rucaparib

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Pronunciation: roo KAP a rib

Brand: Rubraca

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

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 is rucaparib?

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

Rucaparib is used to treat advanced ovarian cancer.

Rucaparib is used only if your tumor has a specific genetic marker, for which your doctor will test.

Rucaparib is usually given after at least 2 other cancer medicines have been tried without success.

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

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

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

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.

Do not use rucaparib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause a miscarriage. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

It is not known whether rucaparib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How should I take rucaparib?

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

Rucaparib is usually taken once every 12 hours. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

You may take rucaparib with or without food.

If you vomit shortly after taking rucaparib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose to take the medicine again, but do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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 rucaparib?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Rucaparib can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What are the possible side effects of rucaparib?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
  • blood in your urine;
  • shortness of breath;
  • signs of infection --fever, weight loss, feeling weak or tired; or
  • low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating.

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

Common side effects may include:

  • anemia;
  • stomach pain, loss of appetite;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • altered sense of taste;
  • feeling tired or short of breath;
  • abnormal liver function tests; or
  • high cholesterol.

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 rucaparib?

Other drugs may interact with rucaparib, 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 rucaparib.

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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