Olaparib is a prescription anticancer medicine belonging to a class of medicines called PARP inhibitors. It interferes with certain DNA-repair processes and is used for specific cancers and treatment situations.
Olaparib 150 mg is a tablet containing 150 mg of olaparib as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The 150 mg strength refers to the amount in each tablet and does not necessarily represent the complete daily dose.
Olanib 150 mg and Olakin 150 mg are branded olaparib products containing 150 mg of olaparib per tablet. Olanib 150 mg is associated with Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd., while Olakin 150 mg is associated with Ziska Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Depending on the applicable regulatory approval, olaparib may be prescribed for selected patients with certain ovarian, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers, as well as specific treatment combinations or additional indications in some countries.
Olaparib is an anticancer medicine but is not classified as traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. It is a targeted medicine known as a PARP inhibitor that interferes with DNA-repair processes.
Olaparib inhibits PARP proteins involved in DNA repair and can also promote PARP trapping. Cancer cells with existing weaknesses in other DNA-repair pathways may be particularly vulnerable to these effects.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes involved in DNA repair. Certain harmful BRCA mutations can impair homologous recombination repair, which may make some cancers more susceptible to PARP inhibition. The relevance of BRCA testing depends on the cancer and treatment setting.
For several approved adult tablet indications, the recommended dose is 300 mg twice daily. When 150 mg tablets are used, this can mean two 150 mg tablets per dose. The correct dose depends on the indication, kidney function, other medicines, and individual circumstances.
Patients should not change olaparib from twice-daily treatment to once-daily treatment unless specifically instructed by their healthcare professional. Follow the dosing schedule prescribed for your individual treatment.
Olaparib tablets may generally be taken with or without food. Taking the medicine at approximately the same times each day can help maintain a consistent routine.
Yes. Olaparib tablets should generally be swallowed whole with water. Do not crush, chew, dissolve, or break the tablets unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.
Do not take an additional dose to compensate for a missed dose. Follow the missed-dose instructions provided by your healthcare professional and continue with the next scheduled dose as directed.
Do not automatically take another dose after vomiting. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for instructions rather than taking an additional tablet without professional advice.
Yes. A doctor may reduce the dose when clinically appropriate, including because of significant adverse reactions, certain drug interactions, or kidney impairment. Dose changes should always be made by a healthcare professional.
Yes. Kidney function can affect olaparib exposure. Patients with moderate renal impairment may require a lower dose depending on the applicable prescribing information and treatment indication.
Yes. Olaparib can interact with medicines that affect the CYP3A enzyme system. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you use.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect CYP3A activity and may alter olaparib exposure. The applicable prescribing information recommends avoiding grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Seville oranges and Seville orange juice may also need to be avoided.
Common side effects can include nausea, tiredness, anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, headache, dizziness, changes in taste, and changes in blood-cell counts. Not every patient experiences these effects.
Yes. Anemia is a commonly reported adverse effect of olaparib. Symptoms can include tiredness, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, or shortness of breath. Blood tests may be performed regularly during treatment.
Yes. Olaparib can cause decreases in certain white blood cells, including neutrophils and leukocytes. Significant reductions may increase the risk of infection, which is why blood-count monitoring may be required.
Yes. Olaparib can cause thrombocytopenia, or a reduced platelet count. Low platelet levels may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Report unusual bleeding or unexplained bruising to your healthcare professional.
Important serious risks include myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, serious bone-marrow suppression, pneumonitis, and embryo-fetal toxicity. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your treating healthcare professional.
Olaparib can cause pneumonitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs. Report new or worsening shortness of breath, persistent cough, fever, or other unexplained respiratory symptoms promptly.
Myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia have been reported in patients receiving olaparib. These are serious but uncommon complications. Persistent or unexplained blood-count abnormalities should be evaluated by the treating healthcare team.
Olaparib can cause fetal harm. Patients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or capable of becoming pregnant should discuss pregnancy prevention and reproductive health with their healthcare professional before treatment.
Breastfeeding is not recommended during olaparib treatment and for the period specified in the applicable prescribing information after treatment. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor before starting therapy.
Treatment duration depends on the cancer type, treatment setting, response, tolerance, and applicable prescribing information. Your oncologist will determine how long treatment should continue.
Olaparib should not be described as a guaranteed cure for cancer. Depending on the treatment setting, it may help control cancer, delay disease progression, or prolong the period during which the disease remains controlled.
Your healthcare team may assess treatment response using symptoms, medical examinations, blood tests, imaging studies, tumor markers when appropriate, and other disease-specific assessments.
Regular blood testing may be required during treatment. Healthcare professionals may monitor blood-cell counts because olaparib can cause anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and other blood abnormalities.
Do not stop treatment permanently without discussing the problem with your healthcare professional. Depending on the severity of the side effect, your doctor may recommend supportive treatment, temporary interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation.
Do not independently switch branded medicines. Although Olanib 150 mg and Olakin 150 mg both contain olaparib 150 mg, any substitution should be confirmed with an appropriate pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Store olaparib according to the storage instructions provided with the specific product. Keep the medicine in its original packaging when appropriate and out of the reach of children.
No. Olaparib is a prescription medicine and treatment suitability depends on individual clinical and molecular factors. Never give your prescribed medicine to another person.
No medicine is appropriate for everyone. Olaparib can cause significant adverse effects and has important drug interactions and reproductive safety considerations. A qualified healthcare professional should determine whether it is appropriate for you.
Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, supplements, herbal products, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, previous cancer treatments, and relevant genetic or biomarker test results.
Seek prompt medical attention for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms such as severe breathing difficulty, persistent fever, unusual bleeding, severe weakness, or other symptoms that may indicate a serious complication.