What is Rubraca?
Rubraca, a cancer medication, interferes with cancer cell growth and spread in the body. Rubraca can be used to treat fallopian tube cancer or primary peritoneal carcinoma (cancer lining your abdominal organs). Rubraca may be prescribed for these conditions if the cancer is a genetically abnormal form (a "BRCA" gene). This gene will be tested by your doctor. Rubraca can also be used to treat cancerous prostates that have an abnormal BRCA gene. Rubraca is prescribed for this condition if the cancer has spread and other cancer treatments have failed or stopped working. Rubraca has been approved by the FDA for prostate cancer on an "accelerated basis". Some people have responded to the medicine in clinical trials, but more studies are required.
Warnings
Rubraca may cause leukemia or serious bone-marrow problems. You could get an infection or bleed easily. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stools, shortness of breath, or other signs of infection, such as a fever, feeling tired or weak, or weight gain, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Rubraca can increase your risk of developing cancers such as leukemia or serious bone marrow disorders.Your doctor can provide more insight into the risks you are at risk from.
Rucaparib may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father are taking this medication.
- Before starting treatment, you may be required to take a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant, do not take rucaparib. While taking this medication, use effective birth control methods to avoid pregnancy.
- Use effective birth control if you are male and your partner can become 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 medicine.
How to take Rubraca?
Rubraca should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose. Rubraca can be taken with or without food, once every 12 hours.
If you take Rubraca for prostate cancer treatment, GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) therapy may also be prescribed as part of your regimen.GnRH prevents the testicles from producing testosterone. Do not take a second dose if you vomit soon after taking this medicine.Wait to take two doses at once until it is time for another scheduled dosage. Your cancer treatment could be delayed depending on the results of medical tests conducted prior to beginning cancer treatments. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
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?
Rubraca should be taken for 3 months and no longer by men who are taking it. Rucaparib can cause you to sunburn more easily. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30) or higher.
Side effects of Rubraca
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, or throat; or hives, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Blood in urine
- Low blood cell counts: fever, chills, and tiredness; mouth sores or skin sores; easy bruising; unusual bleeding. Pale skin, cold feet, and cold hands
Should any adverse side effects arise during cancer therapy, its implementation could be suspended or postponed.
Rubraca can cause a variety of side effects.
- Low blood cell count
- Shortness of breath
- Unrest in the stomach and loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
- Changes in your sense of taste
- Dizziness, feeling weak or tired;
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Rash;
- Abnormal liver and kidney function tests
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Certain medications can interfere with blood levels of other medicines you're taking, leading to more side effects or making them less effective than expected. Other drugs, including vitamins and herbal products, may interact with rucaparib. You should notify your healthcare provider of all medications you are currently taking or any that have recently been added or subtracted from their regimen.
