Talazoparib and prostate cancer: what to know

Talazoparib is a PARP inhibitor. It interferes with cancer cells' ability to repair certain types of DNA damage. It is considered only when the tumour and the person's previous treatment history fit the prescribing criteria. Your team may use tumour or inherited genetic information to help decide whether it is appropriate.

Possible effects include tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite, diarrhoea, headache and low blood counts. Low red cells can cause breathlessness or weakness; low white cells can make infection more concerning; low platelets can increase bruising or bleeding. Not everyone develops these effects.

Take each capsule exactly as prescribed and swallow it whole unless your team gives different instructions. Do not change the dose or compensate for a missed dose without advice. Keep appointments for blood tests and tell your team about every prescription, supplement and non-prescription medicine.

Report increasing tiredness, fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, unusual bruising or bleeding. Drink enough fluid if your clinicians have not restricted fluids, and ask for advice if nausea makes eating or drinking difficult. Do not start a new treatment without checking interactions.

Seek urgent medical help for fever with chills, severe breathlessness, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, black stools, confusion, or a rapidly worsening condition. Call your cancer team promptly for repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, marked weakness, or new swelling.

Ask whether genetic testing is relevant, what benefit the medicine is intended to provide, and how often blood tests are needed. Ask what to do after a missed capsule, which symptoms need same-day help, and whether your other medicines require adjustment.