Olaparib

Olaparib is used alone or in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) to help maintain the response of certain types of ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer in people who have completely responded or partially responded to their first or later chemotherapy treatments.Olaparib is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. PARP inhibitors are used in cancer treatment, particularly for certain types of ovarian and breast cancers. Olaparib works by inhibiting the activity of PARP enzymes, which play a role in repairing damaged DNA in cells. In cancer cells with specific mutations, particularly those involving the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, the inhibition of PARP can lead to the accumulation of DNA damage, eventually causing the cancer cells to die.

Indications

To treat adults who have: advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer with a certain type of inherited (germline) or acquired (somatic) abnormal BRCA gene. It is used alone as maintenance treatment after the cancer has responded to your first treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy. It is used in combination with another anti-cancer medicine, bevacizumab, as maintenance treatment.

Dosage

to be taken 2 times a day with or without food

Contra-Indications

Allergic to olaparib, lung or breathing problems, blood clots in legs or lungs, or kidney or liver disease, breastfeeding, pregnancy.

Special Precautions

Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, and Seville orange juice during treatment. It is not known if it is safe and effective in children. Lung or breathing problems, blood clots in your legs or lungs, or kidney or liver disease.

Side Effects

It may cause serious side effects, including: Bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Symptoms of low blood cell counts are common during treatment. Other symptoms may include weakness, weight loss, fever, frequent infections, blood in urine or stool, shortness of breath, feeling very tired, bruising or bleeding more easily. Lung problems (pneumonitis).shortness of breath, fever, cough, or wheezing. Blood clots (venous thromboembolism).nausea or vomiting. changes in the way food tastes, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, indigestion or heartburn, low platelet counts

Drug Interactions

St. John's wort.