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Author Details
Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 24 Aug 2026 | 05:54 AM (IST)
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Quick Summary
OLAPARIB
Last updated on 24 Aug 2026 | 05:54 AM (IST)
OLAPARIB
Background and Date of approval OLAPARIB
Olaparib is an anticancer medicine referred to as the Poly Adenosine Diphosphate-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. It was approved for its medical use on 19th December 2014.
Uses of OLAPARIB
Olaparib Tablet has been developed as a maintenance therapy to treat adult patients with cancer in the ovaries, fallopian tube, peritoneum, pancreas, prostate due to BRCA mutation and have completely or partially responded to platinum-based chemotherapy.
How is OLAPARIB administered?
The recommended dose of Olaparib Tablet is 300mg twice a day with or without food. Olaparib Tablet is available in the doses of 100mg and 150mg and the strength varies according to the patient’s health condition. In patients with kidney impairment, the recommended dose is 200mg twice a day.
Side Effects of OLAPARIB
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Olaparib Tablet are nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, constipation, tiredness, indigestion, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, dizziness, low levels of RBC, WBC and platelets in blood, and decreased appetite. If you experience unusual bleeding, bruising, rapid heartbeat, or swelling of the face and eyes, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Contact your doctor right away if you experience breathlessness, chest pain, rapid heart rate, fever, cough or wheezing. Your healthcare provider will conduct blood tests before and every month during Olaparib treatment as this medicine could reduce the counts of RBC, WBC, and platelets. Tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Olaparib if you have been diagnosed with problems in your lungs, liver, heart or kidneys.
Precautions
Olaparib is not recommended during pregnancy as it might harm the unborn baby and lead to miscarriage. Hence, it is advisable to do a pregnancy test before starting this treatment for women of childbearing age. Ideally, it is better to continue birth control methods for a minimum of 6 months after completion of the treatment. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment as it is not known whether Olaparib passes into the breast milk.
Word of Advice
Olaparib can reduce blood cell counts, so it is advisable to be prompt on blood check-ups. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight during this therapy and always apply sunscreen above SPF 50 before stepping out. Do not stop taking Olaparib without consulting your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
What is Olaparib used for?
Olaparib is used as maintenance therapy for people who have cancer in the ovaries, fallopian tube, peritoneum, breast, pancreas and prostate due to mutation in the BRCA gene. It is prescribed as a maintenance therapy after a person has completed a chemotherapy course.
Q2.
How effective is Olaparib?
Olaparib and other PARP inhibitors are effective in preventing the relapse of ovarian cancer by 40-70%.
Q3.
What type of medication is Olaparib?
Olaparib is a targeted anticancer drug belonging to the category of PARP inhibitors. It specifically acts against ovarian cancer that has occurred due to mutation in BRCA genes.
Q4.
How long should you take PARP inhibitors?
PARP inhibitors are intended to be taken for as long as your healthcare provider recommends. Some studies suggest taking PARP inhibitors for up to 2 years.
Q5.
Is Olaparib Tablet used as a standalone treatment in cancers?
Olaparib Tablet is usually indicated as maintenance therapy after a person completes a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen for ovarian cancer. However, newer studies are evaluating its solitary efficacy in treating different types of cancers.
Q6.
What can you expect from MrMed’s Patient Assistance Program?
MrMed’s Patient Assistance Program provides patients with up-to date information regarding benefits, eligibility criteria and documentation process to purchase medications at minimum price.
Q7.
What are the long term effects of Olaparib?
Olaparib may increase the risk of bone marrow diseases (myelodysplastic syndrome or Acute Myeloid Leukemia), lung problems (pneumonitis), and blood clots (venous thromboembolism).
References
- Sebastiaan C. Goulooze et al, Olaparib, Br J Clin Pharmaco, 81:1, 171-173, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4693566/pdf/BCP-81-171.pdf
- AstraZeneca, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Aug 2022] [Accessed on 9th Sep 2022], https://den8dhaj6zs0e.cloudfront.net/50fd68b9-106b-4550-b5d0-12b045f8b184/00997c3f-5912-486f-a7db-930b4639cd51/00997c3f-5912-486f-a7db-930b4639cd51_viewable_rendition__v.pdf
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
