Investigations: Zyprexa

Zyprexa (olanzapine), Eli Lilly’s highest selling drug, was approved for use in 1996 for the treatment of several different psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and anxiety disorder. It is also often prescribed “off-label” for conditions like clinical depression or insomnia.

The results of a year-long study conducted by researchers at Yale University in 2003 revealed a direct link between 2nd generation anti-psychotic medications (otherwise known as “atypical anti-psychotics”) like Zyprexa and the development of pancreatic disorders such as hyperglycemia, diabetes, pancreatitis, ketoacidosis, and diabetic coma in patients taking these medications. These conditions can pose serious, and sometimes even fatal, health risks. Other drugs in this class include Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, and Geodon. The year that the Yale study was published, Eli Lilly earned $4.27 billion from the sale of Zyprexa worldwide.

In September 2003, the FDA requested that the labeling on all 2nd generation anti-psychotic medications be revised to include a warning about the increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes.

In a recent global settlement, Eli Lilly agreed to pay out more than $690 million in damages to approximately 8,000 individuals who taken Zyprexa and consequently developed serious pancreatic conditions such as diabetes and pancreatitis.

If you believe that you, or someone you know, may have been injured as a result of taking Zyprexa, please call Lewis Saul & Associates toll-free at (888) 747-5342 or fill out our convenient online contact form and a member of our firm will contact you by the next business day for a free consultation.