Olaparib
About Olaparib
Olaparib is an oral prescription medication used to treat certain advanced cancers, including ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. It is specifically designed for cancers that have specific abnormal genes, such as the BRCA gene. This targeted therapy helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells in the body.
You will typically take Olaparib twice a day, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. It is important to take this medication consistently at the same times every day to maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body. To support your body during treatment, focus on staying hydrated, eating small, frequent meals, and getting adequate rest.
While taking Olaparib, you may experience common side effects such as nausea, tiredness, and low red blood cell counts. However, if you develop serious symptoms like severe shortness of breath, a sudden cough, or an unexplained fever, you must contact your doctor immediately.
Before starting Olaparib, talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems or lung conditions. Do not take this if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can cause serious harm to a developing baby.
This medication can interact with other drugs and certain foods like grapefruit, which can alter how the medicine works in your body. It is also important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are elderly or have other chronic health conditions to ensure Olaparib is safe for you.
Uses of Olaparib
Medicinal Benefits
Olaparib helps manage certain advanced cancers by targeting specific cancer cells and interfering with their ability to repair themselves.
The following are the benefits of this medication:
- By blocking specific proteins that cancer cells use to repair themselves, this treatment helps extend the time that the cancer remains stable and controlled.
- Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, this targeted therapy focuses primarily on cancer cells with specific genetic mutations, sparing more healthy cells.
- Because it is taken as a tablet, patients can manage their treatment at home, reducing the need for frequent, time-consuming hospital clinic visits for intravenous therapy.
Directions for Use
- Olaparib can be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.
- It is usually taken twice a day in the morning and evening, or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush or chew Olaparib.
Storage
Side Effects of Olaparib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach
- Extreme tiredness, fatigue, or general weakness
- Low red blood cell counts (anaemia), which can lead to dizziness or feeling pale
- Diarrhoea, loss of appetite, or temporary changes in how food tastes
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of bone marrow disorders, such as unusual bruising, easy bleeding, or an ongoing fever
- New or worsening shortness of breath, a persistent cough, or fever (which may point to lung inflammation)
- Sudden swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg (possible signs of a blood clot)
- Allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Avoid handling damaged tablets during pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, do not handle broken or crushed tablets. The medicine may be absorbed through the skin and could harm an unborn baby.
- Check the tablets before use: Make sure each tablet is intact and looks normal. Do not take it if it is cracked, discoloured, or crumbling.
- Use reliable contraception: Use effective birth control while taking Olaparib and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Men with partners who could become pregnant should also use reliable contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
- Check your temperature: Monitor your temperature regularly during treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, as this may be a sign of a serious infection.
- Attend all blood tests: Keep all scheduled appointments for blood tests. Your doctor will use these tests to check your blood cell counts, as Olaparib can significantly lower red and white blood cells.
Drug Interactions
- Medicines that block the CYP3A liver enzyme (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir): These medications can slow down how your body breaks down Olaparib, which may increase the risk of severe side effects.
- Medicines that strongly increase CYP3A enzyme activity (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St. John's wort): These medicines may speed up how your body clears Olaparib, making Olaparib less effective against your cancer.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Olaparib.
Pregnancy
unsafeOlaparib should not be used during pregnancy because it can harm your fetus (newborn baby). Both women of childbearing potential and men must use an effective contraception method while taking Olaparib and at least for six months later treatment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not breastfeed during this treatment because the medicine may pass into your milk. Doctors normally advise against breastfeeding throughout this treatment and for one month after the final medication is taken.
Driving
cautionOlaparib may affect your reactions and your ability to drive. Do not drive and/or operate machines that require your alertness.
Liver
cautionIn patients with mild or moderate liver impairment, there is no need to alter the initial dose. There is no information available on patients with severe liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionIn patients with mild or moderate kidney impairment, there is no need to alter the initial dose. There is no information available on patients with severe kidney impairment.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Olaparib in pediatric patients have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid grapefruit products: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as they can significantly raise the level of the drug in your body and increase side effects.
