Olaparib is like a superhero fighting against cancer. Imagine your body's cells as houses. Inside each house, there's a tiny machine called PARP that fixes any damages to the house's structure (DNA). But sometimes, there are evil mutations in the DNA that make the houses (cells) turn into cancer hideouts.

Now, Olaparib steps in and says, "Hey, PARP! Stop fixing those cancer hideouts!" Olaparib blocks PARP from doing its job properly. Without PARP, the cancer hideouts can't repair themselves when they get damaged. So, they become weak and eventually crumble.

This superhero Olaparib specifically targets cancer hideouts with mutations in their BRCA genes. These mutations make the cancer hideouts even more vulnerable to Olaparib's attack.

So, in simple terms, Olaparib works by stopping a repair machine in cancer cells, causing them to weaken and eventually die.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

Olaparib is helpful for treating certain types of cancer, like ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Specifically, it's good for people who have mutations in their BRCA genes. These mutations make the cancer cells easier to attack with Olaparib. So, if someone has ovarian or breast cancer with these mutations, Olaparib might be a useful treatment option for them.

Visit our Research Division Doctors in Online Consults for more details.

If you miss a dose of Olaparib, it's important not to panic. Just take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. If that's the case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Don't take extra doses to make up for the missed one.

Missing a dose might not have a big effect right away, but it's best to stay on schedule with your medication to get the most benefit from it. If you're not sure what to do, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Please book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist to know more about what happens if you miss the dose.

Yes, there can be side effects when using Olaparib. Some common ones include feeling tired, having nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. These side effects are usually not too serious and can often be managed with help from our doctor.

However, there are also more serious side effects that can happen, although they are rare. For example, Olaparib might affect your blood cells, which could lead to problems like anemia (low red blood cells) or a higher risk of infections. It could also affect your liver, causing issues like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or changes in liver function tests.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Olaparib, it's important to tell our doctor right away. They can help you figure out if it's something to be concerned about and what to do next.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

If you're taking other medicines along with Olaparib, it's important to be cautious. Some medicines might not work well together and could cause problems. That's why it's crucial to let our doctor know about all the medicines you're taking, including any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements.

Our doctor can check if there are any potential interactions between Olaparib and your other medicines. They might need to adjust your doses or recommend alternative medications to avoid any problems.

By keeping your doctor informed about all your medications, you can ensure that you're getting the safest and most effective treatment possible.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

Here's safety advice about using Olaparib in simple English:

1. **Pregnancy**: If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's crucial to talk to your doctor before using Olaparib. It's not recommended during pregnancy because it could harm the unborn baby. Effective birth control should be used while taking Olaparib and for some time after treatment ends.

2. **Liver Damage**: If you have any liver problems or issues, it's essential to let your doctor know. Olaparib can affect the liver, so our doctor may need to monitor your liver function tests regularly while you're taking it. If you notice any signs of liver problems like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, or stomach pain, you should contact your doctor right away.

3. **Kidney Damage**: Similarly, if you have kidney issues, inform your doctor. While Olaparib mainly affects the liver, it's essential to monitor kidney function as well, especially if you have pre-existing kidney problems. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys function properly while taking Olaparib.

By following these safety precautions and keeping our doctor informed about any pre-existing conditions, you can help ensure safe and effective use of Olaparib.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist