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How it is administered
Olaparib is taken by mouth as a tablet. The usual recommended dose is 300 mg taken twice daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, dissolved, or divided. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the scheduled time.
Olaparib is available in 100 mg and 150 mg tablets.
How it works
Olaparib is a type of targeted cancer therapy known as a PARP inhibitor. PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) enzymes help repair damaged DNA in cells. Many cancer cells, especially those with certain genetic mutations (like BRCA mutations), rely heavily on PARP to fix their DNA and survive.
By blocking PARP, olaparib prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, leading to more damage and, ultimately, cell death. This effect is especially strong in cancer cells that already have trouble repairing DNA due to inherited mutations. This targeted approach helps slow the growth of cancer and can shrink tumors in some patients.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Changes in taste
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
- Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia, leukopenia)
- Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)
Serious but less common side effects include bone marrow problems (like myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia), lung inflammation (pneumonitis), blood clots, and liver problems.
Who Should take it
Olaparib is approved for adults with certain types of cancers, including ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers, especially when these cancers have specific genetic mutations (such as BRCA mutations or other homologous recombination repair gene mutations).
For blood cancers like T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia, olaparib is not currently an approved or standard treatment. However, in general, patients whose cancers have DNA repair defects may benefit from this medication. Your doctor will use specific genetic tests to determine if olaparib is appropriate for your cancer.
Who should not take it
There are no absolute contraindications listed for olaparib, but it should be used with caution in certain situations.
Patients who have not recovered from previous chemotherapy-related blood cell problems should not start olaparib until their blood counts are back to safe levels. Pregnant women should avoid olaparib, as it can harm the developing baby. People with severe kidney or liver problems should consult their doctor before starting olaparib, as there is limited safety data in these groups.
Commonly used with
Olaparib is sometimes used in combination with other cancer treatments, depending on the type of cancer. For example, it may be combined with bevacizumab for ovarian cancer or with abiraterone and prednisone for prostate cancer.
It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, as olaparib can interact with other drugs, especially those that affect liver enzymes (CYP3A inhibitors or inducers).
Commonly tested with
Olaparib has been tested with various chemotherapy agents and targeted therapies, such as platinum-based chemotherapies, bevacizumab, and abiraterone. It is also studied in combination with other drugs that affect DNA repair or the immune system.
Your doctor will decide the best combination based on your specific cancer type and genetic profile.
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