Patient/caregiver was educated on the contraindications of using Zyprexa as follows:
- Zyprexa carries the risk of increasing the levels of hormone prolactin in the body. Elevated prolactin levels in males can result in erectile dysfunction, reduced interest for sex, and growth of breast tissue. Elevated prolactin levels in females can result in menstrual irregularities with abnormal/missed period, infertility, breast enlargement and tenderness, and increased breast milk production without being pregnant. Zyprexa must be cautiously used in individuals belonging to sexually active age group and possibly avoided in males with reduced sexual interest and in females with menstrual irregularities.
- Zyprexa must be cautiously used or avoided in individuals with history of blood cell disorder, especially of low white blood cell count. Zyprexa carries significant risk of suppressing production of white blood cells from the bone marrow and lead to agranulocytosis. Reduced white blood cell count can contribute to lowered immunity, thus resulting in frequent fever, chills, sore throat, and risk for frequent infections.
