Zejula Side Effects

Generic name: niraparib

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 5, 2024.

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

Applies to niraparib: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Zejula

Along with its needed effects, niraparib (the active ingredient contained in Zejula) 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 niraparib:

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• chills
• cough
• dizziness
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• headache
• lower back or side pain
• nervousness
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sore throat
• trouble breathing
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• chest pain
• swollen glands

Incidence not known

• agitation
• back pain
• change in consciousness
• drowsiness
• enlarged pupils
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• increased sweating, possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin
• irritability
• mood or mental changes
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• seizures
• severe sunburn
• skin rash
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• stiff neck
• thickening of bronchial secretions
• tightness in the chest
• vomiting

Other side effects of Zejula

Some side effects of niraparib 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

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• change in taste
• cracked lips
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• difficulty with swallowing
• dry mouth
• fear or nervousness
• frequent urge to urinate
• heartburn
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of taste
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• trouble sleeping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to niraparib: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence 20% or greater) were

decreased hemoglobin (85%), decreased platelet count (82%), nausea (74%), decreased white blood cell count (66%), thrombocytopenia (61%), fatigue/asthenia (57%), decreased absolute neutrophil count (53%), anemia (50%), constipation (40%), increased AST (36%), vomiting (34%), abdominal pain/distention (33%), neutropenia (30%), increased ALT (28%), insomnia (27%), headache (26%), decreased appetite (25%), nasopharyngitis (23%), rash (21%), diarrhea (20%), dyspnea (20%), hypertension (20%), and mucositis/stomatitis (20%).^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased hemoglobin (85%), decreased platelet count (82%), decreased white blood cell count (66%), thrombocytopenia (61%), decreased absolute neutrophil count (53%), anemia (50%), neutropenia (30%), leukopenia (17%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (74%), constipation (40%), vomiting (34%), abdominal pain/distention (33%), diarrhea (20%), mucositis/stomatitis (20%), dyspepsia (18%), dry mouth (10%)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/asthenia (57%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Increased AST (36%), Increased ALT (28%), AST/ALT elevation (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Increased gamma-glutamyl transferase, increased blood alkaline phosphatase^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (27%), anxiety (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Depression^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (26%), dizziness (18%), dysgeusia (10%)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (25%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypokalemia, decreased weight^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis (23%), dyspnea (20%), cough (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, epistaxis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (21%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (20%), palpitations (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia
• Frequency not reported: Hypertensive crisis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (19%), back pain (18%), arthralgia (13%)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

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

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased blood creatinine^[Ref]

Oncologic

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

Frequently asked questions

• What type of drug is Zejula?

Further information

Zejula 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