Health Library

Rucaparib (By mouth)

Rucaparib (roo-KAP-a-rib)

Treats cancer, including ovarian, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, or prostate cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Rubraca

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Your doctor may also give you other medicines (including gonadotropin-releasing hormone medicine) during prostate cancer treatment or you should have had surgical removal of the testes before using this medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• 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. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

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 rucaparib works. Tell your doctor if you are using caffeine, digoxin, midazolam, omeprazole, or warfarin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
• Do not donate sperm while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or blood or bone marrow problems.
• This medicine may increase your risk for bone marrow problems, including myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia.
• 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.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• 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 stools
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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

• Change in taste, decreased appetite
• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset
• Skin rash
• 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