Indications
Niraparib is a cancer medicine used as maintenance treatment in adult women with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer or primary peritoneal cancer whose cancer has shrunk or disappeared after platinum-based chemotherapy. It helps delay the cancer from coming back. It is prescribed only by a cancer specialist.
How It Works
Niraparib blocks PARP enzymes, which cells use to repair damage to their DNA. Cancer cells, especially those with BRCA or similar repair faults, rely heavily on PARP. When it is blocked, the damaged cancer cells cannot repair themselves and die, while normal cells are less affected.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed by your oncologist. The dose depends on body weight, platelet count and blood tests, and is usually taken once a day at about the same time, with or without food. Taking it at bedtime may reduce nausea. Swallow the capsules or tablets whole. The doctor may pause or lower the dose if blood counts fall. Do not stop or change the dose on your own.
Interactions
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vaccines and herbal products you use.
- Medicines that thin the blood or lower platelets, such as Warfarin, Aspirin or Clopidogrel, may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment.
- Other medicines that suppress the bone marrow may add to its effects.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Niraparib or any ingredient of the product.
- Breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose.
Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, constipation, loss of appetite, headache, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure and a fall in blood counts (low platelets, low red cells causing anaemia, and low white cells raising infection risk). Regular blood tests are needed, usually weekly in the first month and then monthly.
Get urgent medical help if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stools, fever or signs of infection, severe tiredness, breathlessness, very high blood pressure with severe headache, confusion or vision problems, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Niraparib can harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting and must use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month afterwards.
Precautions and Warnings
Blood counts and blood pressure must be checked regularly. Rarely, it may lead to serious bone marrow disorders (myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia). A rare brain condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been reported. Some products contain lactose or tartrazine. It may cause tiredness or dizziness; take care when driving.
Overdose
There is no specific antidote. If too much is taken, contact the doctor or hospital immediately; supportive care and blood count monitoring will be given.
Therapeutic Class
Antineoplastic agent; poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Handle as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.