Olaparib
Pronunciation: oh-LAP-a-rib.
- Generic name
- olaparib
- Brand names
- Lynparza
- Drug class
- PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) inhibitor -- targeted cancer therapy
- Form
- Film-coated tablet, 100 mg or 150 mg
- Route
- Oral
- Legal status
- Prescription-only, specialist oncology medicine
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand
Australia: Lynparza (5) · Full directory
What olaparib is and how it works
Olaparib is a prescription-only, oral targeted cancer therapy called a PARP inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme that certain cancer cells (particularly those with a BRCA gene mutation or homologous recombination deficiency, HRD) rely on to repair their DNA, causing those cancer cells to die. (1) (2)
Olaparib is prescribed by a cancer specialist (oncologist) for specific cancers and specific genetic test results (such as a BRCA mutation or HRD-positive status) -- it is not a general cancer medicine for everyone. Take it exactly as your oncology team directs, and attend all scheduled blood tests, since regular monitoring is an essential part of using this medicine safely.
Mechanism of action: how olaparib works
Olaparib inhibits PARP1, PARP2, and PARP3 enzymes involved in DNA single-strand break repair; in cells with homologous-recombination DNA repair deficiency (such as BRCA1/2 mutations), PARP inhibition leads to accumulated DNA damage and cancer cell death (synthetic lethality). (1) (2)
What olaparib is used for
Ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (BRCA-mutated or HRD-positive)
Used as maintenance treatment after a response to first-line or platinum-sensitive relapsed chemotherapy, either alone or combined with bevacizumab depending on BRCA/HRD status. (1) (2)
Breast cancer (germline BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative)
Used as adjuvant (after other treatment) therapy for high-risk early breast cancer, and for treating certain metastatic breast cancer. (1)
Pancreatic cancer (germline BRCA-mutated)
Used as maintenance treatment for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma that has not progressed after at least 16 weeks of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. (1)
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (HRR gene-mutated)
Used alone, or with abiraterone and prednisone for BRCA-mutated disease, after prior hormonal therapy. Patients must also be on a GnRH analog or have had surgical removal of both testicles. (1)
Before taking olaparib
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take olaparib if you are breastfeeding (during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose) -- UK label detail. (United Kingdom) (2)
- Do not take olaparib if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to olaparib or any ingredient. (all countries) (2)
Tell your clinician about
- Whether you are, or could become, pregnant, and your contraception plan.
- Any history of blood disorders, low blood counts, or previous chemotherapy/radiotherapy.
- Any lung or breathing problems.
- Any history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
- Any liver problems.
- All other medicines and supplements you take, especially strong or moderate CYP3A-affecting medicines (such as certain antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, or rifampicin-type antibiotics) and grapefruit juice.
How to take olaparib
- Take exactly as your oncology team prescribes, with or without food.
- Swallow tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or dissolve them.
- Do not take the capsule and tablet formulations interchangeably -- they are dosed differently.
- Attend every scheduled blood test and follow-up appointment, since dose adjustments are based on these results.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking olaparib.
- Do not change your dose or timing on your own -- your oncology team will adjust your dose if needed for side effects or interactions.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Missed dose
Contact your oncology team for guidance if you miss a dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Contact your oncology team or emergency services immediately if an overdose is suspected. There is no specific antidote; management involves monitoring and supportive care for symptoms such as low blood counts or gastrointestinal effects. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.
Nausea and vomiting.
What to notice: Nausea and vomiting.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)
Fatigue or weakness.
What to notice: Fatigue or weakness.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)
Low red blood cell count (anaemia), which can cause tiredness or breathlessness.
What to notice: Low red blood cell count (anaemia), which can cause tiredness or breathlessness.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)
Diarrhoea and decreased appetite.
What to notice: Diarrhoea and decreased appetite.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)
Headache, altered taste, dizziness, or cough.
What to notice: Headache, altered taste, dizziness, or cough.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)
Low white blood cell count or low platelet count, found on blood tests.
What to notice: Low white blood cell count or low platelet count, found on blood tests.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)
Serious warnings
Signs of a blood disorder such as myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML) — emergency
Symptoms: Prolonged or unusual tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, unexplained fever, or blood test results showing persistently low blood cell counts.
Action: Contact your oncology team promptly for any of these symptoms. Regular blood tests (at baseline and monthly) are used to catch this rare but serious risk early; a haematologist will investigate further if it is suspected, and your oncology team will decide whether olaparib needs to be stopped. (1) (2)
Signs of pneumonitis (lung inflammation) — emergency
Symptoms: New or worsening breathlessness, cough, or fever.
Action: Contact your oncology team promptly, or seek emergency care if severe. Imaging and prompt clinical assessment are needed; your oncology team will decide whether treatment needs to be paused or stopped. (1) (2)
Signs of a blood clot (venous thromboembolism) — emergency
Symptoms: Swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in a leg, or sudden breathlessness and chest pain (which could indicate a clot has travelled to the lungs).
Action: Seek emergency medical help immediately -- this risk is higher for people taking olaparib together with abiraterone for prostate cancer. (1) (2)
Signs of a liver problem — high caution
Symptoms: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, or dark urine.
Action: Contact your oncology team promptly for liver function testing. (1) (2)
Pregnancy or possible pregnancy while taking olaparib or within the contraception window — high caution
Symptoms: Not applicable -- this is a fetal-harm risk rather than a symptom to watch for.
