Olaparib tablets

What is this medication?

OLAPARIB (oh LA pa rib) is a chemotherapy drug. It targets specific enzymes within cancer cells and stops the cancer cell from growing. This medicine is used to treat certain kinds of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lynparza

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to olaparib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. However, avoid grapefruit juice, grapefruit or Seville oranges while on this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• antiviral medicines for hepatitis, HIV or AIDS
• aprepitant
• boceprevir
• bosentan
• carbamazepine
• certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole
• certain medicines for infections, such as ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin
• crizotinib
• diltiazem
• grapefruit juice
• imatinib
• modafinil
• nafcillin
• nefazodone
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• Seville oranges
• St. John's Wort
• telaprevir
• verapamil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop. You will need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

If you are going to have surgery or any other procedures, tell your doctor you are taking this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after the last dose. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping it. Do not donate sperm while taking this medicine and for 3 months after you stop taking this medicine. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Women who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after receiving the last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after the last dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems, like shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing
• fever
• low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose
• signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as changes in vision; chest pain with breathing problems; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
• signs and symptoms of low magnesium like muscle cramps or muscle pain; tingling or tremors; muscle weakness; seizures; or fast, irregular heartbeat
• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
• weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste
• diarrhea
• headache
• heartburn, indigestion
• loss of appetite
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea/vomiting
• runny nose
• stomach pain
• weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.