Niraparib
Generic name: niraparib [ nih-RAP-a-rib ]
Brand name: Zejula
Dosage form: oral capsule (100 mg)
Drug class:PARP inhibitors
What is niraparib?
Niraparib is used as a "maintenance" treatment in adults to keep certain types of cancer from coming back. This includes cancers of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum (the membrane that lines the inside of your abdomen and covers some of your internal organs).
Niraparib is given after you have received chemotherapy (with cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, or similar) and your cancer has responded to that medicine.
Niraparib is sometimes used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal "BRCA" gene) or other gene mutations. Your doctor will test you for this gene.
Niraparib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Stop taking niraparib and call your doctor at once if you have fever, frequent infections, weakness, tiredness, shortness of breath, weight loss, blood in your urine or stools, easy bruising or bleeding. These may be symptoms of bone marrow disorder and may lead to death.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
liver or kidney disease.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Do not use niraparib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause a miscarriage. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
This medicine may affect fertility (the ability to have children) in men. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
Niraparib is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take niraparib?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not share niraparib with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Niraparib is usually taken once a day until your body no longer responds to the medication.
Niraparib may be taken at bedtime if it upsets your stomach.
Swallow the capsul...
