Niraparib (Brand Name: Zejula)

What’s it used for?

• It is a maintenance treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer.

How do I take it?

• It is often taken 1 dose a day (about the same time every day)
• Take it with water, and with or without food. 
• Swallow capsules whole. Do not crush or chew. 
• Do not make up missed doses. Do not repeat a dose after vomiting. 
• Taking the dose at bedtime can help relieve nausea symptoms.

What should I know before taking it?

• Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist the names of all medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
• Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist if you have any allergies.
• Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol.
• Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding.
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).
• Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

What are the side effects?

The common ones (more than 3 in 10 people have these)

• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Nausea, vomiting, and belly pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Redness, itching, or inflammation of the skin
• Changes in liver function
• Changes in blood counts
• Increase in blood pressure
• Irregular heart beat

Other side effects

• Headache or dizziness
• Decreased appetite and taste changes
• Nervousness (anxiety)
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

How do I handle it safely?

• Wash your hands after handling this drug.
• Pregnant women should not handle this drug.

How do I store it?

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom. 
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. 

What’s this drug’s class?

• Antineoplastic agent, PARP-inhibitor

Who do I call with questions?

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When do I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you have any of these:

• Any bothersome side effects or any side effects that do not go away
• A temperature over 101°F or if your temperature stays over 100.4°F for more than an hour
• Any abnormal bruising or bleeding, including:
  • blood in your stool
  • black stools
  • cough up or vomit blood
• Any sign of gastrointestinal perforation, such as:
  • Fever
  • Belly pain with constipation or nausea and vomiting
• Any yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), if your urine looks dark brown, or if you have belly pain
• Racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting