See Full Prescribing Information For Complete Boxed Warning
See Full Prescribing Information For Complete Boxed Warning
See Full Prescribing Information For Complete Boxed Warning
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION • Do not use with thioridazine due to QTc interval prolongation or
potential for elevated thioridazine plasma levels. Do not use
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use thioridazine within 5 weeks of discontinuing SYMBYAX (4, 7.7)
SYMBYAX safely and effectively. See full prescribing information
for SYMBYAX. ------------------------ WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS -----------------------
SYMBYAX (olanzapine and fluoxetine hydrochloride) capsule for • Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk: Monitor for clinical
oral use worsening and suicidal thinking and behavior (5.1)
• Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis: Increased risk
Initial U.S. Approval: 2003 of death and increased incidence of cerebrovascular adverse
events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack) (5.2)
WARNING: SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS AND • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Manage with immediate
INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH discontinuation and close monitoring (5.3)
DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS • Hyperglycemia: In some cases extreme and associated with
See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported
• Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, in patients taking olanzapine. Patients taking SYMBYAX should
adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants for be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia and undergo fasting
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric blood glucose testing at the beginning of, and periodically during,
disorders. SYMBYAX is not approved for use in children and treatment. (5.4)
adolescents (5.1, 8.4, 17.2). • Hyperlipidemia: Undesirable alterations in lipids have been
• Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with observed. Appropriate clinical monitoring is recommended,
antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. including fasting blood lipid testing at the beginning of, and
SYMBYAX is not approved for the treatment of patients with periodically during, treatment (5.5)
dementia-related psychosis (5.2, 5.19, 17.3). • Weight gain: Potential consequences of weight gain should be
considered. Patients should receive regular monitoring of weight
--------------------------- RECENT MAJOR CHANGES -------------------------- (5.6)
• Serotonin Syndrome: Serotonin syndrome has been reported with
Dosage and Administration: SSRIs and SNRIs, including SYMBYAX, both when taken alone,
Specific Populations (2.3) 01/2013 but especially when co-administered with other serotonergic
Switching a Patient To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor agents (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl,
(MAOI) Intended to Treat Psychiatric Disorders (2.4) 01/2013 lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone and St. John's Wort). If
such symptoms occur, discontinue SYMBYAX and initiate
Use of SYMBYAX with Other MAOIs such as Linezolid or Methylene supportive treatment. If concomitant use of SYMBYAX with other
Blue (2.5) 01/2013 serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, patients should be
Contraindications: made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin syndrome,
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (4.1) 01/2013 particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases (5.7).
• Allergic Reactions and Rash: Discontinue upon appearance of
Other Contraindications (4.2) 01/2013 rash or allergic phenomena (5.8)
Warnings and Precautions: • Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Screen for Bipolar Disorder and
Serotonin Syndrome (5.7) 01/2013 monitor for activation of mania/hypomania (5.9)
• Tardive Dyskinesia: Discontinue if clinically appropriate (5.10)
---------------------------- INDICATIONS AND USAGE --------------------------- • Orthostatic Hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension associated with
®
SYMBYAX combines olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic and dizziness, tachycardia, bradycardia and, in some patients,
fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, indicated for acute syncope, may occur especially during initial dose titration. Use
treatment of: caution in patients with cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular
• Depressive Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder in adults disease, and those conditions that could affect hemodynamic
(1.1) responses (5.11)
• Treatment Resistant Depression (Major Depressive Disorder in • Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis: Has been
adults who do not respond to 2 separate trials of different reported with antipsychotics, including SYMBYAX. Patients with a
antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in the current history of a clinically significant low white blood cell count (WBC)
episode) (1.2) or drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia should have their
complete blood count (CBC) monitored frequently during the first
------------------------DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION-----------------------
few months of therapy and discontinuation of SYMBYAX should
• Once daily in the evening, generally beginning with 6 mg/25 mg
be considered at the first sign of a clinically significant decline in
(2.1, 2.2)
WBC in the absence of other causative factors (5.12)
• The starting dose of SYMBYAX 3 mg/25 mg – 6 mg/25 mg should • Seizures: Use cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or
be used in patients predisposed to hypotensive reactions, hepatic
with conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold (5.14)
impairment, or with potential for slowed metabolism. Escalate • Abnormal Bleeding: May increase the risk of bleeding. Use with
dose cautiously (2.3)
NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin, or drugs that affect coagulation may
• Discontinue gradually (2.4)
potentiate the risk of gastrointestinal or other bleeding (5.15)
• The safety of doses above 18 mg olanzapine with 75 mg • Hyponatremia: Has been reported with SYMBYAX in association
fluoxetine has not been evaluated in clinical trials (2.1, 2.2)
with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
----------------------DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS--------------------- (5.16)
