Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be exercised while taking Olanzapine as follows:
- Olanzapine carries the risk of aggravating blood sugars and can result in poor blood sugar control in diabetics. Diabetics must maintain a log of everyday blood sugar readings, to allow for an easy follow-up on the pattern of blood sugars and observe compliance with any measures prescribed for blood sugar control, such as, anti-diabetic medications, physical exercise, and dietary recommendations. Closely follow for any signs of poor blood sugar control, such as, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, dry skin, and blurred vision. Report these findings and any consistent elevated blood sugar readings to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Olanzapine use may aggravate some underlying cardiac arrhythmias. Olanzapine can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and other antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking olanzapine along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing. Observe compliance with prescribed anti-arrhythmic medications, if any, for controlling the arrhythmia. Closely follow for development/worsening of signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia, such as, episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Report any such findings to your physician immediately, so that, an alternative plan of care could be considered.
