When you or someone in your family is prescribed a new drug to treat cancer, it's normal to feel a little nervous and curious about it. Especially when you hear that it's called ``Chemotherapy.'' But Olaparib, which we're talking about today, is not like traditional medicine, but an advanced drug that specifically targets and treats cancer cells. So, if your doctor has prescribed this drug, let's talk about everything you need to know about it in a simple and friendly way.
What is this medicine called Olaparib?
Simply put, Olaparib is a drug that stops cancer cells from growing. Our bodies have special enzymes that help cells repair themselves. Cancer cells also use these enzymes to repair the damage they cause and continue to grow. Olaparib works by interfering with this repair mechanism in cancer cells. Then, the cancer cells cannot repair themselves, and they die. This drug works like a "smart bomb" that only attacks an enemy target.
This medicine is mainly used to treat certain types of cancer, including:
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
This medicine is used to treat cancer conditions such as:
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, your doctor should have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor about them. Don't ignore them as they may have a direct impact on your treatment.
| Health condition or fact | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Low hemoglobin in the blood (anemia) | Olaparib can further increase bleeding, so care should be taken. |
| Kidney, liver, or lung diseases | Because drugs are eliminated from the body through these organs, it is important to be aware of their function. |
| Decreased blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets) | This medication can further reduce blood cell counts, so it is essential to be aware of this before starting treatment. |
| Allergies to Olaparib or other medicines, foods, or dyes | This is very important to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| Trying to get pregnant, being pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is extremely important because this medicine can harm the baby in the womb. |
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to use the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
- You can take this medicine before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Very important: Do not eat or drink grapefruit or Seville orange juice while taking this medication. These can affect the way the medication works.
- Take your medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
Important Note: If you suspect you have taken an overdose, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
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 the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some other medicines, herbal products, or foods you take may interact with Olaparib. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking. This includes prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and pain relievers.
Below are some of the things that may interact with Olaparib. This list is not complete.
- Some medications taken for viral diseases such as HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis
- Some medications used for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole, Fluconazole)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. Clarithromycin, Erythromycin)
- Some medications for epilepsy (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
- Herbal products such as St. John's Wort
- Grapefruit and Seville oranges
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
When undergoing cancer treatment, it is normal to feel a little discomfort and fatigue, as healthy cells are also affected. But do not stop treatment until your doctor tells you to.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will often order blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts while taking this medication.
- Bleeding risk: This medicine may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Even a small cut may take longer to stop bleeding. If you notice anything unusual, such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, red spots under the skin, or black stools, tell your doctor immediately.
- Risk of infection: This medicine reduces the body's ability to fight disease (immunity). Therefore, try to stay away from people who have a fever or cold. If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or a sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor.
- Surgery: If you are having surgery or other medical procedures, tell the doctor that you are taking Olaparib.
Be especially careful during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
This is a very important point.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine. Use a highly effective form of birth control. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Men: If you are taking this medicine, avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 3 months after stopping the medicine. Also, avoid donating sperm during this time.
- Nursing mothers: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for one month after stopping the medicine.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Olaparib can cause side effects. Some of them need to be reported immediately, while others usually come and go.
| Olaparib side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, coughing, and a rattling sound coming from the chest. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Fever, cold symptoms, unusual bleeding or bruising. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Sudden severe headache, chest pain, swelling in a leg, pain, difficulty speaking, numbness in a face or arm. |
| Excessive fatigue or weakness | Feeling more tired than usual. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, chest pain, loss of appetite. |
| Other minor ailments | Headache, change in taste, joint or muscle pain, weight loss, runny nose. |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (room temperature).
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle you received it in.
Take-Home Message
- Olaparib is an advanced drug that targets cancer cells.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid eating grapefruit and Seville oranges while taking the medication.
- If you notice a fever, signs of infection, or unusual bleeding, notify your doctor immediately.
- Follow the instructions given regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding very carefully.
- Even if you experience any discomfort, never stop treatment without medical advice.
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