• Capsules: 3 mg/25 mg, 6 mg/25 mg, 6 mg/50 mg, 12 mg/25 mg, • Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment: Has potential to
and 12 mg/50 mg (mg equivalent olanzapine/mg equivalent impair judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Use caution when
fluoxetine) (3) operating machinery (5.17)
• Hyperprolactinemia: May elevate prolactin levels (5.20)
------------------------------- CONTRAINDICATIONS ------------------------------ • Long Elimination Half-Life of Fluoxetine: Changes in dose will not
• Serotonin Syndrome and MAOIs: Do not use MAOIs intended to be fully reflected in plasma for several weeks (5.22)
treat psychiatric disorders with SYMBYAX or within 5 weeks of • Laboratory Tests: Monitor fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles
stopping treatment with SYMBYAX. Do not use SYMBYAX within at the beginning of, and periodically during, treatment (5.24)
14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric
disorders. In addition, do not start SYMBYAX in a patient who is ------------------------------- ADVERSE REACTIONS ------------------------------
being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. (4.1) Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and at least twice that for
• Do not use with pimozide due to risk of drug interaction or QTc placebo) are disturbance in attention, dry mouth, fatigue, hypersomnia,
prolongation (4, 7.7) increased appetite, peripheral edema, sedation, somnolence, tremor,
vision blurred, and weight increased (6.1)
2
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly • Carbamazepine: Potential for elevated carbamazepine levels and
and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800- clinical anticonvulsant toxicity (7.7)
FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch • Phenytoin: Potential for elevated phenytoin levels and clinical
anticonvulsant toxicity (7.7)
------------------------------- DRUG INTERACTIONS ------------------------------ • Alcohol: May potentiate sedation and orthostatic hypotension
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI): (2.4, 2.5, 4.1, 5.7, 7.1) (7.7)
• Pimozide: SYMBYAX is contraindicated for use with pimozide due • Serotonergic Drugs: (2.4, 2.5, 4.1, 5.7)
to risk of drug interaction or QTc prolongation (4, 7.7) • Fluvoxamine: May increase olanzapine levels; a lower dose of the
• Thioridazine: SYMBYAX is contraindicated for use with olanzapine component of SYMBYAX should be considered (7.6)
thioridazine due to QTc interval prolongation or potential for • Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g., NSAIDs, Aspirin,
elevated thioridazine plasma levels. Do not use thioridazine within Warfarin, etc.): May potentiate the risk of bleeding (7.4)
5 weeks of discontinuing SYMBYAX (4, 7.7) • Drugs Tightly Bound to Plasma Proteins: Fluoxetine may cause
• Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Fluoxetine is a potent inhibitor of shift in plasma concentrations (7.7)
CYP2D6 enzyme pathway (7.7)
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Monitor TCA levels during ------------------------USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS-----------------------
coadministration with SYMBYAX or when SYMBYAX has been • Pregnancy: SYMBYAX should be used during pregnancy only if
recently discontinued (5.7, 7.7) the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus (8.1)
• CNS Acting Drugs: Caution is advised if the concomitant • Nursing Mothers: Breast feeding is not recommended (8.3)
administration of SYMBYAX and other CNS-active drugs is • Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of SYMBYAX in children
required (7.2) and adolescent patients have not been established (8.4)
• Antihypertensive Agent: Enhanced antihypertensive effect (7.7) • Hepatic Impairment: Use a lower or less frequent dose in patients
• Levodopa and Dopamine Agonists: May antagonize with cirrhosis (8.6)
levodopa/dopamine agonists (7.7) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-
• Benzodiazepines: May potentiate orthostatic hypotension and approved Medication Guide
sedation (7.6, 7.7) Revised: 01/2013
• Clozapine: May elevate clozapine levels (7.7)
• Haloperidol: Elevated haloperidol levels have been observed (7.7)
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not
sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there
is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of
antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression.
All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and
observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial
few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases.
The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness,
impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric
patients being treated with antidepressants for Major Depressive Disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric
and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of
depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms
may represent precursors to emerging suicidality.
Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the
medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms
that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset,
or were not part of the patient’s presenting symptoms.
If the decision has been made to discontinue treatment, medication should be tapered, as rapidly as is feasible,
but with recognition that abrupt discontinuation can be associated with certain symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions
(5.23)].
Families and caregivers of patients being treated with antidepressants for Major Depressive Disorder or
other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric, should be alerted about the need to monitor patients for
the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms described above,
as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to health care providers. Such
monitoring should include daily observation by families and caregivers. Prescriptions for SYMBYAX should be
written for the smallest quantity of capsules consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of
overdose.
7
It should be noted that SYMBYAX is not approved for use in treating any indications in the pediatric population
[see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
5.2 Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis
Increased Mortality — Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs
are at an increased risk of death. SYMBYAX is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related
psychosis [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.19), and Patient Counseling Information (17.3)].
In olanzapine placebo-controlled clinical trials of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, the incidence of
death in olanzapine-treated patients was significantly greater than placebo-treated patients (3.5% vs 1.5%, respectively).
Cerebrovascular Adverse Events (CVAE), Including Stroke — Cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke,
transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, were reported in patients in trials of olanzapine in elderly patients with
dementia-related psychosis. In placebo-controlled trials, there was a significantly higher incidence of cerebrovascular
adverse events in patients treated with olanzapine compared to patients treated with placebo. Olanzapine and SYMBYAX
are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Boxed Warning and Patient
Counseling Information (17.3)].
5.3 Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as NMS has been reported in association with
administration of antipsychotic drugs, including olanzapine. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle
rigidity, altered mental status, and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia,
diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia). Additional signs may include elevated creatinine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria
(rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure.
The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to
exclude cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection,
etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in
the differential diagnosis include central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever, and primary central nervous
system pathology.
The management of NMS should include: 1) immediate discontinuation of antipsychotic drugs and other drugs not
essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any
concomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about
specific pharmacological treatment regimens for NMS.
If after recovering from NMS, a patient requires treatment with an antipsychotic, the patient should be carefully
monitored, since recurrences of NMS have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Patient Counseling
Information (17.4, 17.8)].
5.4 Hyperglycemia
Physicians should consider the risks and benefits when prescribing SYMBYAX to patients with an established
diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, or having borderline increased blood glucose level (fasting 100-126 mg/dL, nonfasting 140-
200 mg/dL). Patients taking SYMBYAX should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients starting
treatment with SYMBYAX should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically
during treatment. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia
including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during
treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has
resolved when the atypical antipsychotic was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic
treatment despite discontinuation of the suspect drug [see Patient Counseling Information (17.5)].
Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has
been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, including olanzapine alone, as well as olanzapine taken
concomitantly with fluoxetine. Assessment of the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and glucose
abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increased background risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with
schizophrenia and the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in the general population. Epidemiological studies suggest
an increased risk of treatment-emergent hyperglycemia-related adverse reactions in patients treated with the atypical
antipsychotics. While relative risk estimates are inconsistent, the association between atypical antipsychotics and
increases in glucose levels appears to fall on a continuum and olanzapine appears to have a greater association than
some other atypical antipsychotics.
Mean increases in blood glucose have been observed in patients treated (median exposure of 9.2 months) with
olanzapine in phase 1 of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE). The mean increase of
serum glucose (fasting and nonfasting samples) from baseline to the average of the 2 highest serum concentrations was
15.0 mg/dL.
In a study of healthy volunteers, subjects who received olanzapine (N=22) for 3 weeks had a mean increase
compared to baseline in fasting blood glucose of 2.3 mg/dL. Placebo-treated subjects (N=19) had a mean increase in
fasting blood glucose compared to baseline of 0.34 mg/dL.
In an analysis of 7 controlled clinical studies, 2 of which were placebo-controlled, with treatment duration up to 12
weeks, SYMBYAX was associated with a greater mean change in random glucose compared to placebo (8.65 mg/dL vs
8
-3.86 mg/dL). The difference in mean changes between SYMBYAX and placebo was greater in patients with evidence of
glucose dysregulation at baseline (including those patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus or related adverse reactions,
patients treated with anti-diabetic agents, patients with a baseline random glucose level ≥200 mg/dL, or a baseline fasting
glucose level ≥126 mg/dL). SYMBYAX-treated patients had a greater mean HbA1c increase from baseline of 0.15%
(median exposure 63 days), compared to a mean HbA1c decrease of 0.04% in fluoxetine-treated subjects (median
exposure 57 days) and a mean HbA1c increase of 0.12% in olanzapine-treated patients (median exposure 56 days).
In an analysis of 6 controlled clinical studies, a larger proportion of SYMBYAX-treated subjects had glycosuria
(4.4%) compared to placebo-treated subjects (1.4%).
The mean change in nonfasting glucose in patients exposed at least 48 weeks was 5.9 mg/dL (N=425).
Table 2 shows short-term and long-term changes in random glucose levels from adult SYMBYAX studies.
Controlled fasting glucose data is limited for SYMBYAX; however, in an analysis of 5 placebo-controlled
olanzapine monotherapy studies with treatment duration up to 12 weeks, olanzapine was associated with a greater mean
change in fasting glucose levels compared to placebo (2.76 mg/dL vs 0.17 mg/dL).
The mean change in fasting glucose for olanzapine-treated patients exposed at least 48 weeks was 4.2 mg/dL
(N=487). In analyses of patients who completed 9-12 months of olanzapine therapy, mean change in fasting and
nonfasting glucose levels continued to increase over time.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents — The safety and efficacy of olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination
have not been established in patients under the age of 18 years. The safety and efficacy of olanzapine have not been
established in patients under the age of 13 years. In an analysis of 3 placebo-controlled olanzapine monotherapy studies
of adolescent patients, including those with Schizophrenia (6 weeks) or Bipolar I Disorder (manic or mixed episodes) (3
weeks), olanzapine was associated with a greater mean change from baseline in fasting glucose levels compared to
placebo (2.68 mg/dL vs -2.59 mg/dL). The mean change in fasting glucose for adolescents exposed at least 24 weeks
was 3.1 mg/dL (N=121). Table 3 shows short-term and long-term changes in fasting blood glucose from adolescent
olanzapine monotherapy studies.
Table 3: Changes in Fasting Glucose Levels from Adolescent Olanzapine Monotherapy Studies
Up to 12 weeks At least 24 weeks
exposure exposure
Laboratory Category Change (at least Treatment
N Patients N Patients
Analyte once) from Baseline Arm
Normal to High Olanzapine 124 0% 108 0.9%
(<100 mg/dL to ≥126 mg/dL) Placebo 53 1.9% NAa NAa
Fasting
Borderline to High Olanzapine 14 14.3% 13 23.1%
Glucose
(≥100 mg/dL and <126 mg/dL to
Placebo 13 0% NAa NAa
≥126 mg/dL)
a
Not Applicable.
5.5 Hyperlipidemia
Undesirable alterations in lipids have been observed with SYMBYAX use. Clinical monitoring, including baseline
and periodic follow-up lipid evaluations in patients using SYMBYAX, is recommended [see Patient Counseling Information
(17.6)].
Clinically meaningful, and sometimes very high (>500 mg/dL), elevations in triglyceride levels have been observed
with SYMBYAX use. Clinically meaningful increases in total cholesterol have also been seen with SYMBYAX use.
In an analysis of 7 controlled clinical studies, 2 of which were placebo-controlled, with treatment duration up to 12
weeks, SYMBYAX-treated patients had an increase from baseline in mean random total cholesterol of 12.1 mg/dL
compared to an increase from baseline in mean random total cholesterol of 4.8 mg/dL for olanzapine-treated patients and
9
a decrease in mean random total cholesterol of 5.5 mg/dL for placebo-treated patients. Table 4 shows categorical
changes in nonfasting lipid values.
In long-term olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination studies (at least 48 weeks), changes (at least once) in
nonfasting total cholesterol from normal at baseline to high occurred in 12% (N=150) and changes from borderline to high
occurred in 56.6% (N=143) of patients. The mean change in nonfasting total cholesterol was 11.3 mg/dL (N=426).
Table 4: Changes in Nonfasting Lipids Values from Controlled Clinical Studies with Treatment Duration up to 12
Weeks
Laboratory Category Change (at least
Treatment Arm N Patients
Analyte once) from Baseline
OFC 174 67.8%
Increase by ≥50 mg/dL
Olanzapine 172 72.7%
Normal to High OFC 57 0%
Nonfasting
(<150 mg/dL to ≥500 mg/dL) Olanzapine 58 0%
Triglycerides
Borderline to High OFC 106 15.1%
(≥150 mg/dL and <500 mg/dL
Olanzapine 103 8.7%
to ≥500 mg/dL)
OFC 685 35%
Increase by ≥40 mg/dL Olanzapine 749 22.7%
Placebo 390 9%
OFC 256 8.2%
Nonfasting Normal to High
Olanzapine 279 2.9%
Total Cholesterol (<200 mg/dL to ≥240 mg/dL)
Placebo 175 1.7%
Borderline to High OFC 213 36.2%
(≥200 mg/dL and <240 mg/dL Olanzapine 261 27.6%
to ≥240 mg/dL) Placebo 111 9.9%
Fasting lipid data is limited for SYMBYAX; however, in an analysis of 5 placebo-controlled olanzapine
monotherapy studies with treatment duration up to 12 weeks, olanzapine-treated patients had increases from baseline in
mean fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 5.3 mg/dL, 3.0 mg/dL, and 20.8 mg/dL respectively
compared to decreases from baseline in mean fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 6.1 mg/dL,
4.3 mg/dL, and 10.7 mg/dL for placebo-treated patients. For fasting HDL cholesterol, no clinically meaningful differences
were observed between olanzapine-treated patients and placebo-treated patients. Mean increases in fasting lipid values
(total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) were greater in patients without evidence of lipid dysregulation at
baseline, where lipid dysregulation was defined as patients diagnosed with dyslipidemia or related adverse reactions,
patients treated with lipid lowering agents, patients with high baseline lipid levels.
