Consumers Sue Zyprexa, Citing It Causes Diabetes

Filed in archive News on August 31, 2006

More and more people are taking legal action against the makers of Zyprexa, a well-known antipsychotic drug that many feel leads to diabetes.

Zyprexa is the brand name for olanzapine, an anti-psychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1996. In 2004, Eli Lilly began including warning labels with Zyprexa regarding an increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes, especially in patients with a family history of diabetes.

"We believe the allegations linking Zyprexa and diabetes are not supported by scientific evidence," said Eli Lilly spokeswoman Terra Fox. She added that Zyprexa has not been approved for use in pediatric patients.

The warning information on http://www.fda.gov recommends regular glucose monitoring in patients who taking Zyprexa.

Fox added that the FDA has determined there is an increased risk for elevated blood glucose for people taking Zyprexa.

Fox would not comment about specific litigation.

You can read about the latest lawsuits here and here.