lynparza 150 mg

Lynparza is an anticancer medicine that contains the active substance Olaparib. It is a targeted therapy belonging to a class of drugs called “PARP inhibitors” (poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors). The tablets are beige-brown, round, and debossed with “OLAPA 150” on one side.

2. Mechanism of Action:
Lynparza works by inhibiting the enzyme poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), which is involved in repairing DNA damage in cells. In cancer cells with defects in certain DNA repair pathways, such as those with BRCA gene mutations, blocking PARP leads to an accumulation of DNA damage, causing the cancer cells to die while sparing normal cells. This concept is known as “synthetic lethality.”

3. Therapeutic Indications (Uses):
Lynparza is used for the treatment of several types of cancer in adults. Common indications include:

• Ovarian Cancer:

  • As a maintenance treatment for adults with newly diagnosed, advanced (FIGO stages III-IV), high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, regardless of BRCA status.

  • As a maintenance treatment for adults with platinum-sensitive, relapsed, high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.

  • For the treatment of adults with germline or somatic BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm or sBRCAm), advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with three or more prior lines of chemotherapy.

• Breast Cancer: For the treatment of adults with germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm), HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have previously been treated with chemotherapy. In the metastatic setting, patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer should have been treated with a prior endocrine therapy or be considered unsuitable for endocrine therapy.

• Pancreatic Cancer: As a maintenance treatment for adults with germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma whose disease has not progressed after at least 16 weeks of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

• Prostate Cancer: For the treatment of adults with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline or somatic homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have progressed following prior treatment with enzalutamide or abiraterone.

Important Note: For several of these indications, a patient must have a confirmed BRCA mutation or other HRR gene mutation through an approved test.

4. Warnings and Precautions:
Lynparza can cause serious side effects. Close monitoring by your healthcare team is essential.

• Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML): A rare but serious and potentially fatal bone marrow disorder has been reported in patients treated with Lynparza. This risk may be higher in patients who received prior chemotherapy with platinum agents or other DNA-damaging agents.

• Pneumonitis (Lung Inflammation): Inflammation of the lungs has been reported, which can be fatal. Symptoms include new or worsening cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Treatment should be interrupted if this is suspected.

• Bone Marrow Suppression (Cytopenias): Anemia, neutropenia (low white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets) are common. Complete blood counts should be monitored at baseline and monthly thereafter.

• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity (Fetal Harm): Lynparza can cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

• Gastrointestinal Problems: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion are very common. These can often be managed with medication (anti-emetics) and dietary changes.

• Fatigue and Weakness: Extreme tiredness (asthenia) and lack of energy are very common.

• Dizziness: Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

5. Dosage and Administration:

• The recommended dose is 300 mg (two 150 mg tablets) taken orally twice daily, for a total daily dose of 600 mg.

• Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or dissolved. They can be taken with or without food.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is within 7 hours of the next scheduled dose.

• Treatment should continue as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unacceptable toxicity occurs.

6. Storage:
Store at room temperature (below 30°C / 86°F). Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect from moisture.