In long-term olanzapine studies (at least 48 weeks), patients had increases from baseline in mean fasting total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 5.6 mg/dL, 2.5 mg/dL, and 18.7 mg/dL, respectively, and a mean
decrease in fasting HDL cholesterol of 0.16 mg/dL. In an analysis of patients who completed 12 months of therapy, the
mean nonfasting total cholesterol did not increase further after approximately 4-6 months.
The proportion of olanzapine-treated patients who had changes (at least once) in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol
or triglycerides from normal or borderline to high, or changes in HDL cholesterol from normal or borderline to low, was
greater in long-term studies (at least 48 weeks) as compared with short-term studies. Table 5 shows categorical changes
in fasting lipids values.
Table 5: Changes in Fasting Lipids Values from Adult Olanzapine Monotherapy Studies
Up to 12 weeks At least 48
exposure weeks exposure
Laboratory Category Change (at least Treatment
N Patients N Patients
Analyte once) from Baseline Arm
In phase 1 of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE), over a median exposure of 9.2
months, the mean increase in triglycerides in patients taking olanzapine was 40.5 mg/dL. In phase 1 of CATIE, the
median increase in total cholesterol was 9.4 mg/dL.
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents — The safety and efficacy of olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination
have not been established in patients under the age of 18 years. The safety and efficacy of olanzapine have not been
established in patients under the age of 13 years.
In an analysis of 3 placebo-controlled olanzapine monotherapy studies of adolescents, including those with
Schizophrenia (6 weeks) or Bipolar I Disorder (manic or mixed episodes) (3 weeks), olanzapine-treated adolescents had
increases from baseline in mean fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 12.9 mg/dL, 6.5 mg/dL, and
28.4 mg/dL, respectively, compared to increases from baseline in mean fasting total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol of
1.3 mg/dL and 1.0 mg/dL, and a decrease in triglycerides of 1.1 mg/dL for placebo-treated adolescents. For fasting HDL
cholesterol, no clinically meaningful differences were observed between olanzapine-treated adolescents and placebo-
treated adolescents.
In long-term olanzapine studies (at least 24 weeks), adolescents had increases from baseline in mean fasting total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 5.5 mg/dL, 5.4 mg/dL, and 20.5 mg/dL, respectively, and a mean
decrease in fasting HDL cholesterol of 4.5 mg/dL. Table 6 shows categorical changes in fasting lipids values in
adolescents.
Table 6: Changes in Fasting Lipids Values from Adolescent Olanzapine Monotherapy Studies
Up to 6 weeks At least 24 weeks
exposure exposure
Laboratory Category Change (at least once) from Treatment
N Patients N Patients
Analyte Baseline Arm
Olanzapine 138 37.0% 122 45.9%
Increase by ≥50 mg/dL
Placebo 66 15.2% NAa NAa
Normal to High Olanzapine 67 26.9% 66 36.4%
Fasting
(<90 mg/dL to >130 mg/dL) Placebo 28 10.7% NAa NAa
Triglycerides
Borderline to High Olanzapine 37 59.5% 31 64.5%
(≥90 mg/dL and ≤130 mg/dL to >130
Placebo 17 35.3% NAa NAa
mg/dL)
Olanzapine Monotherapy in Adolescents — The safety and efficacy of olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination
have not been established in patients under the age of 18 years. The safety and efficacy of olanzapine have not been
established in patients under the age of 13 years. Mean increase in weight in adolescents was greater than in adults. In 4
placebo-controlled trials, discontinuation due to weight gain occurred in 1% of olanzapine-treated patients, compared to
0% of placebo-treated patients.
Table 8: Weight Gain with Olanzapine Use in Adolescents from 4 Placebo-Controlled Trials
Olanzapine-treated patients Placebo-treated patients
Mean change in body weight from 4.6 kg (10.1 lb) 0.3 kg (0.7 lb)
baseline (median exposure = 3
weeks)
Percentage of patients who gained 40.6% 9.8%
at least 7% of baseline body weight (median exposure to 7% = 4 weeks) (median exposure to 7% = 8 weeks)
Percentage of patients who gained 7.1% 2.7%
at least 15% of baseline body weight (median exposure to 15% = 19 weeks) (median exposure to 15% = 8 weeks)
In long-term olanzapine studies (at least 24 weeks), the mean weight gain was 11.2 kg (24.6 lb) (median exposure
of 201 days, N=179). The percentages of adolescents who gained at least 7%, 15%, or 25% of their baseline body weight
12
with long-term exposure were 89%, 55%, and 29%, respectively. Among adolescent patients, mean weight gain by
baseline BMI category was 11.5 kg (25.3 lb), 12.1 kg (26.6 lb), and 12.7 kg (27.9 lb), respectively, for normal (N=106),
overweight (N=26) and obese (N=17). Discontinuation due to weight gain occurred in 2.2% of olanzapine-treated patients
following at least 24 weeks of exposure.
Table 9 shows data on adolescent weight gain with olanzapine pooled from 6 clinical trials. The data in each
column represent data for those patients who completed treatment periods of the durations specified. Little clinical trial
data is available on weight gain in adolescents with olanzapine beyond 6 months of treatment.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
Dystonia, Class Effect for Antipsychotics — Symptoms of dystonia, prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle
groups, may occur in susceptible individuals during the first few days of treatment. Dystonic symptoms include: spasm of
the neck muscles, sometimes progressing to tightness of the throat, swallowing difficulty, difficulty breathing, and/or
protrusion of the tongue. While these symptoms can occur at low doses, the frequency and severity are greater with high
potency and at higher doses of first generation antipsychotic drugs. In general, an elevated risk of acute dystonia may be
observed in males and younger age groups receiving antipsychotics; however, events of dystonia have been reported
infrequently (<1%) with the olanzapine and fluoxetine combination.
18
Additional Findings Observed in Clinical Studies
Sexual Dysfunction — In the pool of controlled SYMBYAX studies in patients with bipolar depression, there were
higher rates of the treatment-emergent adverse reactions decreased libido, anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction and
abnormal ejaculation in the SYMBYAX group than in the placebo group. One case of decreased libido led to
discontinuation in the SYMBYAX group. In the controlled studies that contained a fluoxetine arm, the rates of decreased
libido and abnormal ejaculation in the SYMBYAX group were less than the rates in the fluoxetine group. None of the
differences were statistically significant.
Sexual dysfunction, including priapism, has been reported with all SSRIs. While it is difficult to know the precise
risk of sexual dysfunction associated with the use of SSRIs, physicians should routinely inquire about such possible side
effects.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies examining sexual dysfunction with SYMBYAX or fluoxetine
treatment. Symptoms of sexual dysfunction occasionally persist after discontinuation of fluoxetine treatment.
Difference Among Dose Levels Observed in Other Olanzapine Clinical Trials
In a single 8-week randomized, double-blind, fixed-dose study comparing 10 (N=199), 20 (N=200), and
40 (N=200) mg/day of olanzapine in patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder, statistically significant
differences among 3 dose groups were observed for the following safety outcomes: weight gain, prolactin elevation,
fatigue, and dizziness. Mean baseline to endpoint increase in weight (10 mg/day: 1.9 kg; 20 mg/day: 2.3 kg; 40 mg/day:
3 kg) was observed with significant differences between 10 vs 40 mg/day. Incidence of treatment-emergent prolactin
elevation >24.2 ng/mL (female) or >18.77 ng/mL (male) at any time during the trial (10 mg/day: 31.2%; 20 mg/day: 42.7%;
40 mg/day: 61.1%) with significant differences between 10 vs 40 mg/day and 20 vs 40 mg/day; fatigue (10 mg/day: 1.5%;
20 mg/day: 2.1%; 40 mg/day: 6.6%) with significant differences between 10 vs 40 and 20 vs 40 mg/day; and dizziness
(10 mg/day: 2.6%; 20 mg/day: 1.6%; 40 mg/day: 6.6%) with significant differences between 20 vs 40 mg, was observed.
Other Adverse Reactions Observed in Clinical Studies
Following is a list of treatment-emergent adverse reactions reported by patients treated with SYMBYAX in clinical
trials. This listing is not intended to include reactions (1) already listed in previous tables or elsewhere in labeling, (2) for
which a drug cause was remote, (3) which were so general as to be uninformative, (4) which were not considered to have
significant clinical implications, or (5) which occurred at a rate equal to or less than placebo.
Reactions are classified by body system using the following definitions: frequent adverse reactions are those
occurring in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; and rare
reactions are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.
Body as a Whole — Frequent: chills, neck rigidity, photosensitivity reaction; Rare: death1.
Cardiovascular System — Frequent: vasodilatation; Infrequent: QT-interval prolonged.
Digestive System — Frequent: diarrhea; Infrequent: gastritis, gastroenteritis, nausea and vomiting, peptic ulcer;
Rare: gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, liver fatty deposit, pancreatitis.
Hemic and Lymphatic System — Frequent: ecchymosis; Infrequent: anemia, thrombocytopenia; Rare:
leukopenia, purpura.
Metabolic and Nutritional — Frequent: generalized edema, weight loss; Rare: bilirubinemia, creatinine increased,
gout.
Musculoskeletal System — Rare: osteoporosis.
Nervous System — Frequent: amnesia; Infrequent: ataxia, buccoglossal syndrome, coma, depersonalization,
dysarthria, emotional lability, euphoria, hypokinesia, movement disorder, myoclonus; Rare: hyperkinesia, libido increased,
withdrawal syndrome.
