Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be exercised while taking Olanzapine as follows:
- Olanzapine carries significant risk of suppressing production of white blood cells from the bone marrow and lead to agranulocytosis. Olanzapine must be cautiously used or avoided in individuals with history of blood cell disorder, especially of low white blood cell count. Reduced white blood cell count can contribute to lowered immunity, thus resulting in frequent fever, chills, sore throat, and risk for frequent infections. Report any such frequent findings, while taking olanzapine, to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Periodical labs could be ordered to evaluate the white blood cell count and the safe therapeutic dose of olanzapine use. Observe compliance with any lab draws ordered.
- Olanzapine carries the risk of elevating cholesterol levels. Individuals with history of hyperlipidemia, plaque formation, and myocardial infarction, must be cautious with intake of olanzapine, with regular labs drawn for evaluation of blood lipid levels. Observe compliance with any medications and dietary limitations prescribed for controlling the elevated blood lipids. Individuals with hyperlipidemia and plaque formations can present with compromised exercise tolerance, increasing shortness of breath, and episodes of chest pain. Report any such findings to your physician immediately, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
