olaparib

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Pronunciation: oh LAP a rib

Brand: Lynparza

What is the most important information I should know about olaparib?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is olaparib?

Olaparib is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Olaparib is used to treat advanced ovarian cancer in women with a certain abnormal inherited gene. Olaparib is usually given after at least 3 other cancer medicines have been tried without success.

Olaparib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, olaparib produced complete or partial response in many women. However, further studies are needed to determine if this medicine can lengthen survival time.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olaparib?

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

To make sure olaparib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • lung disease or breathing problems;
  • a history of bone marrow problems or other types of cancer; or
  • a history of treatment with other cancer medicines or radiation treatment.

Do not use olaparib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.

It is not known whether olaparib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take olaparib?

Your doctor will perform a blood test to make sure olaparib is the right treatment for your condition.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open an olaparib capsule. Swallow it whole.

Do not use a pill that is broken or damaged. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Olaparib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. 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 of these tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not use the medicine if it has been exposed to high heat (higher than 104 degrees).

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges may interact with olaparib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking olaparib.

What are the possible side effects of olaparib?

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

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with olaparib. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

  • fever, chills, sore throat, cold or flu symptoms;
  • sudden weakness or tired feeling;
  • painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, red or swollen gums;
  • pale skin, skin sores, red spots on the skin;
  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum);
  • rapid heart rate, cough, trouble breathing; or
  • weight loss.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • wheezing, shortness of breath, new or worsening cough;
  • blood in your urine or stools; or
  • severe or ongoing nausea or vomiting.

Common side effects may include:

  • infections;
  • feeling weak or tired;
  • heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • headache, back pain, muscle or joint pain;
  • altered sense of taste;
  • abnormal kidney function tests;
  • rash; or
  • cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat.

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?

Other drugs may interact with olaparib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about olaparib.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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