Side effects of Olaparib, exhaustion and weakness.

[Rhonddalady]

Hi, I started Olaparib 300mgs twice daily in October 2020. About 6 weeks later I became very weak and exhausted and spoke to my Onc team about it. The Olaparib was stopped for 2 weeks to see if I improved- which I did. I was the given the lower dose, 200mgs twice daily and have been taking them ever since. The last week I've started to feel weak and exhausted again. Has anyone one else had these side effects and if so how did you cope with them? I'm reluctant to tell my team in case they stop it altogether. I've heard so many positives about this medication, and am so hopeful it will maintain my remission and don't want to jeopardize this opportunity of prolonging it. I'd be grateful for any help or advice you lovely ladies can give me.

Thanks Jan xxx

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hello Jan

Thank you for your post. I'm very sorry to hear that you're feeling weak and exhausted.

It's important to stay in touch with your team and tell them how you're feeling, especially as side effects can get worse if not treated. If you explain what you're experiencing and are concerned about, they will be able to give you advice and there may be something that they can do to help you to manage the symptoms.

As a maintenance therapy, olaparib is used to prolong the time between treatments and give people longer periods of feeling well before they next need treatment. If your side effects are affecting your quality of life, your team may discuss the possibility of stopping treatment.

If there's something that we can help with, or if it would help to talk anything through, please get in touch with our Support Service on 0800 008 7054 or at [e-mail].

Best wishes

Julia

Ovacome Support

[Rhonddalady in reply to OvacomeSupport]

Thanks for your reply Julia, I will take your advice and contact my team. I will probably also ring Ovacome support and have a chat because I am feeling quite low and weepy , strangely even more so since knowing I'm in remission. You are very much appreciated for your support, thanks again Jan xx

[TheOvacomeTeam Partner in reply to Rhonddalady]

Hello Jan

Thank you for your comments and your kind words. I hope that you can have a helpful conversation with your team soon.

You're welcome to call our Support Service if you would like to talk things through with us. Our Support Line is available 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Best wishes

Julia

[JustKBO]

Hello Jan it’s a coincidence that you posted this because I have had a similar experience AND I have question for other ladies on maintenance therapy.

I started Rucaparib in March after 4 cycles of The red stuff (can’t remember it’s name). To begin with I was on 300mgs twice daily but like you became weak and my dose was lowered to 250mgs x2. I was told the problem was white platelets rock bottom and cholesterol Sky high. Along with reduced dosage I was put on Simvastatin and since then everything seems to be stable. Perhaps you would benefit from a similar intervention?

Now my question. If everything is stable would I have an even better chance of keeping recurrence at bay fir longer if the dosage was raised again? I can’t help thinking that a higher dose would be better if I can tolerate it. Have any of you had experience of this? I will ask my Team but before I bother them I thought I’d ask you. Thank you.

BTW Rhondda lady Happy St David’s Day 🌼

[Rhonddalady in reply to JustKBO]

Thanks JustKBO for your reply, it's good to know I'm not alone with this reaction. I was beginning to think it was all in my head due to being in a low mood lately. Last month my bloods showed a problem with my liver so I had to have them done again- they were normal that time, although my Dr said they'll do my lipids check this month - so it could well be my cholesterol levels. You've given me some hope that I may possibly stay on Olaparib . Fingers crossed. Thanks also for the St David's Day wishes Janxxx

[Jacky5]

Hi

I've been taking Olaparib for about 14 months. I've had some months where I've felt exhausted but I find that it then improves for a couple of months.

No idea why.

Like you I was loath to reduce the dose, though I've read somewhere the reduced dose is just as effective.

While I was having chemo.my magnesium was low and I was prescribed supplements.

I take those regularly now , just bought from a chemist as magnesium is supposed to help with fatigue.

Also I find if I have alternate days as rest days and just do nothing strenuous and no long walks, if you are able to, that can help a lot .

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Liz.x

[Rhonddalady in reply to Jacky5]

Hi Liz, thank you so much for your reply. It helps so much to hear how other ladies are coping. I think I panicked a bit , thinking the Olaparib would be stopped, I'll discuss things with my team and see how it goes. I'm so grateful to this forum it has helped me a lot, knowing there is someone out there who understands.

Thanks again Jan xx

[1032]

When my blood cells drop, which seems every few weeks, I have a blood transfusion.. I started with 600 mg day and oncologist dropped me to 450mg day. I hope it all if drug dropped more it still works properly.

[Rhonddalady in reply to 1032]

Thank you xx