Lynparza (olaparib) is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Lynparza is used to treat advanced ovarian cancer in women with a certain abnormal inherited gene. Lynparza is usually given after at least 3 other cancer medicines have been tried without success.
Lynparza was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, olaparib produced complete or partial response in many women. However, further studies are needed to determine if this medicine can lengthen survival time.
Important information
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Lynparza if you are allergic to olaparib.
To make sure Lynparza is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Do not use Lynparza if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.
It is not known whether olaparib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Lynparza.
How should I take Lynparza?
Take Lynparza exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor will perform a blood test to make sure Lynparza is the right treatment for your condition.
Do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open a Lynparza capsule. Swallow it whole.
Do not use a pill that is broken or damaged. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Lynparza can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. You may also need chest x-rays to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects on your lungs. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.
Store Lynparza at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not use the medicine if it has been exposed to high heat (higher than 104 degrees).
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Lynparza dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Ovarian Cancer:
Initial dose: 400 mg (eight 50 mg capsules) orally twice a day
Duration of therapy: Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Comments: Patients should be selected based on the presence of deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutations, as detected by an approved test.
Use: Monotherapy in patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA mutated advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with three or more prior lines of chemotherapy
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Lynparza?
Grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges may interact with olaparib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Lynparza.
Lynparza side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lynparza: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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wheezing, shortness of breath, new or worsening cough;
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severe or ongoing nausea or vomiting;
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blood in your urine or stools; or
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fever, weight loss, weakness, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, or other signs of infection.
Common Lynparza side effects may include:
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signs of infection;
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feeling weak or tired;
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heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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headache, back pain, muscle or joint pain;
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altered sense of taste;
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abnormal kidney function tests;
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rash; or
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cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Lynparza?
Other drugs may interact with olaparib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
