Olanzapine: Drug Safety Communication - FDA Warns About Rare But Serious Skin Reactions

Including Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis, Zyprexa Relprevv, and Symbyax

AUDIENCE: Psychiatry, Dermatology, Patient

ISSUE: FDA is warning that the antipsychotic medicine olanzapine can cause a rare but serious skin reaction that can progress to affect other parts of the body. FDA is adding a new warning to the drug labels for all olanzapine-containing products that describes this severe condition known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).

A search of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database identified 23 cases of DRESS reported with olanzapine worldwide since 1996, when the first olanzapine-containing product was approved. FAERS includes only reports submitted to FDA, so there are likely to be additional cases about which FDA is unaware. One patient taking olanzapine experienced DRESS and died; however, this patient was taking multiple medicines that could also have contributed to death (see the Data Summary section of the Drug Safety Communication for more information).

DRESS may start as a rash that can spread to all parts of the body. It can include fever and swollen lymph nodes and a swollen face. It causes a higher-than-normal number of infection-fighting white blood cells called eosinophils that can cause inflammation, or swelling. DRESS can result in injury to organs including the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, or pancreas, and can lead to death. DRESS is a potentially fatal drug reaction with a mortality rate of up to 10%.

BACKGROUND: Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat mental health disorders schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can decrease hallucinations, in which people hear or see things that do not exist, and other psychotic symptoms such as disorganized thinking. Olanzapine is available under the brand names Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis, Zyprexa Relprevv, and Symbyax, and also as generics.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Patients taking olanzapine-containing products who develop a fever with a rash and swollen lymph glands, or swelling in the face, should seek medical care right away. The combined symptoms together are commonly seen in DRESS. Talk with your health care professional about any questions or concerns. Do not stop taking olanzapine or change your dose without first talking with your health care professional. Sudden stopping of the medicine can be harmful without your health care professional’s direct supervision.

Health care professionals should immediately stop treatment with olanzapine if DRESS is suspected. There is currently no specific treatment for DRESS. The important ways to manage DRESS are early recognition of the syndrome, discontinuation of the offending agent as soon as possible, and supportive care. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids should be considered in cases with extensive organ involvement. When prescribing the medicine, explain the signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions to your patients and tell them when to seek immediate medical care.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Drug Safety Communication, at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm500123.htm