Uses

What is Lynparza used for?

Lynparza (olaparib) is commonly used for treating cancer. Lynparza may be used to treat many types of cancers. These include ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines.

Learn more about Lynparza for Ovarian Cancer.

Lynparza may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Lynparza work (mechanism of action)?

Lynparza is a type of medicine known as a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. PARP is a protein that works to help cancer cells survive and grow by helping to repair damaged DNA. Lynparza causes cancer cells to die by blocking the action of PARP and preventing DNA from being repaired.

How is Lynparza supplied (dosage forms)?

Lynparza is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 100 mg oral tablets
  • 150 mg oral tablets

How should I store Lynparza?

Lynparza should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place and store in the original container to protect Lynparza from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Lynparza?

The most common side effects of Lynparza are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Lynparza that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Lynparza?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Lynparza are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lynparza may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Lynparza and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Bone Marrow Problems. Lynparza may cause myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This can be dangerous and life-threatening. Often, there are no early symptoms with bone marrow problems. Keep all of your appointments for blood work so that your healthcare provider can monitor your blood cell levels closely while you are taking Lynparza. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Bruises or tiny red spots on your skin
  • Looking pale
  • Shortness of breath when exercising
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Swollen gums

Lung Inflammation. Lynparza can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called pneumonitis, which is a type of interstitial lung disease. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough and/or fever.

Blood Clots. Lynparza may cause blood clots in your veins, also called venous thromboembolism (VTE), or a blood clot in the lungs, also called pulmonary embolism. Stop taking Lynparza and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following signs of blood clots.

  • Pain or swelling in arms or legs
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Breathing that is more rapid than normal
  • Heart beating faster than normal

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Lynparza?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Lynparza.

  • Lynparza
  • Olaparib
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lynparza.

What should I know about Lynparza before using it?

Do not take Lynparza unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Lynparza with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Lynparza out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Lynparza.

If you are assigned male at birth, it is important to not donate sperm while taking Lynparza or for 3 months after your last dose. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Lynparza?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Lynparza is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Breathing or lung problems
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lynparza may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Lynparza, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Lynparza may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Lynparza. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Lynparza and for 6 months after your last dose. If you are a male who has a female partner that can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Lynparza and for 3 months after your last dose. 

Breastfeeding. Do not undergo treatment with Lynparza while you are breastfeeding and for 1 month after your last dose. It is not known if Lynparza passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Lynparza?

For more information about Lynparza, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.lynparza.com or call them at 800-236-9933.

Interactions

Does Lynparza interact with foods or drinks?

Grapefruit and Seville oranges interact with Lynparza by making it harder for your body to break down the medicine. This can cause the level of Lynparza to be too high and increase your risk of side effects. It is important to avoid eating grapefruit and Seville oranges and to avoid drinking any grapefruit juice or Seville orange juice while taking Lynparza. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lynparza.

Does Lynparza interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Some medicines may alter the blood levels of Lynparza. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Lynparza. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Lynparza (olaparib) interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lynparza?

If you or someone else has used too much Lynparza, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lynparza?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

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