investigating whether or not they should file lawsuits alleging that Zyprexa is an unsafe drug.