Olparib 150mg Tablet may be prescribed to:

• Treat ovarian cancer: It may be used as maintenance treatment for ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer after the cancer has responded to platinum-based chemotherapy. This includes cancers with BRCA gene changes and, with bevacizumab, cancers with a certain type of DNA repair deficiency.

• Treat breast cancer: It may be used in HER2-negative breast cancer with an inherited BRCA gene change, either as treatment after surgery in high-risk early breast cancer or for locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

• Treat pancreatic cancer: It may be used as maintenance treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer with an inherited BRCA gene change, after the cancer has not progressed on first-line platinum chemotherapy.

• Treat prostate cancer: It may be used in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with BRCA or related gene changes, after earlier hormone treatment, or together with abiraterone in some cases.

The approved uses and the need for genetic testing depend on the type of cancer. Your oncologist will decide whether Olparib 150mg Tablet is suitable for you.

Olparib 150mg Tablet contains Olaparib, which blocks enzymes called PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase). These enzymes help cells repair damage to their DNA.

Cancer cells with BRCA gene changes already have a weakened DNA repair system. When PARP is also blocked, damage builds up in the cancer cells and they die. Normal cells have a working backup repair system, so they are less affected.

Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products you are taking.

• Antifungal, antibiotic and HIV medicines that block CYP3A: Medicines such as itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir-boosted medicines, erythromycin, diltiazem, fluconazole and verapamil can raise Olaparib levels. They should be avoided, or your doctor will lower the dose.

• Medicines that speed up CYP3A: Rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St. John’s wort and efavirenz can lower Olaparib levels and make it less effective. They should be avoided.

• Grapefruit juice: It can raise Olaparib levels and should be avoided during treatment.

• Other anticancer medicines: Using them together can increase the effect on the bone marrow and the risk of low blood counts.

• Hormonal contraceptives: Olaparib may reduce their effect, so an extra non-hormonal method is advised.

• Some other medicines: Medicines such as simvastatin, ciclosporin and tacrolimus may need closer monitoring when used with Olaparib.

• Vaccines: Check with your doctor before any vaccination, especially live vaccines.

Do not start or stop any medicine without medical advice.

• Store Olparib 150mg Tablet in the original package at room temperature (20°C to 25°C).

• Keep it out of reach from children.

The medicine will be prescribed to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Olparib 150mg Tablet is available as a tablet to be taken with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider.  The dose will be decided by your healthcare professional based on your conditions.  Avoid crushing, opening, or dissolving the tablet and swallow it whole with a glass of water. Take the Olparib 150mg Tablet at the same time every day.

Common side effects of Olparib 150mg Tablet may include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhoea and indigestion

• Tiredness and weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Change in taste

• Cough and shortness of breath

• Anaemia and other low blood counts (low white blood cells or platelets)

• Mouth ulcers

• Skin rash

• Higher creatinine levels in kidney blood tests

Nausea often starts in the first weeks of treatment and may improve. Tell your doctor if it is troublesome, as the doctor may suggest ways to manage it.

Serious side effects

Seek medical attention if you develop:

• Persistent tiredness, paleness, breathlessness, unusual bruising or bleeding, or repeated infections, which may be signs of low blood counts or a rare bone marrow problem such as myelodysplastic syndrome or leukaemia.

• Fever or signs of infection.

• New or worsening cough, shortness of breath or fever, which may be signs of lung inflammation.

• Swelling or pain in a leg, sudden breathlessness or chest pain, which may be signs of a blood clot.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or a severe allergic reaction.

• Regular monitoring: Olparib 150mg Tablet can reduce blood cell counts, so routine blood tests should be done at regular intervals to track your health.

• Sun protection: Avoid direct sunlight while on this medication and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 before going outdoors.

• Do not stop abruptly: Never discontinue Olparib 150mg Tablet without consulting your doctor, even if symptoms improve.

• Avoid grapefruit juice: It can increase the drug’s concentration in your blood, leading to potential side effects.

• Inform your doctor: Always notify your healthcare provider about any other anticancer medicines or treatments you are currently using.

• Stay hydrated: Maintain adequate fluid intake, as dehydration can worsen side effects such as diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues.

• Follow medical advice: Continue taking the medicine as prescribed and do not alter the dose or frequency without professional guidance.

• Attend follow-ups: Keep all scheduled appointments and follow-up visits with your doctor to ensure treatment effectiveness and timely management of side effects.

• Additional note: With proper monitoring and adherence, Obrenza 100mg Tablet can serve as an effective option for managing certain cancer types.