Tolaz La 405mg Inj.

TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication used for the management of certain mental health conditions.

Name

• Brand Name: TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ.
• Common Name: Olanzapine Long-Acting Injection (OLAI)

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Olanzapine 405mg TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. contains Olanzapine, which is an atypical antipsychotic. It is formulated as a crystalline salt of olanzapine and pamoic acid, designed for depot intramuscular administration.

Uses

TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. is primarily prescribed for:

• The management of Schizophrenia, including its symptoms like agitation and disturbed behavior, especially when oral therapy is not appropriate.
• Treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder. It works by restoring the balance of chemical messengers, such as dopamine and serotonin, in the brain, thereby improving thinking, mood, and behavior.

Dosage and Administration

TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. is administered by a healthcare professional (doctor or nurse) via a deep intramuscular gluteal injection. It should not be administered intravenously or subcutaneously. The specific dose and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor based on the patient's age, body weight, and medical condition. A 405mg dose is typically administered every four weeks. Patients must have demonstrated tolerability to oral olanzapine before starting the long-acting injection. Due to the risk of Post-Injection Delirium/Sedation Syndrome (PIDSS), patients are required to be observed for at least three hours in a healthcare facility after each injection.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects include:

• Weight gain, sleepiness/drowsiness, dizziness (especially upon standing)
• Pain at the injection site
• Headache, dry mouth, increased appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, back pain
• Changes in levels of some blood cells or prolactin
• Restlessness, tremor, or unusual movements (dyskinesias)
• Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet

Serious Side Effects to report immediately include:

• Symptoms consistent with Post-Injection Delirium/Sedation Syndrome (e.g., excessive sedation, delirium, coma)
• Signs of blood clots (swelling, pain, and redness in the legs, or chest pain and difficulty breathing)
• Tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements, particularly of the face or tongue)
• Significant increases in blood sugar or cholesterol levels
• Seizures
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
• Suicidal thoughts

Precautions

• Contraindications: Not recommended for patients with an allergy to Olanzapine or for breastfeeding women. It is not recommended for children and adolescents under 13 or 18 years of age (sources vary). It is also not approved for elderly patients above 75 years of age with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with a history of blood clotting, stroke, Parkinson's disease, heart conditions (including low blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms), liver or kidney disease, diabetes, glaucoma, seizures, or an enlarged prostate.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Driving and Machinery: This medication can cause drowsiness and dizziness; patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
• Pregnancy: Should be used with caution during pregnancy, only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Use in the last trimester may cause unwanted symptoms in the newborn.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar, lipid levels, and weight is recommended. Patients should rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize dizziness from orthostatic hypotension.
• Discontinuation: Do not stop the medication suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it may worsen symptoms.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. The medication is typically stored at temperatures between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC.

TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. is an antipsychotic medication manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., containing Olanzapine as its active ingredient. It is primarily used for the management of certain mental health conditions.

Here are some frequently asked questions about TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ.:

What is TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. used for?

TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. is used for the management of schizophrenia and its associated symptoms, such as rapid control of agitation and disturbed behavior, especially when oral therapy is not appropriate. It is also used to treat manic phases associated with bipolar I disorder.

How does TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. work?

TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. contains Olanzapine, which is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by affecting the levels of chemical messengers, specifically dopamine and serotonin, in the brain. By blocking their action, it helps to restore balance, improving mood, thoughts, and behavior, and reducing symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.

How is TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. administered and what is the usual dosage?

TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. is administered by a doctor or a nurse as an intramuscular injection, typically into the buttock region. The exact dose and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor, taking into consideration your age, body weight, and specific medical condition. Due to professional administration, an overdose is unlikely.

What are the possible side effects of TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ.?

Common side effects can include weight gain, sleepiness, pain at the injection site, dizziness (especially when changing positions), increased prolactin levels in the blood, changes in blood cell counts, restlessness, tremor, constipation, and dry mouth. More serious but less common side effects can include blood clots. If you experience excessive sleepiness, confusion, unusual movements, or signs of blood clots (swelling, pain, redness in legs), contact your doctor immediately.

Is TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. should be used with caution during pregnancy and generally avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Use during the last three months of pregnancy may lead to unwanted symptoms in the newborn, such as shaking or breathing problems. Breastfeeding: This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, as it can pass into breast milk.

Can TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Specific caution is advised when taking diuretics, antidepressants, tranquillizers, benzodiazepines, and certain medications for Parkinson's disease (e.g., carbamazepine, fluvoxamine) or antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin). Some sources also indicate potential interactions with Acarbose, Amlodipine, Cetirizine, Diazepam, Tramadol, and Atropine.

What precautions should be taken while receiving TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ.?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase drowsiness.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you, as it can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of blood clotting issues, stroke, Parkinson's disease, prostate problems, heart, liver, or kidney disease, diabetes, seizures, glaucoma, or Alzheimer's disease.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels is recommended due to potential changes.
• Position Changes: Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize dizziness.
• Discontinuation: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can worsen symptoms or cause withdrawal effects.
• Post-injection observation: You may need to be observed for at least 3 hours after the injection due to the risk of Post-injection Delirium Sedation Syndrome (PDSS).

How should TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. be stored?

TOLAZ LA 405MG INJ. should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should be kept out of the sight and reach of children.