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Olaparib

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
PARP Inhibitor Lynparza® Cancer-related

Olaparib - What is it for

Olaparib is used to treat advanced ovarian cancer or breast cancer in patients with a certain type of BRCA gene mutation.

Olaparib is available in both tablet and capsule form. Make sure you take the right form specified by your doctor as the two forms are NOT interchangeable.

Olaparib - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Olaparib cause?

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea and/or stomach discomfort
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite and taste changes
  • Headache, bone, muscle or back ache
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Decreased blood cells
    This may increase your chances of getting infections, bruising or bleeding. You may also feel tired with a general lack of energy; do avoid over-exerting yourself with strenous physical activities.

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Unhealthy pale skin appearance, increasing tiredness or weakness, light-headedness
  • Persistent weight loss
  • Signs of infection – fever, chills, cough, sore throat
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding, black sticky stools or blood in the urine
  • Suden onset or worsening of cough with chest pain or breathing difficulty

Before taking Olaparib, what precautions must I follow?

  • Inform your doctor of pharmacist if you:
    • Have any other medical conditions e.g kidney or lung problems
    • Are taking any other medication, herbal products or supplements
  • Use effective birth control during and after stopping treatment for at least:
    • 1 month (for women)
    • 3 months (for men)

    Inform your doctor if you or your partner plan for or suspect pregnancy.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Olaparib?

  • Avoid the following fruit and their juices while taking Olaparib:
    • Grapefruit
    • Pomelo
    • Seville orange

Olaparib - Dosage and How to Use

How should Olaparib be used?

Take Olaparib twice daily at approximately the same time each day. Take the exact number of tablets / capsules as instructed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets / capsules whole.  

For tablets: Take with or without food.

For capsules: Take 2 hours before food or 1 hour after food.

 

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Olaparib, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing time. Do not make up for the missed dose or take two doses at once.

What should I do if I overdose?

If you overdose on this medication, inform your doctor immediately.

Olaparib - Handling and Storage

How should I handle Olaparib safely?

Do not crush, chew or break the tablets / capsules.

How should I store Olaparib?

Keep away from children;#

​For tablets: Store at room temperature, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

For capsules: Store in the refrigerator. Do  not freeze.

How should I dispose of Olaparib safely?

Olaparib - Additional Information

  • Updated on Friday, October 11, 2019
  • This article is contributed by Department of Pharmacy National Cancer Centre Singapore

    The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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