Lynparza (olaparib) is an oral medication used as targeted treatment for certain types of ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. You take it as a pill by mouth, typically 2 tablets twice a day. And depending on the cancer you’re taking the medication for, you can use it alone or together with other anticancer treatments. Common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, and fatigue.
Advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy
HER2-negative early or metastatic breast cancer with inherited BRCA mutations, typically after initial treatment
Pancreatic cancer with inherited BRCA mutations, after treatment with first-choice platinum-based chemotherapy
Metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with BRCA or HRR gene mutations
Lynparza (olaparib) is a PARP inhibitor, which means it stops the PARP protein in the body from working. The PARP protein normally helps cells, including cancer cells, grow and survive by fixing damaged DNA. By blocking PARP from working, Lynparza (olaparib) prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, which kills them.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
A type of targeted therapy, so it works on specific cancer cells
Pill are taken by mouth, so it’s convenient to take
Recommended maintenance therapy for ovarian and pancreatic cancer
Commonly causes bothersome nausea and fatigue
Must have specific mutations in order to use the medication
Interacts with many other medications, supplements, and other products (e.g. grapefruit juice)
Lynparza (olaparib) is available as 150 mg (green) and 100 mg (yellow) tablets. You’ll need two of the 150 mg tablets to make the typical 300 mg dose, taken twice daily.
Make sure to swallow Lynparza (olaparib) tablets whole, and avoid chewing, crushing, or cutting the tablets.
If you miss a Lynparza (olaparib) dose, skip the dose and take your next dose of mediation at the next scheduled time.
Lynparza (olaparib) often causes nausea and vomiting. If your provider prescribed medication to prevent nausea and vomiting (e.g. ondansetron (Zofran)), you can take a dose 30 minutes to 1 hour before Lynparza (olaparib) to prevent these symptoms.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Lynparza (olaparib) since it can lead to higher levels of the medication in the body. This raises your risk for side effects of the medication.
Lynparza (olaparib) can interact with many medications, either by raising your risk of side effects or potentially making the medication less effective at treating your cancer. So it’s important to share a complete list of medications, herbals, and supplements you’re taking with your healthcare team.
Lynparza (olaparib) can harm unborn babies. Talk with your provider before starting Lynparza (olaparib) if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you’re able to become pregnant, make sure to use effective birth control while taking Lynparza (olaparib) and for 6 months after your last dose.
If you’re male and have a partner who can become pregnant, use effective birth control and avoid donating sperm while taking Lynparza (olaparib) and for 3 months after your last dose to prevent harm to an unborn baby.
Avoid breastfeeding while taking Lynparza (olaparib) and for 1 month after your last dose. This is because it’s unknown whether this medication is safe for those who are breastfeeding.
Lynparza (olaparib) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Previous treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy or other DNA-damaging treatments
Although rare, in clinical studies with Lynparza (olaparib), people developed a bone marrow problem called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or new cancers of the blood. These conditions can be fatal and occurred anywhere from less than 6 months to more than 10 years after starting the medication. And many were previously treated with agents that can raise risk for second cancers, like radiation or platinum-containing chemotherapy. Your provider will have you do blood tests before starting Lynparza (olaparib), and then once a month to monitor for possible secondary cancers. Talk to your provider if you’re concerned about the risk for other cancers with Lynparza (olaparib).
Lung problems (pneumonitis) has occurred in some people taking Lynparza (olaparib). In rare cases, this can be life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsened cough, shortness of breath, or fevers. Your provider will probably have you stop taking Lynparza (olaparib) while they check your lungs.
In studies, some people taking Lynparza (olaparib) developed serious blood clots. These clots can happen anywhere in your body, including your lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE)) or in your arms and legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)). Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot, such as swelling, having trouble catching your breath, chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, or trouble speaking. If you do have a blood clot, your provider will likely start a blood thinning medication to treat the clot.
Lynparza (olaparib) can harm unborn babies. Let your provider know if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you’re able to become pregnant, your provider will have you do a pregnancy test before starting treatment. They’ll also ask you to use effective birth control while taking this medication and for at least 6 months after your last dose. If you’re male and have a partner who’s able to become pregnant, continue using effective birth control while taking Lynparza (olaparib) and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
The typical dose is 300 mg by mouth twice a day, with or without food.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems, take other medications that interact with Lynparza (olaparib), or experience side effects from Lynparza (olaparib).
Ovarian cancer: If Avastin (bevacizumab) was part of your previous treatment plan, it’s likely you’ll continue Avastin while taking Lynparza (olaparib).
Prostate cancer: While you’re taking Lynparza (olaparib), you’ll need to continue testosterone-lowering treatments, such as leuprolide (Lupron) or have had testicles removed (orchiectomy).
Advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy
HER2-negative early or metastatic breast cancer with inherited BRCA mutations, typically after initial treatment
Pancreatic cancer with inherited BRCA mutations, after treatment with first-choice platinum-based chemotherapy
Metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with BRCA or HRR gene mutations
Maintenance treatment for advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer that's responded to chemotherapy
Maintenance treatment for recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer with BRCA mutations that's responded to chemotherapy
Recurrent ovarian cancer with BRCA mutations, after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy
Metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with BRCA mutations, after treatment with anti-androgen therapy and taxane-based chemotherapy
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