Dosage and Side Effects
Dosage Instructions:
- Healthcare professionals recommend dosage of Olaparib 300 mg orally twice daily, with or without food. Patients prescribed Olaparib 150 mg tablets for mCRPC should also receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog concurrently or have undergone bilateral orchiectomy. For moderate renal impairment (CLcr 31-50 mL/min), the Olaparib dosage should be reduced to 200 mg orally twice daily.
Administration Guidelines:
- Take Olaparib orally twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart. Swallow the tablets whole and avoid crushing, chewing, dissolving, or splitting them. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions precisely regarding food intake. Do not exceed 4 tablets in a day.
Special Considerations for Breast and Prostate Cancer Treatment:
- For those using Olaparib for early breast cancer with hormone receptor-positive disease, maintain hormonal therapy alongside Olaparib treatment.
- In prostate cancer patients receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog therapy, continue unless surgical castration has been performed to reduce testosterone levels.
Missed Dose and Overdose Guidelines:
- If a dose of Olaparib is missed, take the next dose at the usual time; do not double up on doses. In case of an overdose, promptly seek advice from a healthcare professional or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.
Commonly Reported Side Effects:
- The most frequently reported side effects of Olaparib as a standalone treatment include vomiting, nausea, fatigue, anaemia, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, cough, headache, neutropenia, and abdominal pain. Other reported effects encompass dysgeusia, dyspnea, dizziness, dyspepsia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Side Effects in Combination with Bevacizumab:
- When used alongside bevacizumab, common side effects of Olaparib encompass fatigue, nausea, anaemia, lymphopenia, diarrhea, vomiting, neutropenia, urinary tract infection, leukopenia, and headache.
FAQ's
What is Olaparib used for?
Olaparib, a medication known as a PARP inhibitor, is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer, among others.
How does Olaparib work?
Olaparib works by inhibiting the activity of a specific enzyme called PARP (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase), which plays a role in repairing damaged DNA in cancer cells. By blocking this repair process, Olaparib helps in the destruction of cancer cells.
Who can take Olaparib?
Olaparib is prescribed for adult patients with specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA mutations) in certain types of cancer, such as ovarian, breast, or prostate cancer. It is used in specific stages or following previous treatments.
What are the common side effects of Olaparib?
Common side effects of Olaparib include nausea, fatigue, anaemia, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, and various blood-related issues. Respiratory symptoms and thromboembolic events have also been reported in some cases.
Are there special considerations for pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Olaparib?
Olaparib can potentially harm the fetus; therefore, women of reproductive age taking Olaparib should use effective contraception during treatment and for a specified period afterwards. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Olaparib due to potential risks to the infant.