Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lynparza (Olaparib).
Anemia: Lynparza (Olaparib) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Birth control: The effectiveness of hormonal birth control (birth control pill or monthly injections) may be reduced by Lynparza (Olaparib). Additional forms of birth control are recommended while taking Lynparza (Olaparib) and for at least 1 month after stopping the medication.
Bleeding: Lynparza (Olaparib) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible.
Blood Clots: Lynparza (Olaparib) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting, you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, Stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Lynparza (Olaparib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lynparza (Olaparib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Drowsiness/dizziness: Lynparza (Olaparib) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Lynparza (Olaparib) affects you.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit, star fruit, pomegranate, Seville oranges, and their juices interfere with how Lynparza (Olaparib) is broken down and removed from the body. Consuming any of these products while taking Lynparza (Olaparib) may cause the medication to build up in the body, causing severe side effects. For this reason, you should avoid these fruits and their juices while taking Lynparza (Olaparib).
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Lynparza (Olaparib) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness.
Kidney function: Decreased kidney function may cause Lynparza (Olaparib) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Lynparza (Olaparib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lynparza (Olaparib), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Lynparza (Olaparib) is not recommended for people with severe kidney impairment or end-stage renal disease.
Liver function: Decreased liver function may cause Lynparza (Olaparib) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Lynparza (Olaparib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lynparza (Olaparib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lung inflammation: On rare occasions, some people taking Lynparza (Olaparib) have experienced lung inflammation (pneumonitis) causing difficulty breathing. This can be serious and sometimes fatal. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking Lynparza (Olaparib), contact your doctor immediately.
Other cancers: Rarely, people who are using Lynparza (Olaparib) develop myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid Leukemia (AML) or other diseases where the bone marrow is not able to properly make blood cells. These illnesses can be life-threatening. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
Pregnancy: The safety of Lynparza (Olaparib) when used by a woman during pregnancy has not been studied. Due to the potential for harm to the developing baby, Lynparza (Olaparib) should not be used during pregnancy. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while taking Lynparza (Olaparib), contact your doctor immediately.
Women who may become pregnant must use effective contraception while taking Lynparza (Olaparib) and for 1 month after the last dose of Lynparza (Olaparib). Male patients with partners who may become pregnant should use effective contraception while taking Lynparza (Olaparib) and for 3 months after the last dose of Lynparza (Olaparib).
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Lynparza (Olaparib) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lynparza (Olaparib), it may affect your baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Lynparza (Olaparib) and for at least 1 month after taking the last dose of Lynparza (Olaparib).
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Lynparza (Olaparib) have not been established for children.
