Key takeaways
- The typical dosage of Lynparza is 300 milligrams (mg) two times per day, taken about 12 hours apart. You’ll take two 150-mg tablets or three 100-mg tablets for each dose.
- Your doctor may adjust your dosage if you have kidney problems, experience serious side effects, or take certain medications called CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Lynparza (olaparib) is a brand-name prescription medication approved to treat certain types of cancers.
Learn more about Lynparza’s forms, strengths, typical dosages for these conditions, and how to take the medication.
The following chart summarizes Lynparza’s form and strengths.
| Form | Strengths |
| oral tablet | • 100 milligrams (mg) • 150 mg |
The dosage of Lynparza is the same for all of its approved uses: certain forms of prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. For ovarian cancer, that includes forms of cancer that affect your fallopian tubes or peritoneum (lining of your abdomen).
The typical starting dose of Lynparza is 300 mg two times per day. For each dose, you’ll take two 150-mg tablets or three 100-mg tablets. The total daily dose (total amount taken each day) is 600 mg.
You’ll usually take a dose once in the morning and once in the evening. It’s recommended that you take the doses about 12 hours apart.
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The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Taking Lynparza with other medications
If you take Lynparza for prostate cancer and you have testicles, your doctor will likely prescribe a drug in addition to Lynparza. This is meant to help your testosterone level remain low. If you have had your testicles removed, your testosterone level will already be low. In this situation, you will not have to take the additional medication.
For certain types of ovarian cancer, you’ll take Lynparza in combination with another drug called bevacizumab (Avastin).
You’ll swallow Lynparza tablets whole. You should not crush or chew the tablets. Lynparza should also not be cut in half or dissolved in liquid. You can take Lynparza with or without food.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Planning time: Some people find it useful to keep track of timing when starting a new routine, including new medications.
It’s important that you don’t take more Lynparza than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Lynparza
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Lynparza. Another option is to call Poison Help at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have kidney problems, your doctor will likely recommend a dose adjustment. They may advise a dose reduction, meaning they would decrease your dosage of Lynparza.
Your doctor may also reduce your dosage if you experience serious side effects from Lynparza.
Taking Lynparza with certain medications, known as CYP3A4 inhibitors, can affect how Lynparza works in your body. This can increase your risk of side effects of Lynparza. Due to this risk, your doctor will likely decrease your dosage of Lynparza if you take a CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Examples of strong CYP3A inhibitors include certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin (E.E.S., EryTab). They can also include antifungal medications such as ketoconazole.
If you miss a dose of Lynparza, skip that dose and take the next dose at its scheduled time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Lynparza is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Lynparza is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. The length of treatment will depend on:
• the type of cancer you have
• if your cancer gets worse
• if you have severe side effects
Lynparza treatment for ovarian cancer may last for up to 2 years or as long as the drug is safe and effective for you.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Lynparza for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Lynparza without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Lynparza that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current drug information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.
