What is Lynparza: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Lynparza overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Lynparza

Generic Names:

  • Lynparza

Uses:

  • Treats cancer, including breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, pancreas, primary peritoneal, and prostate cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Lynparza used for?

Lynparza is used to treat adults who have ovarian cancer. It is also used in the treatment of fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer, to help fight back when the cancer returns. It is used after the cancer has responded to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy. Lynparza works by slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells.

What form(s) does Lynparza come in

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Lynparza doses?

  • Tablet 100MG

  • Tablet 150MG

Common Lynparza prescriptions

  • Lynparza
    50mg capsule

  • Lynparza
    100mg tablet

  • Lynparza
    150mg tablet

How to take Lynparza

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the capsules and tablets whole. Do not crush, break, chew, open, or dissolve them. Do not take the capsules if they look damaged or are leaking.

  • Tablets: Your doctor may also give you other medicines (including gonadotropin-releasing hormone medicine) during prostate cancer treatment or you should have had surgical removal of the testes before using this medicine.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the tablets in their original container.

  • Swallow the capsules and tablets whole. Do not crush, break, chew, open, or dissolve them. Do not take the capsules if they look damaged or are leaking.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

  • Tablets: Your doctor may also give you other medicines (including gonadotropin-releasing hormone medicine) during prostate cancer treatment or you should have had surgical removal of the testes before using this medicine.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the tablets in their original container.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lynparza

Lynparza contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to olaparib, or if you are pregnant.

Lynparza warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with the tablet form of this medicine and for 3 months after the last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 1 month after your last dose.

  • Do not donate sperm while you are using the tablet form of this medicine and for 3 months after your last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems, or a history of cancer or bone marrow problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Bone marrow problems, including myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemiaPneumonitis (lung disease)Blood clots, including venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Lynparza interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how olaparib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Aprepitant, diltiazem, nefazodone, St John€™s wort, verapamilMedicine to treat HIV/AIDS (including amprenavir, atazanavir, boceprevir, darunavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, etravirine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir)Medicine to treat infection (including ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nafcillin, posaconazole, rifampicin, telithromycin, voriconazole)Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, phenytoin)Other cancer medicines (including bosentan, crizotinib, imatinib, modafinil)

  • Do not eat grapefruit or Seville oranges, or drink grapefruit or Seville orange juice while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Bone marrow problems, such as myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemiaPneumonitis (lung disease)

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Lynparza side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Pain or swelling in the arms or legs

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blood in the urine or stool

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Tiredness

  • Decreased appetite

  • Headache, dizziness

  • Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset

  • Back, joint, or muscle pain

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Change or loss of taste