FDA recalls Zyprexa

Zyprexa was FDA approved for the short-term treatment of acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder. The worlds best selling schizophrenia drug, Zyprexa sales account for 40% of Eli Lillys $11.08 billion in sales. There have been many questions regarding the popular drug Zyprexa and its safety. Linked to 288 reported Zyprexa diabetes cases, including 23 deaths, the Zyprexa concerns were so great that Japan and the European Union required that diabetes warnings be included on Zyprexa labeling.

The Public Citizen consumer group thinks the FDA has not adequately warned physicians and Zyprexa patients of the Zyprexa risks. Hyperglycemia, diabetes, and ketoacidosis have been reported amongst Zyprexa patients. Ketoacidosis, associated to Zyprexa adverse effects reports end up fatal in about 50% of the cases. The last time the Zyprexa labeling was updated in the U.S. the FDA only made a quick reference to the risk of Zyprexa diabetes and hyperglycemia in the middle of the adverse reactions section of Zyprexa labeling.