PARP inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Olaparib is a cancer medicine that works by blocking a protein called PARP, which cancer cells need to repair themselves — without this repair, the cancer cells die.
Inhibits poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes, preventing DNA repair in cancer cells with BRCA1/2 mutations and causing synthetic lethality through accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
The usual dose is two 150 mg tablets (300 mg total) taken twice a day — morning and evening — with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with water, do not crush or chew them. Your oncologist (cancer specialist) will tell you exactly how long to continue treatment.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed one and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.
This is a specialist cancer drug — only take it if prescribed by your oncologist, never buy it from roadside sellers or unverified sources. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have cancer. You will need regular blood tests while on this drug, so keep all your hospital appointments.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can increase the drug's side effects. Strong antibiotics or antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole can raise olaparib levels dangerously — tell your doctor about any medicine you are taking. Avoid alcohol as it can worsen nausea and tiredness.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Olaparib with your other drugs?
Olaparib can harm an unborn baby — it must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and women of childbearing age must use reliable contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after stopping.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. In hot Nigerian weather, keep the medicine in a cool, dry place — not in the bathroom or kitchen. Always keep it out of the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
No brand names recorded for Olaparib yet.
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.