PARP inhibitor drug names: what to know

Examples include olaparib, niraparib, rucaparib and talazoparib. They are prescription medicines, and the same class can be used differently depending on the cancer type, genetic findings and previous treatment.

These medicines work inside cells rather than acting like a general pain medicine. Blocking PARP can make DNA repair harder for cancer cells with particular repair weaknesses. A test of the tumour, and sometimes inherited genetic testing, may help the oncology team decide whether a PARP inhibitor is suitable.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and keep a record of doses, new symptoms and other medicines or supplements. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without contacting the oncology team. Tell them about kidney or liver problems, pregnancy, breastfeeding and any medicines that could interact.

Your team may arrange blood tests to check blood counts and organ function. Common concerns can include tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite or changes in blood counts; early reporting allows the team to assess and manage them.

Contact your cancer team promptly for fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, breathlessness, chest discomfort, severe weakness, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting or heavy bleeding.

Ask which PARP inhibitor is being considered, what result supports its use, how it will be taken, which monitoring tests are needed and which symptoms should trigger a same-day call.