Information about Olaparib

Generic Name : Olaparib
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Olaparib are provided here.

Pronunciation : oh-LAP-a-rib

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Olaparib, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Chemotherapy

Trade Names/Brand Names of Olaparib

India :

Lynparza

Why is Olaparib Prescribed? (Indications)

Olaparib is used as maintenance therapy in patients with high-grade cancers of the ovary, fallopian tubes (tubes that connect the ovaries with the uterus) and the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.

It is used only in patients whose cancer condition has returned after a complete or partial response with platinum-based chemotherapy medications such as cisplatin and carboplatin.

Olaparib is also used to treat breast cancer and ovarian cancer with a specific gene (BRCA) alteration that has been diagnosed by an FDA-approved test before starting olaparib treatment.

When should Olaparib not be taken? (Contraindications)

Olaparib should not be used in patients with-

• Allergic to olaparib
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Blood disorders such as severe anemia
• Children below 18 years of age

What is the dosage of Olaparib?

• The recommended dose of olaparib is 300 mg which can be taken as two tablets of 150 mg.

• The total daily dose of olaparib should not exceed 600 mg.

• The treatment with olaparib can be continued until the patient shows worsening of the disease or if the treatment with the drug does not result in intolerable toxicity.

• Depending on the response to olaparib and the side effects experienced by the patient the dose of olaparib can be modified by the doctor.

• The dose of olaparib can be reduced to 500 mg per day by taking 250 mg (one 150 mg and one 100 mg tablet) twice daily.

• When a further dose reduction is required due to bothering side effects or for patients with moderate kidney disease, the daily dose of olaparib can be decreased to 400 mg by taking two 100 mg tablets two times daily.

• No dose adjustment of olaparib is required in patients with mild kidney or liver disease.

• Taking a higher or a lesser dose of olaparib, or taking the dose more often or for a longer duration without the doctor’s approval is not advised as this may harm the patient.

How should Olaparib be taken?

• Olaparib is available as a capsule or tablet and can be taken by mouth two times a day with or without food.

• Take the tablets or capsules exactly as advised and allow a gap of exactly 12 hours between each dose.

• The strength of tablets and capsules of olaparib differ from each other and never substitute tablets for capsules or vice versa.

• Swallow the tablet or capsule as a whole but do not crush, chew, open or break the contents of tablets or capsules.

What are the warnings and precautions for Olaparib?

• Pregnancy testing is mandatory in females of reproductive potential before starting olaparib treatment as it may affect the fetus if given to pregnant women.

• Women of childbearing age should use an effective contraception during the treatment with olaparib and should continue the contraception for at least six months after the last dose of olaparib.

• Breastfeeding should not be done during olaparib treatment and for at least one month after the last dose of olaparib.

• Male patients living with fertile female partners should follow effective barrier contraceptives during olaparib treatment that should be continued for three months after stopping to take olaparib. Donating sperms during this period is also not advised.

• Complete blood count should be monitored monthly during olaparib treatment, and if blood disorders occur, treatment with olaparib should be stopped temporarily until the blood counts are normal.

• If blood toxicity occurs, treatment with olaparib can permanently be discontinued and the patient referred to a hematologist or a super specialist.

• Patients should be monitored for any new or worsening cases of airway disease such as breathing difficulty, cough or pneumonitis during olaparib therapy. If pneumonitis is confirmed, the treatment with olaparib should be discontinued, and the patient must be treated accordingly.

What are the side effects of Olaparib?

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, loose stools, mouth ulcer, swelling and pain of the gums, loss of appetite, indigestion
Nervous system: Headache, dizziness, abnormal weakness, taste disturbances
Respiratory: Infection and swelling of sinuses, flu, sneezing, throat pain, stuffy nose, common cold
Blood disorders: Low levels of red blood cells, neutrophils, platelets, and white blood cells
Others: Muscle pain, joint pain, rashes, fluid accumulation, low levels of magnesium and high levels of creatinine in the blood

What are the other precautions for Olaparib?

• Patients taking olaparib may feel mild to moderate nausea and vomiting which is very common during olaparib treatment, and patients can take medications to reduce nausea or vomiting with the advice of the doctor.

• If a dose of olaparib is missed, take the next dose as per the scheduled time but do not take an extra dose.

• Patients must be advised not to carry out skilled tasks such as driving or operating heavy machinery as olaparib can affect mental alertness.

What are the Drug Interactions of Olaparib?

Avoid taking grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, and Seville orange juice during the treatment with olaparib as it may result in toxicity of olaparib causing severe side effects.

The following drugs should not be taken with olaparib as they may increase the availability of olaparib in the body and cause toxicity.

• Antifungal drugs (e.g., Itraconazole, fluconazole)
• Antibiotic agents (e.g., Clarithromycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin)
• Antiviral drugs (e.g., Lopinavir, saquinavir)
• Cancer treating drugs (e.g., Imatinib, crizotinib)
• High blood pressure treating drugs (e.g., Verapamil, diltiazem)

The following drugs reduce the amount of olaparib resulting in treatment failure and therefore should not be taken together.

• Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• Efavirenz
• Modafinil
• Rifampin
• Bosentan
• Nafcillin
• St.John’s Wort

What are the storage conditions for Olaparib?

• Store the olaparib tablets or capsules at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C.

• Keep the olaparib tablets or capsules in their original container to protect from moisture.

• Keep olaparib tablets or capsules away from the reach of children and pets.