When your doctor prescribes a drug called Niraparib for you or a loved one, it's normal to feel a little apprehensive and curious about it. When we hear the word 'chemotherapy', we all get a little nervous. So, this is a simple, friendly way to talk about what kind of drug Niraparib is and what we need to know when using it.
What kind of medicine is Niraparib?
Simply put, Niraparib is a targeted therapy that targets cancer cells . It also falls into the same category as chemotherapy. But it targets and stops certain enzymes inside cancer cells that help them grow. It's like cutting off an enemy's supply lines.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Ovarian cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Peritoneal cancer
It is used to treat conditions such as. Sometimes, your doctor may also recommend this for other conditions. So, if you have any questions, talk to your doctor about them.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health history. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely mention them.
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat.
- Infections: If you currently have any infections, especially viral infections like chickenpox.
- Liver disease: If there is any problem with the liver.
- Blood problems: If you have a low number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine, aspirin, other medicines, foods, or certain artificial colours (for example, FD&C Yellow No. 5 - tartrazine).
- Pregnancy: This is a very important point to note if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding . You should definitely inform your doctor about this.
How should I use this medicine?
This is a capsule. Swallow it with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule . Swallow it whole. If you have stomach upset, take it with a meal. Taking the medicine at the same time every day will help you get the best results. Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share your medicine with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Things to be especially careful about when taking the medicine
It's important to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medication.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important . Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine. This can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Men should also be aware of this, as this medicine can affect sperm count. Also, do not breastfeed your baby while taking the medicine and for 1 month after stopping the medicine. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
- Infections and bleeding: This medicine may lower your body's ability to fight off diseases (immunity). Therefore, try to stay away from people who have a fever or cold. If you experience symptoms like fever, chills, or a sore throat, do not self-medicate and call your doctor. Be careful when brushing your teeth and using toothpicks. Bleeding from your gums may increase. If you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding, tell your doctor immediately.
- Other medications: Do not take painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen without consulting your doctor. These medications can suppress your fever, even if you develop it.
- General discomfort: It is normal to feel achy and uncomfortable during chemotherapy, as it also affects healthy cells. However, tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Continue the treatment, even if it is uncomfortable, until your doctor tells you to stop.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Niraparib can cause side effects. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Symptoms of low blood platelets (bleeding) | Unusual bruising, small red spots on the skin, black stools, blood in the urine. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells (anemia) | Unusual tiredness, weakness, dizziness, and falls. |
| Signs of infection | Fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. |
| Other common problems | Headache , loss of appetite, mouth sores, insomnia. |
If you experience any other side effects not listed here, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you store your medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Discard any expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Niraparib is a special medicine used to treat cancer. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dose, and at the correct time.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping. Also avoid breastfeeding.
- Be aware of any signs of fever, infection, unusual bleeding or bruising. If you notice any of these, notify your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Keep it away from children.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or fears about this medication, discuss them openly with your doctor.
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