What is Rucaparib?
Rucaparib can be used to treat fallopian tube cancer or primary peritonitis. (cancer in the membrane that lines the organs within your abdomen). Rucaparib may be used to treat these conditions if the cancer is accompanied by a specific gene (an abnormal "BRCA"). You will be tested by your doctor for this gene. Rucaparib can also be used to treat prostatic cancer that has an abnormal BRCA genetic mutation. Rucaparib can be used to treat this condition if the cancer has spread and surgery or other cancer treatments have failed or stopped working. The FDA approved Rucaparib for prostate cancer on an "accelerated basis". Some people have responded to rucaparib in clinical studies. However, further research is needed. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of rucaparib.
Side effects of Rucaparib
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
Rucaparib can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Blood in urine
- Low blood cell counts: fever; chills; skin and mouth sores. Easy bruising. Unusual bleeding. Pale skin. Cold hands and feet. Feeling light-headed.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed or discontinued permanently.
Some of the common side effects associated with rucaparib include:
- Low blood cell count
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
- Changes in your sense of taste
- Dizziness, feeling weak or tired;
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Is rash
- Abnormal liver and kidney function tests
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for reporting side effects contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Estradiol, Premarin, Xtandi, Avastin, Carboplatin, Cisplatin, and Zytiga
Warnings
Rucaparib may cause leukemia and serious bone marrow issues. You could get an infection or bleed easily. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, have blood in your urine or stools, are short of breath or show signs of infection, such as a fever, feel weak or tired, or lose weight, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Use of rucaparib can increase your risk of developing cancers such as leukemia or serious problems with the bone marrow. Your doctor can give more insight into your risk profile.
If either the mother or father uses rucaparib, it can cause harm to an unborn child.
- Before starting treatment, you may be required to take a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant, do not take rucaparib. Use birth control while taking this medication and for 6 months following your last dose.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last dose.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed for 2 weeks after taking this medication.
How to take Rucaparib?
Read all instructions or guides that accompany your medication and follow their directions exactly. Even though your physician may alter its dosage, take all prescribed doses exactly. Rucaparib can be taken either with or without food once every 12 hours, as needed. When taking Rucaparib for prostate cancer treatment, another medicine known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH may also be given in order to inhibit production of testosterone by your testicles. GnRH works to keep these testicles from producing excess amounts. If you experience vomiting shortly after taking Rucaparib, do not take another dose until after having taken your next scheduled dosage. Your cancer treatment could be delayed depending on the results of medical tests you undergo. Storage should occur away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for ovarian cancer:
Take 600 mg twice daily.
Duration of treatment: until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities
Uses: To maintain the response of patients who have a BRCA gene mutation (germline or somatic) associated with recurrent ovarian cancer, fallopian tubes, or primary peritonitis and are responding to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Adult dose for fallopian tube cancer:
Take 600 mg twice daily.
Duration of treatment: until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities
Uses: To maintain the response of patients who have a BRCA gene mutation (genetic and/or somatic), resulting in recurrent ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer, after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Adult dose for peritoneal cancer:
Take 600 mg twice daily.
Duration of treatment: until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities
Uses: To maintain the response of patients who have a BRCA gene mutation (germline or somatic) and are experiencing recurrent ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer, despite a complete or partial response to platinum-based therapy.
Adult dose for prostate cancer:
Take 600 mg twice daily.
Duration of treatment: until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities
Comments:
This indication was approved with accelerated approval based on the objective response rate and the duration of the response. Continued approval could be dependent on the verification and description of the clinical benefits of confirmatory trials.
The selection of patients should be based on a companion diagnostic approved by the US FDA for this drug.
Patients should also receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog concurrently or should have had a bilateral orchiectomy.
Use: To treat patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have a BRCA gene mutation (germline or somatic) and have received androgen receptor-directed therapy and taxane-based chemotherapeutic treatment.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Don't donate sperm to men who are taking rucaparib or for 3 months following the last dose. Rucaparib can cause you to burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Taking certain drugs together can cause side effects and/or make other medicines less effective. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may also affect rucaparib. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
