Niraparib and alcohol

[dryden1]

Hi All, I start Niraparib next week and I have to say for first time on this journey I am really nervous 're the potential side effects of the drug. It is really scary and it takes a lot to do that to me.I would like to hear some of your experiences So I hope you don,t think my next query is trivial. I am by no way a heavy drinker but I do like a drink on social occasions. IS it true I should not drink alcohol on the drug .!!!!

[Doglover1410]

I do!! Not to excess but I still enjoy a drink x

[dryden1 in reply to Doglover1410]

That is good to know, how have you found the drug. ?

[Doglover1410 in reply to dryden1]

I’ve been on it since April. I started on 200, in the evening . No side effects, I fact at my first review he went through every one just to check! We changed it to the morning (so I didn’t have to take tablets when out with friends 🤣) put up to 300, but then in August my bloods crashed and I had to have a transfusion and 3 weeks off them. Back on 200 now and again no side effects. Have to take care in the sun as really easy to burn, but nothing a hat and some sunscreen always in a bag can’t handle.

Drink lots of water is a tip he gave me, healthy diet (80%) of the time! And some daily exercise (my 10k steps and an occasional swim) My CA125 has stayed around 10-12 since (not that I’m counting my chickens!) back on 4 weekly checks, which gives 3 weeks not to think about it!!

Hope you get on ok with it too xx

[Ladystar7 in reply to Doglover1410]

Hello, Im due to start on Niraparib and was more concerned about that than the chemotherapy. Your information above has made me feel so much better. Thank you

[Welshandproud]

My consultant told me in September when I started taking Niraparib that I should avoid alcohol because she had a patient who developed liver problems when drinking while she was on Niraparib. She did say that by Christmas I should be able to have a spritzer. I hope this helps. I know that not everyone has been given this advice but this is what I was told. Good luck with your treatment xx

[SuSue]

I was on Niraparib 300mg for 3 months and got very dehydrated so the fact that alcohol can dehydrate you I would be cautious. Probably the odd one would be ok x

[Numi]

Hi. I've been on 300mg Niraparib since October 2017 (before it was licenced in the UK). The list of potential side effects of the drug is terrifying, and has grown since I started, as the drug company get feedback from those taking it but don't panic- they're just covering every vaguely possible eventuality. You might not get any side effects or if you do, they could be minor. Mine are, and don't spoil my quality of the life I'm so thankful to have thanks to the drug keeping my cancer at bay.

Avoiding alcohol to start with might be a good idea as you can get nausea as your body adjusts, but that should wear off after a couple of months. I went off alcohol when on chemo, so don't drink much these days, and didn't fancy it for quite a long time after starting Niraparib, but I don't have any bad reactions - I have the occasional small glass of red wine at home - perhaps once a fortnight. I've had the odd celebratory evening where I've had a cocktail before dinner, wine with my meal and a cocktail to finish without any ill effects, and I've happily had beer or cider in my local micropub, though never more than a couple of halves and none of those events is regular. Also, on Niraparib, your bloods are checked very frequently - even after the first couple of months of very close monitoring, it's every 4 weeks, so any issues would be picked up quickly.

Everyone is unique, and reacts differently to medication, so I can only share my experience - yours may not be the same. Take things slowly and listen to your body.

Hope all goes well with you. x

[dryden1 in reply to Numi]

GReat information and advice. Hope things continuue to be okay for you

[Ladystar7 in reply to Numi]

Thank you for reassuring me

[lewisriley1947]

Hi, I am not really a fan of alcohol but l did ask my oncologist if it was ok to particate whilst on this drug she assured me it was fine as long l didn't overdo it x

[dryden1 in reply to lewisriley1947]

Good to know, how have you been in general with the drug ?

[lewisriley1947 in reply to dryden1]

I have been ok I was on 300 for a month but found l couldn't tolerate it so was dropped to 200 and have been pretty much ok a bit of nausea but otherwise live a normal life. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen as your skin will be more sensitive. I hope this drug keeps you stable for a very long time!

[dryden1 in reply to lewisriley1947]

Thanks so much

[Flora3]

I have a small glass (125 ml) of red wine nightly, diluted with the same amount of water. I asked my oncologist if I could continue doing so on Niraparib, & he said that would be fine.

Hope all goes well for you, on Niraparib x

[dryden1]

I acwhite wine girl myself, thanks for the information. How have you been with th He drug generally ?

[Flora3 in reply to dryden1]

Very good, actually! I vomited the first night, but that was all, apart from feeling a little nauseous very occasionally. However, over the last 2 months I’ve needed regular blood transfusions, as my red blood platelets have been low. I’ve been on 300mg dose since May, so think we might need to have a discussion about reducing the dose.

All the best to you x