STARTING LYNPARZA
Find out what steps you and your doctor need to take before you can start LYNPARZA.
What you need to know before going on LYNPARZA
Find out if you’re eligible for LYNPARZA
Your doctor may want to perform an FDA-approved genetic test to see if LYNPARZA is right for you.
LEARN ABOUT GENETIC TESTINGHow to take LYNPARZA
Taking your medication correctly every day is an important part of staying on treatment.
LEARN ABOUT TAKING LYNPARZA
Genetic testing can influence your treatment plan with LYNPARZA
Did you know that a genetic test (also known as a genomic biomarker test) can affect the decisions you make about your treatment with LYNPARZA? That’s why it’s really important to ask your doctor to perform an FDA-approved test as early after your diagnosis as possible.
An example of a genetic mutation that may influence your treatment plan is a BRCA mutation. In certain cancers, testing positive for a BRCA mutation may make you eligible for treatment with LYNPARZA. It can also affect the timing of when you start LYNPARZA in your treatment plan.
National guidelines recommend genetic testing for all advanced ovarian cancer patients.
What are BRCA mutations?
A BRCA mutation is a change or alteration that takes place in your BRCA gene and can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
The BRCA protein works in your body to repair cell damage. When you have a BRCA mutation, the BRCA protein cannot work properly.
There are two types of BRCA mutations
Acquired
also known as somatic
This mutation occurs randomly and is not passed down by a family member. It can only be found in your tumor, so blood or saliva testing cannot find acquired BRCA mutations.
Inherited
also known as germline
This mutation is family related. It comes from either your father or mother and can be passed down to your children.
The following are the genetic tests your doctor can perform to determine if you have a BRCA mutation
Tumor testing
This type of test (also known as molecular) uses a tissue sample after a cancer diagnosis. It is the more comprehensive test that can be used to find both an inherited or acquired mutation, but doesn’t distinguish between them. Your doctor may recommend the FoundationOne CDx test* that is approved by the FDA.
Germline testing
This type of test (also known as blood or saliva) should also be done at diagnosis. It uses a DNA sample and is limited to identifying an inherited mutation. Your doctor may recommend the Myriad test* that is approved by the FDA.
*These links will take you to a website that is not maintained, sponsored, or reviewed by AstraZeneca.
Ask your doctor early about performing one of these tests to determine if you’re eligible for LYNPARZA.
How to take LYNPARZA
LYNPARZA can fit into your daily routine. You can take LYNPARZA with you wherever you go. It’s two tablets (150 mg each), taken by mouth in the morning and in the evening, with or without food, totaling four tablets each day (600 mg daily dose).
2 TABLETS IN THE MORNING
+
2 TABLETS IN THE EVENING
Take each dose about 12 hours apart. Does not represent actual tablet size.
Important things to keep in mind when taking LYNPARZA
- You should take LYNPARZA exactly as your doctor tells you
- Swallow the tablets whole—do not chew, crush, dissolve, or divide them
- Take each dose about 12 hours apart, with or without food
- Take LYNPARZA by mouth 2 times a day
- Do not take more than 4 tablets a day
- Do not change your dose or stop taking LYNPARZA unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may temporarily stop treatment with LYNPARZA or change your dose of LYNPARZA if you experience side effects
Each treatment plan is unique and any questions you might have should be discussed with your doctor.
Foods to avoidAvoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, and Seville orange juice while you’re taking LYNPARZA. These citrus fruits may increase the levels of LYNPARZA in your blood.
If you miss a doseTake your next dose at the usual scheduled time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed. Use calendars or schedules to remind you when to take your medicine.
If you take too muchCall your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
Existing Conditions
Before taking LYNPARZA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have lung or breathing problems
- have kidney problems
- are pregnant, become pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. LYNPARZA can harm your unborn baby and may cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage)
- If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider may do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with LYNPARZA
- Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with LYNPARZA and for 6 months after the last dose of LYNPARZA. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you might be pregnant following treatment with LYNPARZA
- Males with female partners who are pregnant or able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with LYNPARZA and for 3 months after the last dose of LYNPARZA
- Do not donate sperm during treatment with LYNPARZA and for 3 months after your final dose
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if LYNPARZA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with LYNPARZA and for 1 month after receiving the last dose of LYNPARZA. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including
prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking LYNPARZA and certain other medicines may affect how LYNPARZA works and may cause side effects.