Stomach problems with Olaparib

[cherrysews]

I would be interested to hear people's experience of Olaparib - especially stomach discomfort. I've had several "bouts" of discomfort, but not all the time. I now wonder if certain foods disagree with the drug. Does anyone have any clues about these adverse reactions? By the way, I'm not rushing to the loo with diarrhea, but have pains similar to that, as well as rumblings, and generally feeling out of sorts. I've been on it for a year now.

[Lyndy]

I don’t think I have it as badly as you but certainly recognise the sensitivity and sometimes painful grumbling. I have had to stop eating curry and chilli as the spice winds it up. It’s such a balancing act because if I don’t eat enough fruit and veg I feel bad but if I eat slightly too much I feel bad too! Maybe talk to your team about what you can take to ease these episodes? xx

[mrstadpole]

I have been taking olaparib now for 15 months.No side effects but did experience a kind of acid indigestion.My oncologist prescribed omeprazole which helped hugely.I have managed to wean my self off these now with no problems.Hope you can get it sorted x

[Jacky5]

I've been on Olaparib for 19 months now and do get the same symptoms. They come and go. Sorry I haven't been able to identify any triggers though. I just accept them and know some (most) months will be OK and some will be 'grumbly'.It will be interesting to hear if other ladies have identified any foods that make things worse.

Liz x

[delia2]

I’ve been on it sixteen months and have the same. I take omeprazole and try not to eat large meals. I can’t figure out specific triggers either. I just had a two week drug holiday because I was having a lot of nausea again. It was great being off Olaparib but I was nervous about the cancer sneaking back. Now I am on 300 mg/day. I hope it keeps working!!!

[Twinning]

Been on Olaparib since April. I have had 2 bouts of abdominal pains that I contributed to overeating (though I really hadn’t). They were miserable evenings and had me quite confused! Didn’t connect it to the drug. The knowledge gained on this site is invaluable. Thank you for sharing your experience and garnering more examples. I don’t feel so ‘mad’ anymore.

[Panther17]

Hi. Im on Lynparza. I think its the same thing. I have bad stomach aches everyday from 6am till the afternoon. I take metoclopromide- Reglan. Doctor said if i want i can take compazene. Its been a year or more. I hope you feel better.❤💗❤

[ElayneZ]

Hi - are you taking 600mg/day? I took 450mg first month then increased to 600mg three months ago. Some days I do feel “off”. I don’t eat spicy so it’s not that although I’ve read some feel it’s a culprit. I think it’s more problemsome on days that I haven’t had “good enough” bm’s. Take good care!

[cherrysews]

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. I am only on 300mg a day, so now count myself lucky that I don't have worse reactions. I think fruit may be one culprit - been eating a lot of soft fruits over the summer (strawberries, raspberries, nectarines) so I'm now cutting back on those. Also, have removed alcohol off the menu, except for perhaps twice a month. On the subject of food - something I read, and that applies to me, is that you may find you prefer cold food to hot - I certainly have days when I can't go near hot food. Also tastes change daily so I shop completely differently, to avoid wasting food. Look after yourselves.

[FlowerRose]

Sorry you're experiencing this. I've been on olaparib 15 months. Worst was nausea, but stomach wise, nothing but constipation. I notice if i don't take care of that, i get the same rumblings as you mentioned. I noticed that when I eat junk foods, I really do feel worse, like nauseated and want to throw up. If that isn't nature telling me to get off the donuts, I don't know what is! When I better, clean foods I really do feel better. I want to say "it's so strange", but I guess honestly it's not really.

[cherrysews in reply to FlowerRose]

Thanks. I am also beginning to wonder if processed foods upset me more - it makes sense when you think that perhaps some of the chemicals in them react with the olaparib. A good reason to stick with a healthier diet if possible, which in the long run will be better for the whole body. Take care.