Respiratory System — Infrequent: epistaxis, yawn; Rare: laryngismus.
Skin and Appendages — Infrequent: alopecia, dry skin, pruritis; Rare: exfoliative dermatitis.
Special Senses — Frequent: taste perversion; Infrequent: abnormality of accommodation, dry eyes.
2
Urogenital System — Frequent: breast pain, menorrhagia , urinary frequency, urinary incontinence; Infrequent:
2 2 2 2
amenorrhea , female lactation , hypomenorrhea , metrorrhagia , urinary retention, urinary urgency, urination impaired;
Rare: breast engorgement2.
1
This term represents a serious adverse event but does not meet the definition for adverse drug reactions. It is included
here because of its seriousness.
2
Adjusted for gender.
H S CH3 CF
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N
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CH3 HCl
Each capsule also contains pregelatinized starch, gelatin, dimethicone, titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate,
edible black ink, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, and/or black iron oxide.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Although the exact mechanism of SYMBYAX is unknown, it has been proposed that the activation of 3
monoaminergic neural systems (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) is responsible for its enhanced antidepressant
effect. In animal studies, ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination has been shown to produce synergistic increases in
norepinephrine and dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex compared with either component alone, as well as
increases in serotonin.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Olanzapine binds with high affinity to the following receptors: serotonin 5HT2A/2C, 5HT6 (Ki=4, 11, and 5 nM,
respectively), dopamine D1-4 (Ki=11 to 31 nM), histamine H1 (Ki=7 nM), and adrenergic α1 receptors (Ki=19 nM).
Olanzapine is an antagonist with moderate affinity binding for serotonin 5HT3 (Ki=57 nM) and muscarinic M1-5 (Ki=73, 96,
132, 32, and 48 nM, respectively). Olanzapine binds weakly to GABAA, BZD, and β-adrenergic receptors (Ki>10 µM).
Fluoxetine is an inhibitor of the serotonin transporter and is a weak inhibitor of the norepinephrine and dopamine
transporters.
Antagonism at receptors other than dopamine and 5HT2 may explain some of the other therapeutic and side
effects of olanzapine. Olanzapine’s antagonism of muscarinic M1-5 receptors may explain its anticholinergic-like effects.
The antagonism of histamine H1 receptors by olanzapine may explain the somnolence observed with this drug. The
antagonism of α1-adrenergic receptors by olanzapine may explain the orthostatic hypotension observed with this drug.
Fluoxetine has relatively low affinity for muscarinic, α1-adrenergic, and histamine H1 receptors.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
SYMBYAX — Fluoxetine (administered as a 60 mg single dose or 60 mg daily for 8 days) caused a small increase
in the mean maximum concentration of olanzapine (16%) following a 5 mg dose, an increase in the mean area under the
curve (17%) and a small decrease in mean apparent clearance of olanzapine (16%). In another study, a similar decrease
in apparent clearance of olanzapine of 14% was observed following olanzapine doses of 6 or 12 mg with concomitant
fluoxetine doses of 25 mg or more. The decrease in clearance reflects an increase in bioavailability. The terminal half-life
is not affected, and therefore the time to reach steady state should not be altered. The overall steady-state plasma
concentrations of olanzapine and fluoxetine when given as the combination in the therapeutic dose ranges were
comparable with those typically attained with each of the monotherapies. The small change in olanzapine clearance,
observed in both studies, likely reflects the inhibition of a minor metabolic pathway for olanzapine via CYP2D6 by
27
fluoxetine, a potent CYP2D6 inhibitor, and was not deemed clinically significant. Therefore, the pharmacokinetics of the
individual components is expected to reasonably characterize the overall pharmacokinetics of the combination.
Distribution
SYMBYAX — The in vitro binding to human plasma proteins of olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination is similar
to the binding of the individual components.
Olanzapine — Olanzapine is extensively distributed throughout the body, with a volume of distribution of
approximately 1000 L. It is 93% bound to plasma proteins over the concentration range of 7 to 1100 ng/mL, binding
primarily to albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein.
Fluoxetine — Over the concentration range from 200 to 1000 ng/mL, approximately 94.5% of fluoxetine is bound
in vitro to human serum proteins, including albumin and α1-glycoprotein. The interaction between fluoxetine and other
highly protein-bound drugs has not been fully evaluated [see Drug Interactions (7.7)].
Mutagenesis
Olanzapine — No evidence of genotoxic potential for olanzapine was found in the Ames reverse mutation test,
in vivo micronucleus test in mice, the chromosomal aberration test in Chinese hamster ovary cells, unscheduled DNA
synthesis test in rat hepatocytes, induction of forward mutation test in mouse lymphoma cells, or in vivo sister chromatid
exchange test in bone marrow of Chinese hamsters.
