Olaparib

Olaparib Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Olaparib is a brand name. Its generic name is Olaparib.

Olaparib Introduction

Olaparib is an oral drug used to treat metastatic breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other types of cancer. It belongs to a group of medications called PARP inhibitors. Olaparib works by blocking an enzyme called poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). This enzyme is involved in DNA repair in cancer cells, and blocking it can slow cancer cell growth. Olaparib is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with ovarian cancer who have been previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Olaparib Uses

Olaparib is used to treat adults with advanced ovarian cancer who have had two or more prior chemotherapy treatments, metastatic breast cancer in people with inherited mutations (BRCA-positive) who have progressed after chemotherapy, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with DNA repair defects, and other types of cancer. Olaparib is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

Olaparib Mechanism of Action

Olaparib is an inhibitor of the enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). PARP is involved in DNA repair in cancer cells. Olaparib blocks PARP and this prevents DNA repair in the cancer cells, leading to their death. By targeting only cancer cells, olaparib can reduce the side effects that accompany chemotherapy.

How Long Does Olaparib Take to Work?

The exact time frame for olaparib to start working can vary from person to person, but generally it takes several weeks for the effects of olaparib to become evident. It may also take several weeks for the tumor to start shrinking.

Olaparib Absorption

Olaparib is generally well absorbed after oral administration. The bioavailability of the drug is approximately 45%. Peak concentrations are reached after 6 hours.

Olaparib Route of Elimination

Olaparib is eliminated primarily through the kidneys. It has a plasma half-life of about 17 hours.

Olaparib Dosage

The recommended dose of olaparib is 400 mg taken orally twice daily. Patients should take the medication with a meal. The dose can be reduced in people with certain conditions or if significant side effects occur.

Olaparib Administration

Olaparib is taken orally with a meal. Patients should take the medication as prescribed by their doctor. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped.

Olaparib Side Effects

Common side effects of olaparib include nausea, tiredness, vomiting, headache, anemia, and constipation. Other serious side effects may include liver damage, difficulty breathing, and seizures. Patients should contact their doctor right away if they experience any of these symptoms.

Olaparib Toxicity

Olaparib can be toxic if too much is taken, either as a single dose or over a period of time. The most commonly reported symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Patients who take more than the recommended dose of olaparib should contact their doctor right away for treatment.

Olaparib Precautions

Patients should tell their doctor about all the medications they are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements, as they may interact with olaparib. Patients should also let their doctor know if they have any existing medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, as this may affect how olaparib is metabolized in the body. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take olaparib.

Olaparib Interactions

Olaparib may interact with other medications, including other cancer treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, and medications that affect the liver. Patients should tell their doctor about all the medications they are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements, before starting olaparib.

Olaparib Disease Interactions

Patients with certain diseases, such as liver or kidney disease, may be at increased risk of negative reactions when taking olaparib. Patients should talk to their doctor before taking olaparib if they have any existing medical conditions.

Olaparib Drug Interactions

Olaparib can interact with other medications. This includes other cancer treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, and medications that affect the liver. Patients should tell their doctor about all the medications they are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements, before starting olaparib.

Olaparib Food Interactions

Olaparib may interact with certain foods. In particular, grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the levels of olaparib in the body. It is recommended that patients avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking olaparib.

Olaparib Pregnancy Use

Olaparib is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk to their doctor before taking olaparib.

Olaparib Lactation Use

It is not known whether olaparib is excreted in human milk. Women who are breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before taking olaparib.

Olaparib Acute Overdose

The most commonly reported symptoms of acute overdose of olaparib are nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Patients who accidentally take too much olaparib should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Olaparib Contraindication

Olaparib is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to olaparib or any of the components of the tablet. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take olaparib.

Olaparib Use Direction

Patients should take olaparib as prescribed by their doctor or pharmacist. The recommended dose is 400 mg, taken orally twice daily with a meal. Patients should not take more than the recommended dose. Patients should consult their doctor if they have any questions about how to take olaparib.

Olaparib Storage Condition

Olaparib should be stored at room temperature, protected from light, and in a dry place. Patients should keep the medication in a sealed container and away from children or pets.

Olaparib Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of olaparib is approximately 160 L.

Olaparib Half Life

The half-life of olaparib is approximately 17 hours.

Olaparib Clearance

The clearance of olaparib is approximately 20 L/h.

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