Olanib (Olaparib) 150 mg, 120 tablets: profile, composition and research

Reference page for Olanib (Olaparib) 150 mg, 120 tablets. Active substance: Олапариб / Olaparib.

Key facts

What olaparib is

Olaparib is an anticancer medicine from the PARP inhibitor group. It is used for malignancies linked to alterations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

These genes are responsible for repairing damage in DNA. When they are altered, the cell loses one of its repair mechanisms. Tumour cells with this feature become vulnerable to substances that block PARP.

The medicine is taken by mouth as tablets. A pack of 120 tablets is meant for long-term maintenance treatment, which can continue for months.

Mechanism of action: synthetic lethality

Two DNA repair pathways

Normally a cell has an accurate mechanism for repairing DNA breaks that involves the BRCA proteins, and a faster route that uses PARP enzymes. As long as one of them works, the cell survives.

What olaparib does

The medicine blocks the PARP1 and PARP2 enzymes and obstructs their work on damaged DNA. In tumour cells with a BRCA mutation the second route no longer works, so they are left with no way to repair their DNA.

The outcome for the cell

The accumulated damage causes the tumour cell to die. This approach is called synthetic lethality: on its own each defect is survivable, but together they are fatal for the cell.

Approved uses

Olaparib is used in ovarian, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer when the tumour is linked to BRCA alterations. In some cases it is given as maintenance treatment after the main course.

Maintenance therapy is designed to keep the disease under control for as long as possible. It is not a patient's own choice but an oncologist's decision based on the result of a genetic test.

The medicine also affects the rapidly dividing cells of the bone marrow, so blood counts are monitored during treatment.

Monitoring during treatment

Fatigue, nausea and a fall in blood cell counts are possible while taking the medicine. Any worsening of how you feel should be reported to a doctor.

Olaparib can interact with other medicines, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements. Your treating doctor should know about every medicine you take.

Treatment is not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Family planning questions are discussed with a doctor in advance.

Published research

Primary sources, verified against PubMed:

• Olaparib as the first-line maintenance therapy in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer patients with BRCA mutations - Real-world experience from Taiwan., PubMed 42642151 (Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol, 2026).
• Real-world safety and effectiveness of olaparib maintenance after first-relapse platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer in Japan: a multicenter historical cohort (JGOG3026)., PubMed 42565791 (J Gynecol Oncol, 2026).
• Chemotherapy with or without pembrolizumab followed by maintenance pembrolizumab with or without olaparib as first-line treatment of patients with advanced BRCA non-mutated epithelial ovarian cancer (ENGOT-OV43/GOG-3036/KEYLYNK-001): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial., PubMed 42705254 (Lancet Oncol, 2026).

Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.

Precautions

• This is a prescription medicine and is used only under the supervision of an oncologist.
• Treatment affects the blood. Monitoring tests are ordered by a physician.
• The medicine is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Liver or kidney impairment, as well as bone-marrow conditions, requires separate assessment by a doctor.
• Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
• Signs of infection, marked weakness or shortness of breath should be reported to a doctor without delay.

Frequently asked