Medical Information

Olaparib, as a PARP inhibitor, commonly has side effects involving the blood system, digestive system, and fatigue. Most of these can be relieved through symptomatic treatment, but serious reactions such as bone marrow suppression should be noted. The following provides a systematic explanation of symptom classification, coping measures, and special precautions.

1. Hematological system side effects

(1) Anemia: manifested as fatigue and pallor, requiring regular monitoring of hemoglobin. Severe anemia requires blood transfusion or suspension of medication, as well as supplementation of iron and vitamin B12.

(2) Neutropenia: increases the risk of infection and requires immediate medical attention if fever occurs. If necessary, use granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to support treatment.

(3) Thrombocytopenia: Pay attention to bleeding tendency and avoid trauma. In severe cases, platelet transfusion or dose adjustment is required.

2. Digestive system response

(1) Nausea and vomiting: It is recommended to eat in small portions and use 5-HT3 receptor antagonists if necessary. Continuous vomiting requires prevention of electrolyte imbalance.

(2) Diarrhea: Mild cases can be treated with oral rehydration salts, and severe cases can be treated with loperamide. Bloody stool or dehydration require urgent treatment.

(3) Decreased appetite: Choose high calorie liquid foods and supplement with nutritional supplements during meals. Sudden weight loss requires medical intervention.

3. Other common side effects

(1) Fatigue: Reasonably arrange activities and rest, avoid driving operations. Continuous severe fatigue requires assessment of anemia level.

(2) Headache: Non pharmacological relief can be attempted. For stubborn headaches, secondary factors such as hypertension should be ruled out.

(3) Joint pain: Local hot compress or use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but attention should be paid to platelet levels.

4. Serious reactions requiring urgent medical attention

(1) Myelodysplastic syndrome: characterized by persistent fever and bruising, requiring immediate discontinuation of medication and consultation with a hematology department.

(2) Pneumonia: Newly developed cough and difficulty breathing require CT scan, and corticosteroids may be used if necessary.

(3) Venous thrombosis: Doppler ultrasound or CT pulmonary angiography is required for lower limb swelling, pain or chest pain.

5. Special precautions

(1) Contraceptive requirements: Effective contraception is required during the treatment period and within 6 months after discontinuation of medication, as pregnancy may lead to fetal malformation.

(2) Drug interactions: Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors/inducers, and strict evaluation is required for concomitant medication.

(3) Liver function monitoring: Patients with moderate to severe impairment need to reduce their dosage and regularly check their ALT/AST levels.