FDA MedWatch: ZyPREXA (olanzapine) and ZYRTEC (cetirizine HCI) medication errors due

[Brian, ASN, RN]

MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

Eli Lilly and FDA notified healthcare professionals reports of medication

dispensing or prescribing errors between the atypical antipsychotic ZyPREXA

(olanzapine), indicated for the short-term and maintenance treatment of

schizophrenia and for the short-term treatment of acute mixed or manic

episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder, and the antihistamine ZYRTEC

(cetirizine HCI) marketed by Pfizer, indicated for the treatment of allergic

rhinitis or chronic urticaria. These reports include instances where Zyprexa

was incorrectly dispensed for Zyrtec and vice versa, leading to unnecessary

adverse events or potential relapse in patients suffering from schizophrenia

or bipolar disorder.

Read the complete MedWatch 2005 safety summary, including links to the Dear

Healthcare Professional letter, at

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2005/safety05.htm#ZyPREXA