Fluoxetine — Fluoxetine and norfluoxetine have been shown to have no genotoxic effects based on the following
assays: bacterial mutation assay, DNA repair assay in cultured rat hepatocytes, mouse lymphoma assay, and in vivo
sister chromatid exchange assay in Chinese hamster bone marrow cells.
Impairment of Fertility
SYMBYAX — Fertility studies were not conducted with SYMBYAX. However, in a repeat-dose rat toxicology study
of 3 months duration, ovary weight was decreased in females treated with the low-dose [2 and 4 mg/kg/day (1 and 0.5
times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), respectively] and high-dose [4 and 8 mg/kg/day (2 and 1 times the MRHD on a
mg/m2 basis), respectively] combinations of olanzapine and fluoxetine. Decreased ovary weight, and corpora luteal
depletion and uterine atrophy were observed to a greater extent in the females receiving the high-dose combination than
30
in females receiving either olanzapine or fluoxetine alone. In a 3-month repeat-dose dog toxicology study, reduced
epididymal sperm and reduced testicular and prostate weights were observed with the high-dose combination of
olanzapine and fluoxetine [5 and 5 mg/kg/day (9 and 2 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), respectively] and with
olanzapine alone (5 mg/kg/day or 9 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).
Olanzapine — In an oral fertility and reproductive performance study in rats, male mating performance, but not
fertility, was impaired at a dose of 22.4 mg/kg/day and female fertility was decreased at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day (11 and 1.5
times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis, respectively). Discontinuance of olanzapine treatment reversed the effects on male-
mating performance. In female rats, the precoital period was increased and the mating index reduced at 5 mg/kg/day (2.5
2
times the MRHD on a mg/m basis). Diestrous was prolonged and estrous was delayed at 1.1 mg/kg/day (0.6 times the
2
MRHD on a mg/m basis); therefore, olanzapine may produce a delay in ovulation.
Fluoxetine — Two fertility studies conducted in adult rats at doses of up to 7.5 and 12.5 mg/kg/day (approximately
0.9 and 1.5 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) indicated that fluoxetine had no adverse effects on fertility. However,
adverse effects on fertility were seen when juvenile rats were treated with fluoxetine at a high dose (30 mg/kg) associated
with significant toxicity [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Depressive Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder
The efficacy of SYMBYAX for the acute treatment of depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder was
established in 2 identically designed, 8-week, randomized, double-blind, controlled studies of patients who met Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria for Bipolar I Disorder, Depressed utilizing flexible dosing of SYMBYAX
(6/25, 6/50, or 12/50 mg/day), olanzapine (5 to 20 mg/day), and placebo. These studies included patients (≥18 years of
age [n=788]) with or without psychotic symptoms and with or without a rapid cycling course.
The primary rating instrument used to assess depressive symptoms in these studies was the Montgomery-Asberg
Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), a 10-item clinician-rated scale with total scores ranging from 0 to 60. The primary
outcome measure of these studies was the change from baseline to endpoint in the MADRS total score. In both studies,
SYMBYAX was statistically significantly superior to both olanzapine monotherapy and placebo in reduction of the MADRS
total score.
14.2 Treatment Resistant Depression
The efficacy of SYMBYAX in acute treatment resistant depression was demonstrated with data from 3 clinical
studies (n=579). Doses evaluated in these studies ranged from 6 to 18 mg for olanzapine and 25 to 50 mg for fluoxetine.
An 8-week randomized, double-blind controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of SYMBYAX in
patients (n=300) who met DSM-IV criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and did not respond to 2 antidepressants of
adequate dose and duration in their current episode. Patients who were not responding to an antidepressant in their
current episode entered an 8-week open-label fluoxetine lead-in; non-responders were randomized (1:1:1) to receive
SYMBYAX, olanzapine, or fluoxetine, and were treated for 8 weeks. SYMBYAX was flexibly dosed between 6/50 mg,
12/50 mg, and 18/50 mg. Results from this study yielded statistically significant greater reduction in mean total MADRS
scores from baseline to endpoint for SYMBYAX versus fluoxetine and olanzapine. A second study with the same
treatment-resistant patient population (n=28), when analyzed with change in MADRS as the outcome measure,
demonstrated statistically significantly greater reduction in MADRS scores for SYMBYAX versus fluoxetine and
olanzapine. A third study demonstrated statistically significantly greater reduction in total MADRS scores for SYMBYAX
versus fluoxetine or olanzapine alone, when analyzed in a subpopulation of depressed patients (n=251) who met the
definition of treatment resistance (patients who had not responded to 2 antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in
the current episode).
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1 How Supplied
SYMBYAX capsules are supplied in 3/25-, 6/25-, 6/50-, 12/25-, and 12/50 mg (mg equivalent olanzapine/mg
equivalent fluoxetinea) strengths.