Olaparib (Lynparza)

Taking Olaparib as instructed is crucial to ensuring your treatment is as effective as possible. Here are some key points to remember:

• Your dose may vary, but the usual dose of Olaparib is:
  • 300 milligrams (2 tablets) taken orally twice a day at a scheduled time for 4 weeks.
• Olaparib can be taken with or without food, but should be taken at the same time each day.
• Olaparib should be taken whole and not crushed, cut, or dissolved. If you are unable to swallow Olaparib, consult your doctor for alternative options.
• If you miss a dose of Olaparib, do not take an extra dose or two doses at once. Simply take your next dose at the regular time.
• Be sure to note any missed doses and inform your doctor at your next appointment.

• Olaparib has several drug interactions. Please inform your doctor about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
• Grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges (found in marmalades) may interact with Olaparib. Avoid consuming these during treatment.
• Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications, supplements, or receiving vaccinations.

• Handle Olaparib with care, as this drug can be toxic. Limit exposure to others.
• Store Olaparib at room temperature (below 25°C) in a dry place, away from light.
• Keep Olaparib out of reach of children and pets.
• Leave Olaparib in its original packaging until it is ready to be taken.
• Whenever possible, administer Olaparib to yourself.
• If a family member, friend, or caregiver needs to administer Olaparib to you, they must wear gloves when handling the tablets.
• Take the medicine immediately by mouth with water.
• If you have any unused Olaparib, do not throw it in the trash or flush it down the sink or toilet. Return all unused medication to the practice for proper disposal.
• If you are travelling, place Olaparib’s packaging in a sealed plastic bag. Ask your pharmacist if any additional travel precautions are needed.

The following are common side effects experienced by approximately one-third of patients taking Olaparib. Please note that you may not experience these side effects.

Decreased White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Increased Risk of Infection

Management: A blood test will be done before starting a new cycle of Olaparib to monitor your WBCs, haemoglobin, platelet count, liver, and kidney function.

Infection precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Avoid crowds and people with fevers, flu, or other infections.
• Maintain good personal hygiene by bathing regularly.

Contact our unit if you experience any signs of infection:

• Fever (temperature > 38°C)
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Burning sensation with urination

Low Haemoglobin (Anaemia)

When your haemoglobin is low, you may feel more tired or fatigued.

Management:

• Try to get 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
• Balance work and rest.
• Stay active but rest as needed.
• You may notice paleness.

Contact our unit if you experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Palpitations

Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) and Increased Risk of Bleeding

Management:

• Be cautious to avoid cuts, bruises, or burns.
• Blow your nose gently and avoid picking your nose.
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush and maintain good oral hygiene.
• Use an electric razor for shaving rather than razor blades.

Contact our unit if you have bleeding that won’t stop, such as:

• A bloody nose that lasts more than 5 minutes despite pressure.
• A cut that continues to ooze despite pressure.
• Gums that bleed excessively when flossing or brushing.

Visit the ER immediately if you experience:

• Severe headaches
• Blood in your urine or stool
• Coughing up blood
• Prolonged, uncontrollable bleeding

Kidney Function

Contact our unit if you experience signs of reduced kidney function, such as:

• Decreased urination
• Unusual swelling in your legs and feet

1. Nausea or Vomiting:
   • Eat and drink slowly.
   • Drink 8–10 glasses of water each day (unless advised otherwise by your doctor).
   • Eat small, frequent meals.
   • Avoid spicy, greasy, or fried foods.
   • Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating.
   • Don’t lie down immediately after eating.
   • Avoid strong odours.
2. Fatigue:
   • Stay as active as possible, but rest as needed.
   • Try to do some activity each day.
   • Plan activities when you feel most energetic.
3. Diarrhoea:
   • Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily (unless advised otherwise).
   • Eat small, frequent meals.
   • Eat bland, low-fibre foods (e.g., bananas, potatoes, rice).
   • Avoid high-fibre foods (e.g., raw vegetables, fruits, whole grains).
   • Avoid foods that cause gas (e.g., broccoli, beans, onions).
   • Avoid spicy, fried, or greasy foods.
   • Use loperamide (Imodium or Prodium) if you have more than four bowel movements a day.
4. Muscle or Joint Pain:
   • Keep a diary of your pain and note its location, intensity, and duration.
   • Stay active, but take breaks when needed.
   • Inform your doctor if pain interferes with your activities.
5. Abdominal Pain:
   • Report any serious or persistent abdominal pain to your doctor immediately.

Olaparib can remain in your body for several days after you take it. Some of the drug may be present in your urine, stool, sweat, or vomit. To ensure safety for you and those around you, please follow these guidelines:

• Pregnant women should avoid contact with anything that may be soiled with body fluids from the patient.
• Always close the toilet lid and flush twice after using the toilet to ensure waste is fully disposed of.
• Clean any soiled toilet surfaces before others use the toilet.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet.
• If a bedpan is used, your caregiver should wear gloves to assist with clean-up and wash the bedpan with soap and water daily.
• Use disposable pads, diapers, or sheets if you have trouble controlling urination or bowel movements.
• Wash skin exposed to body fluids or Olaparib with soap and water.
• Wash soiled linens or clothing separately from other items.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling soiled linens or clothing.

• Women should not become pregnant while taking Olaparib, and men should not get a partner pregnant during treatment.
• Men and women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during therapy and for at least 6 months after the last dose of Olaparib.
• Do not breastfeed while taking Olaparib and for 1 month after the last dose.
• If you become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.