Patient/caregiver was educated on the contraindications of using Zyprexa as follows:
- Zyprexa must be cautiously used in individuals with history of diabetes and poor blood sugar control. Zyprexa carries significant risk of aggravating blood sugars and can result in poor blood sugar control in diabetics. Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of poor blood sugar control, such as, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, dry skin, and blurred vision. Closely follow for these signs and any consistently elevated blood sugar readings, to be reported to your physician.
- Zyprexa carries the risk of elevating cholesterol levels and so, must be cautiously used in individuals with history of elevated cholesterol, plaque formation, and chest pain/heart attack. Individuals with elevated blood lipids can present with compromised exercise tolerance, increasing shortness of breath, and episodes of chest pain. Report any signs and symptoms of worsening dyspnea and chest pain to your physician immediately, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
