OLAPARIB

[Ijkl]

Doctor suggested to use OLAPARIB as gene test came positive. Anyone here used it or using it ? How effective is it ? We are from India. It's very costly here. Anyone know the way to get it in less price ?

[Ijkl]

BRCA1 positive and last chemo completed in September end.

[Katmal-UK]

Hi. I have been trialling Olaparib for what will be 6 years at the end of this month. I am Stage 3 OC BRAC2 positive. I became NED halfway through my chemo following a second recurrence. I completed the cycles of chemo and then within a month moved on to the Olaparib trial. I have now been NED for nearly 6 years and 4 months. There is a facebook page 'Parp Inhibitors'. You will be able to get opinions there too regarding effectiveness. Apologies, I can't offer any advice re the cost. I do know that it is expensive here in the UK (currently c£5000) per month. I understand it's higher in the USA. Might be worth contacting Astra Zenica to see if there are any schemes they offer. I wish you well. Kathy xx

[Ijkl in reply to Katmal-UK]

So, after you started OLAPARIB there is no recurrence right ? How much gap is ok to start OLAPRIB after chemo ? My sister last Chemo was in August. Since the cost is high I am suggesting my sister to wait and see this option if 3rd recurrence comes. I heard that there will be lot of side effects with OLAPRIB. Did you have any effects ?

[Katmal-UK in reply to Ijkl]

Hi There is a gap of only a few weeks between completing Chemo and starting Olaparib and thats not just in the UK. There is a long list of side effects but I only have a couple and still work full time. I have been NED since August 2013.

[mupash in reply to Katmal-UK]

HI- MY DOCTOR WANTS ME TO GO ON OLAPARIB. JUST FOUND OUT COST TO ME WOULD BE 1800. A MONTH WITH MY INSURANCE. THEY SAID ORIGINAL COST IS OVER 15,OOO. A MONTH. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME IF IT IS THAT EXPENSIVE WHERE YOU ARE.

TOO MUCH! THANK YOU, LEE

[Katmal-UK in reply to mupash]

Hi im on a trial so the cost is covered by the drug company but I do know that the cost for this drug is high x

[Lindaura]

Dear Lhkl,

Olaparib is one of the first “PARP” inhibitors found to be extremely effective as a maintenance therapy for the cancer gene mutations, BRCA1 and 2.

But sometimes even those with the gene mutation do not benefit.

I am hoping you will be the one that does.

You are very lucky to be offered it, but I am surprised that you must pay for it.

Sometimes the manufacturers will give it to you for free or discounted.

Your doctor should contact the company and arrange for this.

Or, it might be possible to get it for free in a clinical trial.

You will need to look these up in the web for the clinical trials and research centres closest to you.

Getting yourself to a cancer research centre will be very beneficial.

I wish you all the best.

Laura

[Ijkl in reply to Lindaura]

Hi,

I am from India and there are no clinical trials or manufacturers here. The cost is 1.5 lakh rupees per month. Means 2100 dollars per month.

[mupash in reply to Lindaura]

HI LAURA,

THANKS FOR THE REPLY. THIS DRUG ISN'T IN CLINICAL TRIALS HERE FOR QUITE A WHILE. IT IS FDA APPROVED. I'M GOING TO CALL THE COMPANY.

THANKS AND HOPE ALL IS WELL,

LEE

[mupash in reply to Lindaura]

HI LAURA,

OLAPARIB WAS APPROVED HERE (US) QUITE SOME TIME AGO. ABOUT A YEAR AGO IT WAS ALSO APPROVED FOR RECURRENCE. THERE AREN'T ANY CLINICAL TRIALS FOR IT SINCE IT ALREADY HAS FDA APPROVAL. ALL THE ONCOLOGISTS HERE ARE PUSHING IT AND IT WOULD BE THE SAME AT ANY CANCER CENTER HERE. WILL BE REACHING OUT TO THE COMPANY AND SEE WHERE THIS GOES.

HOPE IT WORKS AND HOPE YOU ARE WELL!

LEE

[Hidden]

Hi. I am from India and have a few pointers for you in this regard. You can direct message me if you want to connect.

[Laurieanne]

Its 8,700 Canadian dollars a month here