Olaparib side effects

[Sallyj42]

Hi, I have been on olaparib now for just over 2 months, the side effects were worse than chemo so they have reduced my dose slightly. My body is in constant pain I feel almost wooden, limbs, joints and back pain! Does anyone have any advice to make this easier to live with! Thanks x

[Tabor]

Hello Sallyj42 I am so sorry you are in so much pain, please talk with your chemo nurses as they can guide you on things that may help. I would put a scoop of unflavoured collagen in my morning coffee or orange juice it helped some. Take care God Bless and praying you find something that will ease your pain.

[Katmal-UK]

Hi. I have been on Olaparib for over 9 years on the full dose with little to no side effects.People react differently but what I have learnt is that over time side effects seem to diminish. I hope this is the case for you but in the meantime let your care givers know of any changes so that they can hopefully help, though it sounds like you are already doing this. I wish you well. Kathy x

[Rankij11]

Hi . Firstly , sorry to hear you are in pain . I do have a certain amount of joint discomfort on Olaparib, but I’m a lot older than you , so I’ve never been sure how much of that is ageing joints anyway? Perseverance when you first take Olaparib is important I think , because while you never feel as you used to on it , you can learn to live with it ?? The side effects generally abate . That said , I have never been in severe pain ??? I have always , apart from first month been on reduced dose so I hope this works better for you . Maybe you are not completely over the chemo side effects also ?

Hope they can sort this for you because obviously they benefits of Olaparib can be miraculous

Best wishes

Jennifer

[Kjpip]

Hi Sallyj42, I've been on olaparib since June last year and suffer with what I would call fairly mild joint aches and pains. I did hear that if you had any problematic areas already these are likely to be worse, eg I had an ever-so-slightly arthritic finger before and it's much worse pain and stiffness wise now and my knee which has been injured in the past often aches, so it might be worth also enquiring about any treatment/exercises for anything like this if it applies to you.

I hope you get a manageable dose sorted out, do keep talking to your nurses as they will want to help and don't want you to be in pain! But also be kind to yourself while you get used to this new normal - you won't be the same as before but it is doable. Let yourself rest alot, things that aren't urgent can wait (that dust isn't going anywhere, it can wait another few days!) and don't feel guilty for having a lazy day, even if it is every day for the time being.

Good luck xx

[Starbarn]

hi sally. I’m on olaparib over 14 months . It does cause inflammation in some people . I have heard clarity which is an antihistamine has been helpful for some people. Most of the side affects do improve in time. Apart from that ibuprofen gel on aching joints and paracetamol . Hope you find something that helps x

[delia2]

Hi. I was on Olaparib for three years and had terrible joint pain like you for the first several months. It did improve with time but I was never on more than 400 mg/day. The fatigue and distaste for food lasted the whole time. I would ask for more of a dose reduction and possibly try acupuncture.

[KelOC38]

Hello Sally, sorry to hear that you’re in pain. I’m on my 4th month now and I had horrible aches and pains and sickness for the first 2months. The sickness has subsided now. This is the first month that the aches have felt better in my legs. I suffered with neuropathy through chemo and my nurse said she thought it could be the side effects of that. I know it’s rubbish but I guess it’s still our bodies just trying to get used to the new us. My nurse also said I could use a multivitamin for post menopause for bone strength too (I went into surgical menopause) but check that with your nurse first as they checked the one I could use first. Sending love. X

[meadowgirl]

Hi Sally

I have been on Olaparib for 8 months and, like you have joint discomfort. It is more stiffness than pain. It was in my hip initially and now in my neck. It is rarely bad enough to take pain killers, but occasionally take Paracetamol. The best treatment for me is to keep moving. I attend a flow yoga class and a body movement and stretch class at the gym. I also walk as much as I can. Try not to sit for too long as this seems to make things worse. There is a Facebook site for users of Olaparib where you might find more suggestions . Keep on keeping on x

[Trickysite]

what is the Facebook address for Olaparib users? Emma x

[meadowgirl in reply to Trickysite]

It’s called Lynparza/Olaparib support

[Sherrym]

I just read through a few of the replies & I encourage you to stick to it please. PARPS are life savers.

My bloods were checked every month for first year, every 2 months now. Side effects improve & I am almost free of them now-16 months after start