Lynparza Side Effects

Generic name: olaparib

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 26, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Lynparza Side Effects associated with olaparib. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Lynparza.

Applies to olaparib: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Lynparza

Along with its needed effects, olaparib (the active ingredient contained in Lynparza) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking olaparib:

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bladder pain
• bleeding gums
• bloody or cloudy urine
• body aches or pain
• chest pain or tightness
• chills
• cough
• cough producing mucus
• diarrhea
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• ear congestion or pain
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• head congestion
• headache
• hoarseness or other voice changes
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• pain or swelling in the arms or legs
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• rapid shallow breathing
• runny or stuffy nose
• shivering
• sneezing
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sweating
• swollen glands
• trouble sleeping
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• hives, itching, skin rash
• irritation
• joint stiffness or swelling
• redness of the skin
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• trouble swallowing

Other side effects of Lynparza

Some side effects of olaparib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• back pain
• belching
• blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• blurred vision
• burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• constipation
• cracked, dry, or scaly skin
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• difficulty with moving
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fear or nervousness
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• heartburn
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of bladder control
• loss of or change in taste
• muscle stiffness
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• unexplained weight loss
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

For healthcare professionals

Applies to olaparib: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions reported in 10% or greater patients were nausea (60%), fatigue (55%), anemia (36%), vomiting (32%), diarrhea (24%), decreased appetite (22%), headache (16%), dysgeusia (15%), cough (15%), neutropenia (14%), dyspnea (14%), dizziness (12%), dyspepsia (12%), leukopenia (11%), and thrombocytopenia (10%).

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (19%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Venous thrombosis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Dermatitis/rash (up to 15%)
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Angioedema, erythema nodosum^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 77%), abdominal pain/discomfort (up to 45%), vomiting (up to 40%), diarrhea (up to 37%), dyspepsia (up to 20%), constipation (28%), stomatitis (up to 11%)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (13%)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased hemoglobin (up to 98%), elevated mean corpuscular volume (up to 89%), decreased lymphocytes (up to 77%), anemia (up to 46%), decreased absolute neutrophil count (up to 51%), decreased platelets (up to 56%), neutropenia (27%), leukopenia (25%), thrombocytopenia (14%)^[Ref]

The term neutropenia includes febrile neutropenia, granulocyte count decreased, granulocytopenia, neutropenia, neutropenic infection, neutropenic sepsis, and neutrophil count decreased.^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (up to 30%), hypomagnesemia (14%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia/ myalgia, back pain (up to 19%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 26%), dysgeusia (up to 27%), dizziness (up to 20%)^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myelodysplastic syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/malaise/asthenia/lethargy (up to 67%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Increased creatinine (up to 30%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis/pharyngitis/upper respiratory infection (up to 43%), cough (up to 15%), dyspnea (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary embolism
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pneumonitis
• Frequency not reported: Rhinitis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• How long does it take Lynparza (olaparib) to work?
• How effective is Lynparza (olaparib)?
• Does Lynparza (olaparib) cause hair loss?

Further information

Lynparza side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer