Zyprexa News
Zyprexa not safe for Alzheimer's
- November 7, 2005
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association , Zyprexa and its chemical cousin Risperdal are not safe for elderly patients who suffer from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. This study, a new review of past clinical studies, shows that the risk of serious fatal side effects greatly outweigh the nominal benefits associated with Zyprexa use for Alzheimer's. This study supports the FDA's decision to strengthen the warning labels on Zyprexa and other anti-psychotic medications.
These findings complicate the limited choices families have in caring for a loved one with a dementia-related illness like Alzheimer's disease. There are four to five million people in the United States currently suffering from degenerative brain disorders like Alzheimer's. One-third of these patients are prescribed anti-psychotic drugs to manage their condition.
Zyprexa and similar drugs have not been specifically tested for safety and efficacy in elderly patients. For this reason, doctors must rely on their clinical judgment when prescribing medications. Physicians are now being told that these drugs may pose fatal respiratory and cardiovascular side effects risks for an already vulnerable patient population.
During the meta-analysis of 15 anti-psychotic drug clinical trials, lead investigator, Lon Schneider, found that the risk of fatal side effects from Zyprexa increased two to three percent in Alzheimer's patients compared to the placebo patient population. While this may seem like a small increase, the widespread use of Zyprexa for dementia-related illnesses means that quite a few patients are at significant risk for life-threatening Zyprexa side effects.
If you or a loved one is taking Zyprexa or a similar medication for Alzheimer's, it is important to speak with your doctor. Together with your physician, you can discuss the risks and benefits of treatments, to find the most appropriate treatment for you.
For more information on Zyprexa lawsuits, please contact us to confer with a Zyprexa attorney.
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