Facial edema as an adverse drug reaction to olanzapine in a patient with cancer receiving palliative care

Abstract

Objective Atypical neuroleptics such as olanzapine are indicated for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders and have been used in the palliative care setting also for several clinical indications. Peripheral and facial edema are a rare side effect of the treatment with olanzapine. We report a case of an advanced cancer patient cared receiving palliative care who developed severe facial edema after initiating a low dose of olanzapine in monotherapy. Method A patient with advanced cancer who presented with severe facial edema after initiating olanzapine for the treatment of her opioid use disorder. Results After excluding other differential diagnosis for facial edema, olanzapine was discontinued with complete resolution of the edema. Significance of results To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting facial edema due to olanzapine treatment in a patient with advanced cancer. Our report will help clinicians recognize the possible role of olanzapine in cases of rapid onset of facial edema, allowing its rapid resolution.