What are the side effects of Olaparib in breast cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am worried about my breast cancer targeted therapy. I have heard about fatigue, nausea, brain fog, and low blood cell counts.

What do the first few months on Lynparza (Olaparib) feel like at the age of 59?
How intense are these side effects on a day-to-day basis?
Will I still be able to live somewhat normally, or does everything slow down significantly?

I am scared of trading cancer control for a reduced quality of life. Knowing what is considered normal versus warning signs would help me feel less anxious about going into this without knowing what to expect.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.

I have read your query and am sorry for the discomfort.

I know that starting Olaparib can be scary, but many people are still able to continue with fairly normal daily routines while they take it.

Mostly, you will be tired. Also, you can feel nausea, loss of interest in having food and brain fog (problems concentrating or feeling mentally slower).

Blood count changes are important to monitor as olaparib can cause anaemia (low red blood cell count), leukopenia (low white blood cell count) or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). That is why the oncology team usually does blood tests on a regular basis during treatment.

Targeted therapy is often easier for patients to tolerate than traditional chemotherapy, but side effects vary from person to person.

If your issues are severe, you should talk to doctors. Symptom management is a key part of cancer care, so it’s important not to suffer in silence.

The good news is that many people taking olaparib are still able to spend time with family, maintain independence and continue with meaningful day-to-day activities while being treated for cancer.

I hope this is clear, and if you have any questions at any time, please feel free to ask.

Thank you.