Zyprexa, approved by the FDA in 1996, is the most successful drug in the class known as atypical anti-psychotic medications. Made and marketed by Eli Lilly, the drug was first approved for treatment of schizophrenia, but is often used “off-label” (i.e., unapproved by the FDA) to treat dementia and long-term bipolar disorder.  Other atypical anti-psychotics include Geodon, Abilify, and Clozaril. 

Studies as far back as 2001 indicate that Zyprexa and causes an alarmingly high increase in the risk of diabetes, hyperglycemia and other blood sugar disorders.  A recent study showed that Zyprexa and other atypical anti-psychotics increased this risk by as much as fifty percent (50%).  In some cases, the blood disorder continued even after the patient stopped taking the drug.

On April 11, 2005, the FDA released news of another warning to be put on these drugs.  A recent compiling of over seventeen (17) studies showed that off-label use to treat elderly patients with dementia is associated with an increased mortality rate.  In the studies, there were nearly twice as many deaths in elderly patients treated with atypical anti-psychotics than in those patients treated with a placebo.  

If you or a loved one has taken Zyprexa, or another atypical antipsychotic, please call our Zyprexa attorneys immediately to discuss your legal rights.  

In the News:

Dementia Drugs Get Warning, WSJ, 4/12/05

FDA Talk Paper, 4/11/05