Niraparib is used to treat ovarian cancer, fallopian
tube cancer, or a type of cancer of the abdomen (primary peritoneal
cancer). It works by slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking niraparib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Taking this medication at
bedtime may help to reduce nausea. Swallow this medication whole. Do not
chew, crush, or split the medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another
dose at that time. Take your next dose at the regular time.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of serious side effects will increase.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, bad
taste in your mouth, dry mouth, mouth sores, dizziness, headache, or
trouble sleeping may occur. Rarely, nausea and vomiting can be severe.
Taking this medication at bedtime may help reduce nausea. In some cases,
your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and
vomiting. Eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen
nausea and vomiting. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
This medication may raise your blood pressure and heart
rate. Sometimes these effects can be serious. Check your blood pressure and
heart rate regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Your
doctor may control your blood pressure and heart rate with
medication.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an
effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells,
white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your
body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding.
Rarely, this medication may also cause certain cancers of the bone marrow
or blood cells. Your doctor will monitor your blood cell count. Tell your
doctor right away if you develop any of the following
symptoms:
- signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, pale skin,
shortness of breath, fast heartbeat)
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills, cough)
- easy bruising/bleeding (such as pink/bloody urine,
black/bloody stools)
- weakness
- weight loss
Rarely, niraparib may cause a condition called PRES
(posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). Get medical help right away
if you develop a headache that doesn't go away, seizures, sudden vision
changes, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking niraparib, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients (such as tartrazine found in some brands),
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart disease (such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat)
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
Niraparib can make you more likely to get infections or
may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
niraparib before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with
people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using niraparib. Niraparib
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while
using this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. If you become
pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of
this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 1 month after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
blood pressure, heart rate, kidney/liver function) should be done while you
are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult
your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Store the tablets in the original bottle.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).