Rucaparib
About Rucaparib
Rucaparib belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called PARP (poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase) indicated in the treatment of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. It is also indicated in the treatment of prostate cancer that has spread to other areas in the body in people with a specific gene who have received other treatments.
Rucaparib contains Rucaparib, which works by blocking an enzyme that repairs damaged DNA in cancer cells, resulting in their death. Thereby, it kills cancer cells and helps treat cancer.
In some cases, Rucaparib may cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased or loss of appetite. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, if any of the side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
Let the doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components in Rucaparib. Rucaparib is not recommended for use in children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Rucaparib
Medicinal Benefits
Rucaparib belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called PARP (poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase) indicated in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is also used to help maintain the response to other treatments for certain types of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer that have returned in adults who have partially or completely responded to other chemotherapy treatments and in people with a specific gene who have received treatment with at least two other chemotherapy treatments. Rucaparib contains Rucaparib, which works by blocking an enzyme that repairs damaged DNA in the cancer cells, resulting in their death. Thereby, it kills cancer cells and helps treat cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rucaparib
Ovarian cancer:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Sunburn
- Heartburn
- Difficulty breathing
Prostate cancer:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Anaemia
- Decreased appetite
Drug Warnings
Do not take Rucaparib if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Rucaparib may cause serious side effects like bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or a type of cancer of the blood called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience weakness, weight loss, fever, frequent infections, blood in urine or stools, feeling very tired, shortness of breath, and bleeding or bruising more easily. Consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Rucaparib. Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants (warfarin), anticonvulsants (phenytoin), cholesterol-lowering medicine (rosuvastatin), antacids (cisapride, omeprazole), immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus), anti-migraine (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine), painkillers (fentanyl), antipsychotics (pimozide), antidiabetic (metformin), anti-arrhythmic (digoxin, quinidine), benzodiazepines (midazolam), muscle relaxant (tizanidine), or anti-asthma (theophylline)
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions were found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have bone marrow problems or blood cancer.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Rucaparib interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeRucaparib should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Rucaparib and for at least two weeks after the last dose.
Driving
cautionIn some cases, Rucaparib may cause tiredness. So, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, please inform your doctor before taking Rucaparib.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney disease, please inform your doctor before taking Rucaparib.
Children
unsafeRucaparib is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular blood tests to check for blood cell count before treatment and every month during treatment.
- Rucaparib may cause photosensitivity. So, avoid direct sunlight and do not use sunbeds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
- Men with partners of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after the last dose.
- Avoid donating sperm during treatment and for three months after the last dose.
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for six months after the last dose.
- Women will need to take a pregnancy test prior to the start of the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer begins in the female reproductive organs, where eggs are formed. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the pelvis or abdomen; a frequent or sudden urge to urinate; feeling full or trouble eating; a lump in the pelvic area; gas, bloating, or constipation.
Fallopian tube cancer: It is the cancer that develops in the fallopian tube, the tube that transports eggs released by the ovaries to the uterus. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge, and bloating.
Peritoneal cancer: It is the cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen. Symptoms may include a swollen abdomen, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer, also called prostatic carcinoma, is cancer in the prostate gland (a reproductive gland in men that produces seminal fluid). Symptoms include difficulty with urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine, trouble emptying the bladder completely, and pain or burning sensations during urination.
FAQs
Rucaparib is used treat Ovarian cancer, Fallopian tube cancer, Primary peritoneal cancer and Prostate cancer.
Rucaparib works by blocking an enzyme that repairs damaged DNA in the cancer cells, resulting in their death. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
Rucaparib may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen.
If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain, consult your doctor, as these may be signs that Rucaparib is affecting your stomach or bowels.
