A letter from Eli Lilly and Co. dated September 28, 2004, to European
clinicians stated that a total of 49 adverse events, including eight fatal
events, had been reported for Zyprexa IM as of August 31, 2004.
Cardiorespiratory depression, hypotension, and bradycardia were among these
reported cases.
The letter stated, "A review of the reported fatalities indicates use
of Zyprexa IM in a manner that is inconsistent with the Summary of Product
Characteristics including excessive dosing and/or inappropriate use of
concomitant benzodiazepines and/or other antipsychotics."
The letter outlines the following recommendations about use of Zyprexa
IM:
A similar letter to Canadian clinicians dated September 7, 2004, outlined
the following examples of inappropriate use of Zyprexa IM that were reported
to Lilly: