Olaparib 120mg Tablet

Olaparib 150mg Tablet is a prescription medication that is taken orally. The tablets are designed to be swallowed whole and are not to be crushed, chewed, or split. It may be taken with or without food. To maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body, it is administered regularly at the same time each day. The exact dosage and schedule are determined by a physician.

Precautions and Interactions:

• Dietary: The consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice is to be avoided while taking this medication, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• Medications and Supplements: It is necessary to consult a doctor before starting any new medications or supplements, as there is a potential for interaction with Olaparib 150mg Tablet.
• Alcohol: The safety of consuming alcohol with Olaparib 150mg Tablet is not established. Consultation with a doctor is advised regarding alcohol use.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Olaparib 150mg Tablet is classified as unsafe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to the risk of harm to the baby. Effective contraception is required for women during treatment and for a period following the last dose. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for a period after the last dose.
• Operating Machinery: The medication may cause dizziness and fatigue, which could decrease alertness or affect vision. Driving or operating heavy machinery is not recommended if these symptoms are experienced.

Uses of Olaparib Tablet

Olaparib is a targeted therapy used in the treatment of various cancers, including:

• Ovarian Cancer: As maintenance treatment for advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, particularly in patients with a specific gene mutation (BRCA).
• Breast Cancer: For certain types of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer with a BRCA gene mutation, after treatment with other chemotherapy.
• Prostate Cancer: For metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with certain gene mutations.
• Pancreatic Cancer: As maintenance treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer with a BRCA gene mutation.

How Olaparib Works

Olaparib is a PARP inhibitor. The enzyme Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) helps repair damaged DNA in cells. Cancer cells with specific genetic mutations (like BRCA mutations) are highly dependent on PARP to fix their DNA and survive. By blocking PARP, Olaparib prevents these cancer cells from repairing their DNA, causing them to die and slowing down tumor growth.

How to Use Olaparib Tablet

Take Olaparib exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Dosage: The standard dose is 300 mg (two 150 mg tablets) twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. The 120 mg dosage is not standard.
• Administration: Swallow the tablets whole with or without food. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or split the tablets.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose to make up for it. Take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
• Grapefruit: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice and Seville oranges while on this medication, as they can increase the drug’s levels in your blood and raise the risk of side effects.

Side Effects of Olaparib Tablet

Most side effects are manageable and may lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. If any side effects become severe or persist, consult your doctor.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Dizziness
  • Change in taste
  • Cough, breathlessness
• Serious Side Effects: Olaparib can cause more serious issues, including:
  • Bone marrow problems: May lead to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
  • Lung problems: Can cause inflammation in the lungs (pneumonitis).
  • Blood clots: Can form in the legs or lungs.

Regular blood tests are essential to monitor for these potential issues.

Safety Advice

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Olaparib is unsafe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can harm an unborn baby and may be toxic to a nursing infant. Use effective contraception during treatment and for a specific period after the last dose (e.g., 6 months for women, 3 months for men).
• Driving: This medicine may cause dizziness, fatigue, and affect your vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Alcohol: Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption.
• Kidney/Liver: Olaparib is generally safe for patients with mild to moderate kidney or liver disease, but always inform your doctor about your medical history.

FAQs

• What is Olaparib 150mg Tablet?
  Olaparib 150mg Tablet is a prescription medication used to treat ovarian and breast cancer. It works by blocking an enzyme involved in repairing damaged DNA, thereby helping to kill cancer cells.
• What should I tell my doctor before starting Olaparib 150mg Tablet?
  Before starting Olaparib 150mg Tablet, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, any allergies, and your medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver problems, lung issues, or are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Can Olaparib 150mg Tablet be taken with other medications?
  Some medications may interact with Olaparib 150mg Tablet, affecting how it works or increasing the risk of side effects. Always inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking to ensure there are no harmful interactions.
• Is Olaparib 150mg Tablet safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
  Olaparib 150mg Tablet can harm an unborn baby. It is important to avoid pregnancy while taking Olaparib 150mg Tablet and for a period after the last dose. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for a specified time after the last dose. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Olaparib 150mg Tablet and for a period after the last dose.
• How long will I need to take Olaparib 150mg Tablet?
  The duration of treatment varies depending on the type of cancer being treated, the patient’s response to the medication, and the presence of any side effects. Your doctor will determine the appropriate length of treatment.
  Reference
  Drugs.com
• LYNPARZA® (olaparib) tablets, for oral use – accessdata.fda.gov