- Manage nausea with small meals: Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large ones. Stick to bland foods like crackers, toast, or rice if you feel sick.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or clear broths, to prevent dehydration, especially if you experience diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Incorporate gentle exercise: Engage in light physical activity, like short daily walks, to help combat fatigue and improve your physical well-being, but listen to your body and rest when needed.
Special Advise
- Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with Olaparib.
- Olaparib should be taken under strict medical supervision. The doctor will regularly monitor your condition while taking Olaparib.
- Monitor complete blood count for cytopenia at baseline and monthly for clinically significant changes during treatment.
- Your doctor may get routine blood tests done to monitor your liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count in your blood.
- Peripheral blood counts should be frequently monitored during Olaparib treatment and, when appropriate, until recovery is achieved.
- Do not donate sperm during treatment with Olaparib for three months after your last dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific body part grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs. Cancer sometimes begins in one body part before spreading to other areas.
Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed).
Breast cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells stimulated by a female sex hormone called estrogen. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), and the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and travel to lymph nodes, a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other body parts. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening, which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, and nipple discharge other than breast milk.
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that only occurs in men and affects the prostate gland, a tiny gland under the bladder that produces semen. Inability to urinate easily, pain, numbness, or sexual issues are among the symptoms. For men, it is the most typical type of cancer. Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, it may be brought on by family history, chemical exposure, or both. Prostate cancer risk factors include a family history of the disease, advanced age, obesity, and genetic changes.
FAQs
Olaparib is used to treat ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
Olaparib contains Olaparib, a targeted drug called a PARP inhibitor. PARP is a protein that helps damaged cells to repair themselves. Olaparib stops PARP working. Some cancer cells rely on PARP to keep their DNA healthy. So, the cancer cells die when Olaparib stops PARP from repairing DNA damage.
If you are allergic to Olaparib or any other ingredients in this medication, are breastfeeding, or have too low blood cell counts, you should not use Olaparib.
Yes, Olaparib can cause low neutrophils levels, a type of white blood cells that help fight infections. If your white blood cells become low, you can be at higher risk for infections. Tell your doctor if you develop a fever or have an infection.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without talking to your doctor first. Also, avoid contact with people who recently had immunizations /vaccinations.
Olaparib is not a traditional chemotherapy pill. It's a targeted therapy, also known as a PARP inhibitor, which works differently from chemotherapy.
When taking Olaparib, avoid or limit foods high in grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as these can interact with the medication. Additionally, consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dietary advice.
The duration of Olaparib treatment can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated and the patient's response to the medication. Generally, Olaparib is taken until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or completion of a specified treatment period. Therefore, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Before taking Olaparib, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications. Also, mention if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. This will ensure safe use and help avoid any potential interactions.
Olaparib can interact with other medications, so do not use any other medications unless your doctor advises. Your doctor will check for potential interactions and advise you on how to take them safely with Olaparib.
No, Olaparib is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it causes unwanted side effects. However, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
The common side effects of Olaparib are feeling very tired, pale skin, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), indigestion or heartburn (dyspepsia), loss of appetite, headache, changes in taste of foods (dysgeusia), feeling dizzy, cough and diarrhoea. Please consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Yes, you can take Olaparib with or without food. Taking it with a light meal may help manage mild stomach upset or nausea. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you struggle with nausea.
If you vomit after taking your dose, do not take an extra dose to replace it. Simply wait and take your next scheduled dose at your regular time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if vomiting persists.
While hair thinning can occasionally occur, complete hair loss is not a common side effect of Olaparib. If you notice significant changes in your hair texture or volume, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
It is highly recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Olaparib. Alcohol can worsen common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol.
Yes, Olaparib can potentially affect fertility in both men and women, making it harder to conceive a child. If you plan to have children in the future, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about fertility preservation options before starting treatment.
Olaparib can significantly lower your blood cell counts, which can lead to anaemia, a higher risk of infection, or bleeding issues. Regular blood tests allow your doctor to monitor these levels and adjust your treatment if necessary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
