In which situations should Olaparib absolutely not be taken?

Release date: 2026-04-16 13:58:18     Recommended: 15

In which situations should Olaparib absolutely not be taken?

First, do not take Olaparib if you are allergic to olaparib or any of the other ingredients in this medicine. Second, you must not take Olaparib if you are breastfeeding. Additionally, if you are already pregnant or may become pregnant, you should also not take this medicine, as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Effective contraception must be used while taking this medicine and for some time after stopping it. If you are unsure whether any of the above applies to you, be sure to consult your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider before starting treatment.

What serious issues need to be watched for before and during treatment?

Before or during treatment, contact your doctor immediately if you experience: blood test results showing low blood cell counts (which could be red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets), which may be a sign of a more serious bone marrow problem (such as myelodysplastic syndrome, MDS, or acute myeloid leukemia, AML); new or worsening shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing, which may indicate pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs); new or worsening pain or swelling in an arm or leg, or chest pain, rapid breathing, or fast heartbeat, which may suggest deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism; if you notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark (brown) urine, right-sided abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, or unexplained nausea and vomiting, which could be signs of liver problems requiring immediate medical attention.

What are the interactions with other drugs and food?

Olaparib may affect how other medicines work, and vice versa. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal products. In particular, you should inform your doctor about: other anticancer medicines, immunosuppressants, or vaccines; antifungal medicines (itraconazole, fluconazole); antibiotics (clarithromycin, rifampicin, etc.); antivirals (ritonavir, efavirenz, etc.); antiepileptics (phenytoin, carbamazepine); herbal products containing St. John's wort; medicines for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, gout, mental disorders, etc., as well as blood thinners (dabigatran) and pain relievers (fentanyl). In addition, you must not drink grapefruit juice while taking Olaparib, as it may affect the absorption and effectiveness of the medicine.