Olaparib

Generic name: Olaparib
Brand names: Lynparza
Dosage form: Tablets (100mg, 150mg)
Drug class: PARP inhibitors

Usage of Olaparib

Olaparib (Lynparza) is a PARP inhibitor used to treat types of breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or peritoneal cancer. Olaparib works by blocking a protein called PARP which helps cancer cells repair themselves, blocking PARP causes the cancer cells die.

Olaparib is often used if your cancer has a specific genetic marker, including BRAC1, BRCA2, HRR, and HER2-negative. Your doctor will test you for this gene.

Olaparib is a tablet that is usually taken twice daily, with or without food.

Lynparza was first FDA-approved in 2014 for advanced ovarian cancer.

Olaparib side effects

Common olaparib side effects may include:

low blood cell counts;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

heartburn, indigestion, loss of appetite;

dizziness, feeling weak or tired;

headache;

cough, shortness of breath; or

altered sense of taste.

Serious olaparib side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

fever, chills, weakness, feeling light-headed or very tired;

mouth sores, skin sores;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine or stools;

pale skin, cold hands and feet;

weight loss; or

cough, wheezing, shortness of breath.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed if you have certain side effects.

Some people who take olaparib with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) medicine may develop a blood clot in the leg or in the lung. Call your doctor if you have pain or swelling in your arm or leg, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, or fast heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Olaparib

You should not use Olaparib if you are allergic to olaparib.

To make sure Olaparib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

lung disease, breathing problems; or

kidney disease.

Pregnancy

Olaparib can harm an unborn baby or cause a miscarriage if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

If you are a woman, do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose. Also do not donate sperm during the 3 months after your last dose.

Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using this medicine

Breastfeeding

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

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How to use Olaparib

The dose is usually 300 mg orally 2 times a day. The dose may be changed by your doctor due to renal impairment or other factors.

Lynparza is available in 150 mg and 100mg tablets.

For more detailed dosing information, click on the link below.

Warnings

Olaparib affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, weakness, tiredness, trouble breathing, easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, or weight loss.

You will need weekly or monthly blood tests, and your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Olaparib may also cause serious lung problems. Call your doctor if you have chest pain, wheezing, trouble breathing, or a new or worsening cough.

What other drugs will affect Olaparib

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect olaparib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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