Hi everyone. My lovely mum started Olaparib 3 weeks ago and all seemed well for the first couple of weeks (apart from fatigue which we knew to be expected).
However since Boxing Day she’s been throwing up most mornings. Has anyone else had this issue? Any advice? I know she’s quite early on into the treatment so I’m hoping that this might pass so if anyone has any success stories that would also be lovely to hear. Thank you!
Hi, I started taking olaparib in September, I haven’t been sick, but for the first couple of months felt very nauseous. I had the anti sickness tablets changed and found discussions with the nurse really helped in relation to when and how to take them. I also worked out that caffeine was a trigger and cut out tea and coffee. It was hard for a couple of months, but I’m really noticing that I’m tolerating it better now and have been able to have a cup of tea again. Really hope your mums sickness settles soon, might be worth calling the nurse to check it out.
Hi I took Olaparib for 10 mths out of 24 planned. Had to stop due to chronic fatigue and loose bowels affecting quality of life. No vomiting but nauseous. That was 1&1/2 yrs ago still NED. Not sure if that’s encouraging for you or not but wishing all the best. X
Nausea/vomiting is a common side effect. If the anti sickness tablets yr mum has aren’t stopping this then yr mum needs to discuss with her team an alternative med. Also certain foods will trigger episode as will taking with or without food. I wish yr mum well x
Hello Katmal
I seem to remember you having taken Olaparib for many years.Do you still take them ? I have been taking them now for 4 and a half years and so far with regular blood tests each month every thing seems to be fine. I an BRCA 2+ ve xx
Yes, I’m just starting my 12th year in next day or so. My onc believes I may be cured. They are carrying out an international study taking in 50 hosps in the world and looking at those who have been on it over 5 years and whether we continue to take it. More will be known in the summer. I’m also BRAC2. Xx
Thank you so much for replying to me.Wow 12 years that is amazing! I wasn't sure my oncologist would allow me to continue after 2 years due to cost but he seemed quite happy to continue.
It will be very interesting to hear about the study in the summer.Thank you xx
Hello, do you take Olaparib along with PARP inhibitors? my mum is also BRCA 2 and we are just about at the end of chemo and hopefully surgery after.
How fantastic. Do you fund you own Olaparib after the NICE recommended prescribing period? 12yearsis inspirational.
Fx
No, it’s funded by Astra Zeneca I’m on a clinical trial.
That was a good trial to get on. Thanks for being a trialist.
Nobody expected I would respond as well as I did, hence why I still on it. The trial actually ended a few years back but I’ve stayed on Olaparib and AZ continue to collect data.
I started taking olaparib in September and was very nauseous and also had vomiting and felt really rough. My consultaconsultant reduced the dose and I started using travel sickness bands which I used throughout my chemo. These bands are amazing for me and were a real game changer during chemo - with no side effects. The reduced dose worked really well and after a few months I seem to have adapted to the treatment and I'm feeling much better. Even the tiredness is easing. Good luck with it all and hang on in there it is a very good medication
When I was on my course of Olaparib I would take it with food, especially carbs like a bowl of oatmeal, pasta or bread. I would become too nauseous if I took it on an empty stomach. Best of luck.
Hello georgiageorgia182
Thank you for your post. I just wanted to support what sunsetime and Katmal have said and suggest you or your mum speak with her medical team. It's important they know about her vomiting so they can help your mum manage this and hopefully resolve this quickly for her. I hope your mum has some relief from this side effect soon.
Best wishes
Anna
Ovacome Support
Hi Georgia -
I’ve been on Niraparib 100 mg since July 2023 for maintenance. My insurance wouldn’t cover Olaparib; hence, the shift to Niraparib.
That said, I was unable to take the full dose of 300 mg or even 200 mg of Niraparib. At first it was due to heart beat irregularities and migraines, and on the lowered dose it was due to poor bloodwork/immunity. I have always taken the medicine right before bedtime to minimize nausea.
My point is that if your mom finds the nausea too much, she might want to see what her oncologist thinks about lowering the dose. My doc was honest that there isn’t enough data on 100 mg Niraparib for her to commit to its efficacy for my particular situation (Stage 3A/HRD+ HGSOC) - but the lowest dose has been smooth for almost a year and a half.
I don’t know if Niraparib would work for your mom but perhaps a different PARPi would lessen this side effect? It seems to take some time to figure out what is acceptable for your body in this maintenance phase.
Wishing all a boring 2025 in terms of our health!
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