Olaparib

Generic name: olaparib (oh LAP a rib)
Brand name: Lynparza
Dosage forms: oral tablet (100 mg; 150 mg)
Drug class: PARP inhibitors

Olaparib is used to treat cancers of the breast, ovary, fallopian tube, pancreas, prostate, or peritoneum (the membrane that lines the inside of your abdomen and covers some of your internal organs).

Olaparib is sometimes used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or when cancer has come back after treatment with other medications.

Olaparib is sometimes used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal "BRCA" or "HRR" gene). Your doctor will test you for this gene.

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

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.

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.

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

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • lung disease, breathing problems; or
  • kidney disease.

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

  • 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 to 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 olaparib.

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

How should I take olaparib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take your doses at regular intervals, about 12 hours apart. You may take olaparib with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Olaparib affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.

You may also need chest x-rays to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects on your lungs. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

Do not take more than 4 olaparib tablets in one day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking olaparib?

Grapefruit and Seville oranges may interact with olaparib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products and orange marmalades.

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.

Common side effects may include:

  • low blood cell counts;
  • pain and burning when you urinate, painful urination;
  • nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain, diarrhea;
  • heartburn, indigestion, loss of appetite;
  • dizziness, feeling weak or tired;
  • headache;
  • cough, shortness of breath; or
  • altered sense of taste.

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.

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 your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.