How to talk to your doctor about taking LYNPARZA

It’s normal to be concerned about side effects. You should always talk to your doctor about side effects you experience and how to manage them. Below are 3 ways you can work with your doctor while taking LYNPARZA.

Ask your doctor what to expect

Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking LYNPARZA. It may help to have a better idea of what you might experience as you start treatment with LYNPARZA.

Write notes about how you’re feeling

Sharing this information with your doctor can help them decide on ways to help manage side effects you may be experiencing.

Keep an open dialogue with your doctor

Keep your doctor informed of how you feel, if you're going on a trip, or any other important changes that are happening in your life. You should always talk to your doctor about side effects you experience and how to manage them.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms while taking LYNPARZA

Serious side effects

LYNPARZA may cause serious side effects, including:

Bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Some people who have received previous treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or certain other medicines for their cancer have developed MDS or AML during treatment with LYNPARZA. MDS or AML may lead to death.

Symptoms of low blood cell counts are common during treatment with LYNPARZA, but can be a sign of serious bone marrow problems, including MDS or AML. Symptoms may include:

  • Weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Frequent infections
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling very tired
  • Bruising or bleeding more easily

Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts:

  • Before treatment with LYNPARZA
  • Every month during treatment with LYNPARZA
  • Weekly if you have low blood cell counts that last a long time

Lung problems (pneumonitis)

LYNPARZA can cause serious lung problems that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening symptoms of lung problems, including shortness of breath, fever, cough, or wheezing. Your healthcare provider may do a chest x-ray if you have any of these symptoms.

Blood clots (venous thromboembolism [VTE])

Some people may develop a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg (venous thrombosis), or a clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism [PE]), which may be severe or lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms such as pain or swelling in an extremity, shortness of breath, chest pain, breathing that is more rapid than normal (tachypnea), or heart beats faster than normal (tachycardia). Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these symptoms and may prescribe blood thinner medicine.

Liver problems, including Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI)

People taking LYNPARZA may develop liver problems which may be severe and can lead to death. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during your treatment with LYNPARZA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice discomfort on the right side of your stomach-area (abdominal), dark or “tea-colored” urine, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice).

Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with LYNPARZA if you get certain side effects.

Common side effects

Nausea or vomiting is common during treatment with LYNPARZA. Tell your healthcare provider if you get nausea or vomiting. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to treat these symptoms.

The most common side effects of LYNPARZA when used alone are:

  • tiredness or weakness
  • low red blood cell counts
  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • headache
  • changes in the way food tastes
  • cough
  • low white blood cell counts
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • indigestion or heartburn
  • low platelet counts

The most common side effects of LYNPARZA when used in combination with bevacizumab are:

  • tiredness or weakness
  • low red blood cell counts
  • diarrhea
  • low white blood cell counts
  • urinary tract infection
  • headache

The most common side effects of LYNPARZA when used in combination with abiraterone and prednisone or prednisolone are:

  • low red blood cell counts
  • tiredness or weakness
  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • low white blood cell counts
  • dizziness
  • stomach-area (abdominal) pain

These are not all the possible side effects of LYNPARZA. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products.

Tips for managing some side effects

Here are some tips that may help you manage some of the most common side effects of LYNPARZA. This advice does not replace your doctor’s guidance.

If you feel a change in symptoms, reach out to your healthcare team to help you manage them.

Tiredness or weakness

  • Balance your daily routine with both rest and physical activity. Talk to your doctor about light daily exercise, with short naps or breaks
  • Join a support group to help alleviate some of the mental stress that can contribute to feeling tired or weak

Nausea or vomiting

  • Stay hydrated by drinking water and other cold, clear liquids
  • Choose foods that are easy on the stomach (such as dry toast and crackers)

Diarrhea

  • Eat more foods that are high in sodium and potassium (including bananas, potatoes, soups, and broths) because you lose these important nutrients when you have diarrhea

Changes in the way food tastes

  • Avoid foods that don’t appeal to you
  • Marinate or add extra flavors to improve the taste of food

Loss of appetite

  • Eat foods that are high in calories and protein and are easy to eat (such as eggs, yogurt, and protein bars)
  • Eat several small meals a day, and snack whenever you are hungry