Rucaparib

Generic name: Rucaparib
Brand names: Rubraca
Dosage form: oral tablet (200 mg; 250 mg; 300 mg)
Drug class: PARP inhibitors

Usage of Rucaparib

Rucaparib is used to treat ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer (cancer of the membrane lining the organs inside your abdomen). Rucaparib is sometimes used for these conditions only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal "BRCA" gene). Your doctor will test you for this gene.

Rucaparib is also used to treat prostate cancer with an abnormal BRCA gene. Rucaparib is given for this condition when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and surgery or other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Rucaparib was approved for prostate cancer by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, some people responded to rucaparib, but further studies are needed.

Rucaparib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Rucaparib 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.

Rucaparib may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

blood in your urine; or

low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

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

Common side effects of rucaparib may include:

low blood cell counts;

shortness of breath;

upset stomach, loss of appetite;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

changes in your sense of taste;

dizziness, feeling weak or tired;

increased sensitivity to light;

rash; or

abnormal liver and kidney function tests.

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 Rucaparib

Using rucaparib may increase your risk of developing serious bone marrow problems or other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Rucaparib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using rucaparib.

If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Do not use rucaparib if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while 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.

Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

Relate drugs

How to use Rucaparib

Usual Adult Dose for Ovarian Cancer:

600 mg orally twice a dayDuration of therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicityUses: For the maintenance treatment of patients with a deleterious BRCA (breast cancer gene) mutation (germline and/or somatic)-associated recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy

Usual Adult Dose for Fallopian Tube Cancer:

Usual Adult Dose for Peritoneal Cancer:

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

600 mg orally twice a dayDuration of therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicityComments:-This indication was approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response; continued approval may depend on verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.-Selection of patients for treatment should be based on a US FDA-approved companion diagnostic for this drug.-Patients should also receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog concurrently or should have had bilateral orchiectomy.Use: For the treatment of patients with a deleterious BRCA mutation (germline and/or somatic)-associated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have been treated with androgen receptor-directed therapy and a taxane-based chemotherapy

Warnings

Rucaparib can cause leukemia or serious bone marrow problems. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, shortness of breath, or signs of infection (fever, feeling weak or tired, weight loss).

What other drugs will affect Rucaparib

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

Other drugs may affect rucaparib, 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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