Olaparib (Lynparza): An Essential Guide

Summary or Key Points

Olaparib, sold under the brand name Lynparza, is a targeted treatment used for certain types of ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. It’s a type of PARP inhibitor that works by interfering with the cell’s ability to repair damaged DNA, causing cancer cells to die. Consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine professionals for personal advice.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Lynparza
Generic Name: Olaparib

The ‘generic name’ is the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medicine. The generic name is listed in parentheses.

Pharmacologic Category

Olaparib is a Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. Other medications in this category include Talazoparib (Talzenna), Niraparib (Zejula), and Rucaparib (Rubraca).

Dosing

Olaparib is indicated to treat the following diseases in adults:

• Ovarian cancer: 300 mg, taken twice daily, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
• Breast cancer: 300 mg, taken twice daily, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
• Pancreatic cancer: 300 mg, taken twice daily, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
• Prostate cancer: 300 mg, taken twice daily, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Always consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals before adjusting your dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Olaparib is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Olaparib 50 mg tablets
• Olaparib 100 mg tablets
• Olaparib 150 mg tablets

Administration Instructions

Olaparib is taken orally, with or without food. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible on the same day, but extra doses should not be taken to make up for a missed one.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, anemia, and low levels of blood cells. Rare but serious side effects include lung inflammation, blood and bone marrow cancers, and harm to an unborn baby. Monitor for symptoms and consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine professionals if they occur.

Contraindications

A ‘contraindication’ is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment. Olaparib is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Olaparib or any of its components, as it may cause serious allergic reactions.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Olaparib may interact with the following medications:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• St. John’s Wort

Olaparib in Pregnancy

Olaparib may cause harm to an unborn baby when administered to a pregnant woman and is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team.

Olaparib while Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Olaparib passes into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Olaparib and for one month after the last dose.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Olaparib without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $12,500. However, prices may vary based on location, dosage, and other factors. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for the most accurate information.

Possible Alternatives

Alternative treatments or lifestyle changes for the conditions Olaparib is used to treat might include other medications, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Olaparib Research

New research continues to shed light on the effectiveness and potential uses of Olaparib. Recent studies suggest that Olaparib may also be effective in treating certain types of lung and gastric cancers. However, these uses are still being investigated and are not currently approved. For the latest information, consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals.

This article should serve as a guide, not a definitive source of information. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals for personalized advice.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.