Olaparib (Lynparza)

What Is Olaparib?

Olaparib (pronounced [oh LAP a rib]) is also known by the brand name, Lynparza. It is an antineoplastic (anticancer) drug that belongs to a class called PARP inhibitors, and it may be prescribed alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs like bevacizumab (Avastin). Lynparza is a targeted anticancer therapy (a PARP inhibitor). It is not considered traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy.

What Is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment designed to affect specific pathways cancer cells use to grow and survive. PARP inhibitors like olaparib work by interfering with DNA repair , which can help slow or stop tumor growth in cells.

Handling Precautions

Olaparib is considered to be a hazardous agent, and normally, these pills are covered by a thin coating of material. If this coating is damaged, removed, melted, or if the pill is broken into pieces, the chemical inside the pill can cause damage to your skin if you touch it. Therefore, it is important to take appropriate precautions for receiving, handling, storing, administering, and disposing of this medication. Wear gloves if touching this medication, or avoid touching it entirely by using the cap of the bottle to scoop up the tablet and put it directly into the mouth.

How Is Lynparza Used?

Lynparza has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a wide variety of cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and other cancers. It can be prescribed in combination with other chemotherapy agents, depending on the severity and type of cancer.

Available Formulations

Lynparza is only available in the form of tablets or capsules and must be administered orally. The tablets are only available in two strengths: 100 mg and 150 mg. The capsules, on the other hand, are only available in 50 mg strength. The tablets are elliptical or oval-shaped. The 100 mg tablet is yellow with “OP 100” imprinted on one side. The 150 mg tablet is green with “OP 150” imprinted on one side. The capsules are white and marked with “Olaparib 50 mg,” followed by a logo.

Directions for Use

Lynparza may be taken with or without food. When taking the pill, swallow it whole; do not break, crush, chew, open, or allow it to be dissolved in your mouth. Do not substitute capsules for tablets without consulting with your physician. Lynparza is typically dosed twice a day, and the dose is dependent on the cancer type and severity. Verify the correct dose and frequency with your provider.

The duration of Olaparib therapy is highly individualized and depends on the specific cancer type, stage, and response to treatment. In some settings, it may be taken for a defined period, while in others, it is taken until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Missed Dose

If you accidentally miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store Lynparza tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature and keep the bottle tightly closed.

What To Avoid While Taking Lynparza

While on the Lynparza therapy, you must follow some precautions. Always tell your physician about any medications you are already taking. Do not take any drug or medicine (even herbals or over-the-counter medications) without prior consent from your physician or pharmacist, as they may have significant interactions with Lynparza. Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice,  Seville orange juice, and Seville oranges throughout therapy as they may also interact with this medication.

Pregnancy and Lynparza

Pregnancy status should be checked prior to starting treatment in women of childbearing age. Females of childbearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with partners who can become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Lynparza may cause fetal harm and is therefore not recommended for women who are breastfeeding during therapy. Breastfeeding should also be avoided for at least 1 month after the last dose.

Side Effects

As with any other medication, you may encounter many side effects while taking Lynparza. A few things to keep in mind are:

• You may not have all the side effects listed below. Many people may experience little to no side effects.
• The severity of side effects may vary from person to person, so don’t compare your side effects with other people’s experiences.
• Most of the side effects will improve when therapy is discontinued.
• These side effects are easily manageable most of the time, either by readjusting the dose of Lynparza or using additional medications to treat the symptoms. Consult with your physician or pharmacist to explore available options.
• Do not hide any symptoms; when you feel any discomfort, do not hesitate to tell your physician or pharmacist about it. 

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions. Some side effects are common and manageable, while others are rare but serious — your care team can help you understand your individual risk.

Some of the most common side effects of Lynparza are: 

Lung Problems 

Lung complications like pneumonitis may occur. Contact a physician or get emergency medical help right away if you have shortness of breath with or without a fever, cough, trouble breathing, or a fast rate of breathing. 

Secondary Malignancies

Rarely, treatment with Lynparza has been associated with serious blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Tell your provider right away if you develop unusual fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising/bleeding, or persistent fevers.

Cardiac Complications

Blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) have been reported in some patients taking Lynparza, particularly in those being treated for prostate cancer. Seek urgent medical care if you have symptoms of a clot.  Clots may present as chest pain or pressure, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm, or trouble speaking or swallowing.

Allergic Reaction

Lynparza can cause hypersensitivity reactions that can include rash, dermatitis, and angioedema. Notify your physician or pharmacist immediately of any signs of a rash or allergic reaction, including wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; hives, blistered or peeling skin; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A UTI may occur in certain situations. If symptoms like blood in the urine, burning or painful urination, passing a lot of urine, fever, lower abdominal pain, or pelvic pain are present, consult your physician.

Bone Marrow Suppression

It is essential to keep up with regular blood tests, especially the complete blood count test (CBC). The CBC blood test is capable of detecting potential side effects of Lynparza, including leukopenia (low white blood cell levels), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), neutropenia (low neutrophils, a type of white blood cell), and anemia (low red blood cells). This blood work is typically required every month, or as often as your healthcare provider instructs, for the first year of therapy and periodically thereafter.

Less severe side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Fatigue, dizziness, tiredness, or weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Common cold symptoms
• Muscle or joint pain
• Nose or throat irritation
• Change in taste
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite or weight loss

Precautions

Unless approved by your physician, Lynparza is generally not recommended in: 

• Patients who have an allergy to Lynparza. Allergic reactions can cause a rash over the whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, swelling around the mouth or eyes, fast heart rate, trouble breathing, and sweating. If you have any of these symptoms, stop using Lynparza and call your doctor or get emergency help right away.
• Patients with a history of lung disease or if pneumonitis develops. Discontinuation of therapy may be required if pneumonitis is confirmed

FAQs

Is Lynparza a chemo agent?

Lynparza is a targeted therapy (PARP inhibitor). While it is an anticancer drug, it is not classified as traditional chemotherapy.

How should Lynparza be taken?

Take Lynparza exactly as prescribed,  twice daily. Swallow tablets whole and do not crush or chew them. If you have questions about your specific dose or schedule, contact your healthcare provider.

Is olaparib available as a generic?

Currently, olaparib is not available as a generic. It is only available as the brand, Lynparza.