Action: Contact your oncology team immediately if you become or suspect you are pregnant. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for a specified period after (6 months for patients who can become pregnant; male patients should use a condom and avoid sperm donation for 3 months after the last dose). (1) (2)
Interactions
- Strong or moderate CYP3A-inhibiting medicines (such as certain antifungals or HIV protease inhibitors) can raise olaparib levels -- your oncology team will avoid these where possible or reduce your olaparib dose if they cannot be avoided. (1) (2)
- Strong or moderate CYP3A-inducing medicines (such as rifampicin-type antibiotics) can substantially lower olaparib levels and reduce its effectiveness -- these are generally avoided. (1) (2)
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can raise olaparib levels and should be avoided. (2)
- Olaparib may raise the levels of certain other medicines with a narrow safety margin, such as simvastatin, ciclosporin, or fentanyl -- tell your oncology team about all medicines you take. (2)
- Combining olaparib with other chemotherapy or DNA-damaging treatments can increase and prolong the drop in blood cell counts. (1)
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Olaparib can cause fetal harm and is contraindicated in pregnancy. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose for patients who can become pregnant. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Breastfeeding
Not recommended during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose, as there is no data on whether olaparib passes into breast milk. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Children
Not established for use in children in the sources reviewed; this is an adult cancer treatment. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment based on age alone is described in the sources reviewed, but overall monitoring applies to all patients. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Hepatic_impairment
Liver problems can affect how olaparib is processed -- your oncology team will monitor liver function and may adjust monitoring or treatment accordingly. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Renal_impairment
Moderate kidney impairment requires a reduced dose (200 mg twice daily in the sources reviewed); severe kidney impairment is not generally recommended without close specialist oversight. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Source_ids
US-DAILYMED-OLAPARIB-LYNPARZA-2026,UK-EMC-OLAPARIB-LYNPARZA-2026 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirmation of the relevant genetic test result (BRCA mutation or HRD status) for your cancer type
- Baseline complete blood count
- Baseline liver function tests
- Pregnancy test where relevant
- Review of other medicines for CYP3A interactions
During treatment
- Monthly complete blood count monitoring, especially in the first 12 months.
- Prompt assessment of any new breathlessness, cough, or fever.
- Monitoring for signs of blood clots.
- Periodic liver function tests.
- Ongoing pregnancy prevention counselling where relevant.
Storage
Store according to the specific product packaging instructions; keep out of reach of children. Follow your pharmacy's guidance for this specialist oncology medicine.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only, sourced from the current US FDA prescribing information and UK SmPC reviewed; verify against the current full label and local oncology guidance before prescribing.
United States
Indication: BRCA-mutated/HRD-positive ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers per approved indication
Dose summary: 300 mg orally twice daily with or without food. Moderate renal impairment (CLcr 31-50 mL/min): 200 mg twice daily. Strong CYP3A inhibitor: 100 mg twice daily. Moderate CYP3A inhibitor: 150 mg twice daily. Toxicity-driven reductions: 250 mg then 200 mg twice daily. mCRPC patients require concurrent GnRH analog or bilateral orchiectomy.
Renal context: Dose reduced in moderate renal impairment; not established for severe impairment or dialysis in the source reviewed. (1)
Hepatic guidance
Monitor liver function; olaparib is metabolised primarily by CYP3A -- hepatic impairment may alter exposure, requiring closer monitoring.
Overdose note
No specific antidote; manage overdose with supportive care and monitoring, particularly for haematological toxicity and gastrointestinal effects. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
Does olaparib have a boxed warning?
No. Olaparib's real, serious risks -- including a rare risk of myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia and pneumonitis -- are listed in the standard Warnings and Precautions section of both the US and UK labels, not as a boxed warning. (1) (2)
Why do I need regular blood tests while taking olaparib?
Olaparib can rarely cause serious blood disorders, including low blood counts and, very rarely, myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia. Monthly blood counts, especially in the first year, help your oncology team catch problems early. (1) (2)
Can I take olaparib if I am pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
No -- olaparib can harm a developing baby. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for a period afterward (6 months for patients who can become pregnant), and it should not be taken during pregnancy. (1) (2)
Is olaparib (Lynparza) available in the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?
Yes, it is approved and available in all of these regions for specific cancer types and genetic test results. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
What is the mechanism of action of olaparib?
Olaparib inhibits PARP1, PARP2, and PARP3 enzymes involved in DNA single-strand break repair; in cells with homologous-recombination DNA repair deficiency (such as BRCA1/2 mutations), PARP inhibition leads to accumulated DNA damage and cancer cell death (synthetic lethality). (1) (2)
References
- LYNPARZA (olaparib) tablets -- full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing information · United States · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 1
- Lynparza 150mg Film-Coated Tablets -- Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom -- AstraZeneca · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 2
- Lynparza (olaparib) -- European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) and product informationEuropean Medicines Agency (EMA) · European Union · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 3
- LYNPARZA (olaparib tablets) Product MonographHealth Canada product monograph · Canada · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 4
- LYNPARZA olaparib -- ARTG registration and Australian Public Assessment Report (AusPAR)Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia · Australia · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 5
- LYNPARZA Tablets -- New Zealand Data SheetMedsafe (New Zealand regulator) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient olaparib names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Lynparza150 mg, 100 mg · astrazeneca pharmaceuticals lp
United Kingdom
- Lynparza (2)MHRA licensed emc smpc confirmed · 100 mg, 150 mg · AstraZeneca UK Ltd
Canada
- LYNPARZA
Australia
- Lynparza (5)TGA ARTG registered 2018-05-23 confirmed · 100 mg, 150 mg · AstraZeneca Pty Ltd
New Zealand
- Lynparza (6)Medsafe approved confirmed · 100 mg, 150 mg · AstraZeneca New Zealand Limited
View brands in additional countries.
European Union
Lynparza (3)