Health Library

Olaparib (By mouth)

Olaparib (oh-LAP-a-rib)

Treats cancer, including breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, pancreas, primary peritoneal, and prostate cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Lynparza

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the capsules and tablets whole. Do not crush, break, chew, open, or dissolve them. Do not take the capsules if they look damaged or are leaking.
• Tablets:
  • If you have hormone receptor positive early breast cancer, you should continue taking hormone medicines during treatment with this medicine.
  • If you have prostate cancer, your doctor may also give you other medicines (including gonadotropin-releasing hormone medicine) during treatment or you should have had surgical removal of the testes before using this medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the tablets in their original container.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how olaparib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aprepitant, diltiazem, nefazodone, St John's wort, verapamil
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (including amprenavir, atazanavir, boceprevir, darunavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, etravirine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir)
  • Medicine to treat infection (including ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nafcillin, posaconazole, rifampicin, telithromycin, voriconazole)
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • Other cancer medicines (including bosentan, crizotinib, imatinib, modafinil)
• Do not eat grapefruit or Seville oranges, or drink grapefruit or Seville orange juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with the tablet form of this medicine and for 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 1 month after your last dose.
• Do not donate sperm while you are using the tablet form of this medicine and for 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems, or a history of cancer or bone marrow problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Bone marrow problems, including myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia
  • Pneumonitis (lung disease)
  • Blood clots, including venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blood in the urine or stool
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Pain or swelling in the arms or legs
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back, joint, or muscle pain
• Change or loss of taste, decreased appetite
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset
• Headache, dizziness
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024