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?
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
How should I handle
Olaparib
safely?
Do not crush, chew or break the tablets / capsules.
Olaparib
- Storage
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.