Rucaparib
About Rucaparib
Rucaparib is a prescription medication used to treat advanced cancers of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and primary peritoneum, as well as certain types of advanced prostate cancer. This medicine is typically prescribed after other treatments have been tried or to help keep the cancer from returning after successful chemotherapy. It belongs to a class of drugs that target specific proteins in cancer cells to stop them from growing.
To get the best results, you must take this medicine exactly as prescribed, keeping a consistent daily schedule. You can take Rucaparib with or without food, making it easy to fit into your daily routine. Staying well-hydrated and eating small, frequent meals can also help your body adjust to the medication.
While taking Rucaparib, you may experience common side effects like nausea, tiredness, or changes in how food tastes. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms such as extreme fatigue, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or signs of an infection, as these can point to serious underlying issues.
Do not take this if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as this medication can harm an unborn baby. It is also important to tell your doctor before starting this medicine if you have a history of liver damage or kidney disease.
Some medications, as well as alcohol and smoking, can change how this medicine works or increase your risk of liver damage. Women who are breastfeeding and elderly individuals should talk to their doctor to discuss the risks and benefits before starting this treatment.
Uses of Rucaparib
Medicinal Benefits
Rucaparib is a PARP inhibitor used to treat certain cancers, including ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers, in patients who meet specific treatment criteria. It works by interfering with cancer cells' ability to repair damaged DNA, which can slow or stop their growth.
- Helps Control Cancer Growth: Blocks PARP enzymes involved in DNA repair, making it harder for certain cancer cells to repair themselves and survive.
- May Delay Disease Progression: Helps slow the growth or progression of eligible cancers, which may extend the period before the disease worsens.
- Supports Maintenance Treatment: May be used as maintenance therapy after a response to platinum-based chemotherapy in certain patients, helping maintain control of the cancer.
- Provides Oral Treatment: Available as an oral tablet, allowing treatment to be taken at home without requiring an intravenous infusion for each dose.
- Offers Targeted Treatment: Its effectiveness is particularly relevant to cancers with certain DNA-repair deficiencies, including some cancers associated with BRCA mutations.
Directions for Use
- Rucaparib can be taken with or without food.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication. Try to take it at the same time each day or as recommended by a doctor for optimal results.
- Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew or crush Rucaparib.
Storage
Side Effects of Rucaparib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
- Feeling extremely tired or weak
- Loss of appetite or changes in how food tastes
- Mild diarrhea or constipation
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of bone marrow problems, such as unusual bruising, pale skin, shortness of breath, or bleeding that does not stop
- Signs of infection, including fever, chills, sore throat, or cough
- Signs of liver damage, like yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine, or severe pain in your upper right stomach area
- Severe skin reactions or severe sunburn after being in the sun
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the Tablets Before Use: Do not take the tablets if they are broken, damaged, or unusually discoloured.
- Use Effective Contraception: Rucaparib may harm an unborn baby. If you or your partner could become pregnant, discuss effective contraception with your doctor and follow the recommended contraception period after treatment.
- Attend Regular Blood Tests: Your doctor may monitor your blood cell counts and liver function regularly during treatment to identify treatment-related changes early.
- Report Symptoms of Low Blood Cell Counts: Contact your doctor if you develop persistent fever, unusual infections, unusual bruising, bleeding, or severe weakness.
- Report New or Persistent Symptoms: Tell your doctor about persistent shortness of breath, cough, weakness, or other unusual symptoms, as rare but serious complications can occur with PARP inhibitor treatment.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Rucaparib:
- Medicines Processed by the Liver: Rucaparib can affect certain liver enzymes and transport proteins, which may alter the levels or effects of other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you use.
- Blood-Thinning Medicines: If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines, inform your doctor so that potential interactions and bleeding risks can be assessed.
- Other Anticancer Medicines: Combining Rucaparib with other treatments that affect bone marrow function may increase the risk of low blood cell counts and requires medical supervision.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Rucaparib interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeRucaparib should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Rucaparib and for at least two weeks after the last dose.
Driving
cautionIn some cases, Rucaparib may cause tiredness. So, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, please inform your doctor before taking Rucaparib.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney disease, please inform your doctor before taking Rucaparib.
Children
unsafeRucaparib is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Use protective clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors, particularly if you develop increased sensitivity to sunlight during treatment.
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: If you experience nausea or reduced appetite, smaller meals throughout the day may be easier to tolerate.
- Stay Well-Hydrated: Drink adequate fluids, particularly if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, unless your doctor has advised you to restrict fluids.
- Follow a Balanced Diet: Choose a varied, nutritious diet to support your overall health during cancer treatment.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular blood tests to check for blood cell count before treatment and every month during treatment.
- Rucaparib may cause photosensitivity. So, avoid direct sunlight and do not use sunbeds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
- Men with partners of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after the last dose.
- Avoid donating sperm during treatment and for three months after the last dose.
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for six months after the last dose.
- Women will need to take a pregnancy test prior to the start of the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer begins in the female reproductive organs, where eggs are formed. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the pelvis or abdomen; a frequent or sudden urge to urinate; feeling full or trouble eating; a lump in the pelvic area; gas, bloating, or constipation.
Fallopian tube cancer: It is the cancer that develops in the fallopian tube, the tube that transports eggs released by the ovaries to the uterus. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge, and bloating.
Peritoneal cancer: It is the cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen. Symptoms may include a swollen abdomen, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer, also called prostatic carcinoma, is cancer in the prostate gland (a reproductive gland in men that produces seminal fluid). Symptoms include difficulty with urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine, trouble emptying the bladder completely, and pain or burning sensations during urination.
FAQs
Rucaparib is used treat Ovarian cancer, Fallopian tube cancer, Primary peritoneal cancer and Prostate cancer.
Rucaparib works by blocking an enzyme that repairs damaged DNA in the cancer cells, resulting in their death. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
Rucaparib may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen.
If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain, consult your doctor, as these may be signs that Rucaparib is affecting your stomach or bowels.
Yes, you can take Rucaparib with or without food. Taking it at the same times each day is the best way to get consistent results. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
If you throw up after taking your dose, do not take an additional tablet. Just wait and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if vomiting becomes a frequent problem.
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Rucaparib. However, some people may experience mild hair thinning. If you notice significant hair loss, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor your liver function and check your blood cell levels. This helps detect any early signs of bone marrow issues or liver damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication can make your skin highly sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of severe sunburn. You should limit your time in direct sun, wear protective clothing, and use a high-SPF sunscreen. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you develop a sunburn or skin rash.
No, Rucaparib can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Both men and women should use effective birth control during treatment and for several months afterward. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about safe contraceptive options.
It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking Rucaparib, as both alcohol and this medication can put extra strain on your liver. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what is safe for you.
The duration of your treatment depends on how well the medicine works for you and whether you experience any severe side effects. Your doctor will determine the appropriate length of therapy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to understand your specific treatment plan.
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