Olaparib for BRCA-Mutated Ovarian, Breast, Pancreatic & Prostate Cancer: India Supply
Olaparib for BRCA-Mutated Ovarian, Breast, Pancreatic and Prostate Cancer: A Plain-English Guide
Medically Reviewed By: Shilpi Banerjee, Registered Pharmacist (M.Pharm)
Last updated: September 2026
If you or someone you love has just been told that a tumor carries a BRCA mutation, the next few weeks bring a lot of new words: PARP inhibitor, maintenance therapy, germline testing. One name that keeps coming up is olaparib, sold as Lynparza.
This guide explains in simple language what olaparib does, which cancers it is used for, how it is taken, what side effects to watch for, and how to get it. Approvals differ from country to country, so the facts below follow the current US prescribing information and published clinical trials. Your oncologist always has the final word.
Olaparib at a Glance
| Drug class | PARP inhibitor, a targeted therapy taken by mouth (not chemotherapy) |
| Brand name | Lynparza (developed by AstraZeneca and MSD) |
| Used for | Certain BRCA-mutated ovarian, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers, and HRD-positive ovarian cancer when combined with bevacizumab |
| Tablet strengths | 100 mg and 150 mg film-coated tablets |
| Usual adult dose | 300 mg (two 150 mg tablets) twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with or without food. Always follow your own prescription. |
| Before starting | A validated test must confirm the right BRCA or HRD result. Prescription-only medicine. |
| Common side effects | Nausea, tiredness, anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite |
| Good to know | Not a cure. Tablets and older capsules are not interchangeable mg for mg. |
What Is Olaparib and How Does It Work?
Olaparib belongs to a group of medicines called PARP inhibitors. The easiest way to understand it is to picture how a cell repairs its own DNA.
The Two Repair Crews Inside Every Cell
Healthy cells still have working BRCA genes, which is why the drug can hit tumors harder than it hits normal tissue.
Germline vs. Somatic BRCA Mutations
- Germline: inherited, present in every cell of the body, often runs in families.
- Somatic: found only in the tumor.
- Some approvals need a germline mutation (breast and pancreatic cancer), while others accept either type (ovarian cancer).
What Does HRD Mean?
- HRD stands for homologous recombination deficiency: the tumor cannot repair double-strand DNA breaks properly, whether or not a BRCA mutation is the cause.
- It is measured on tumor tissue.
- In advanced ovarian cancer, an HRD-positive result can make a patient eligible for olaparib combined with bevacizumab.
Which Cancers Is Olaparib Used For?
The table gives the big picture. Uses listed refer to the US label. Other countries may approve fewer or slightly different uses.
| Cancer | Who it is typically for | What olaparib does |
|---|---|---|
| Ovarian (including fallopian tube and primary peritoneal) | BRCA-mutated (germline or somatic) or HRD-positive advanced disease that responded to platinum chemotherapy; or BRCA-mutated disease that came back and responded to platinum | Maintenance therapy to keep the cancer from returning or growing |
| Breast | Inherited (germline) BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative breast cancer: high-risk early stage after chemotherapy, or metastatic | Lowers recurrence risk in early disease; slows progression in metastatic disease |
| Pancreatic | Germline BRCA-mutated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma that has not progressed after at least 16 weeks of first-line platinum chemotherapy | Maintenance therapy to delay progression |
| Prostate | Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with BRCA or other HRR gene mutations | Slows progression, alone or with abiraterone |
BRCA-Mutated Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is where olaparib made its name, and it is the setting with the longest follow-up.
First-Line Maintenance After Platinum Chemotherapy
- Surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy come first.
- If the cancer responds, olaparib is taken as maintenance to hold the gains.
- Treatment normally runs up to two years, and longer if the doctor sees further benefit.
Median time without progression, olaparib vs placebo, in women with a BRCA mutation. Longer follow-up: about 67% vs 47% were alive at seven years.
When Ovarian Cancer Comes Back
- For BRCA-mutated cancer that has returned and shrunk again with platinum chemotherapy.
- Olaparib is used as maintenance until the disease progresses or side effects become too heavy.
Median time without progression, olaparib vs placebo.
Olaparib Plus Bevacizumab for HRD-Positive Disease
- For advanced ovarian cancer with an HRD-positive result (a BRCA mutation and/or high genomic instability).
- Olaparib is paired with the antibody bevacizumab as first-line maintenance.
Median time without progression in the HRD-positive group, olaparib plus bevacizumab vs bevacizumab alone.
BRCA-Mutated, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
High-Risk Early Breast Cancer
- Given for one year after surgery and chemotherapy, to people with an inherited BRCA mutation and HER2-negative breast cancer at high risk of coming back.
- Patients with hormone-receptor-positive cancer keep taking their endocrine therapy alongside it.
Free of invasive disease at three years, olaparib vs placebo.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
- For people with a germline BRCA mutation who have already had chemotherapy.
- An oral alternative to further chemotherapy, and patients generally reported a better quality of life.
Median time without progression, olaparib vs standard chemotherapy.
What About HRD-Positive Breast Cancer?
- You may see olaparib mentioned with "HRD-positive" breast cancer online.
- In the current US label, the breast cancer approvals are tied to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in HER2-negative disease, not to an HRD score alone.
- HRD is an important marker in ovarian cancer, and researchers continue to study it elsewhere. If your breast tumor is HRD-positive, ask your oncologist whether olaparib applies or whether a clinical trial could be relevant.
- Our Clinical Trial Sourcing team supports research sponsors with drug procurement.
BRCA-Mutated Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest cancers to treat, so any option that helps matters.
- Approved as maintenance for people with a germline BRCA mutation and metastatic disease who have not progressed after at least 16 weeks of first-line platinum chemotherapy.
- Guidelines increasingly recommend genetic testing for everyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Median time without progression, olaparib vs placebo.
The trial did not show a significant difference in overall survival. Still, more time without progression, on a tablet and away from repeated infusions, matters to many patients.
BRCA-Mutated Prostate Cancer
Men carry BRCA mutations too. Olaparib is used in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), where the disease keeps growing despite hormone-lowering treatment. There are two routes on the US label:
- After a hormone drug: mCRPC with HRR gene mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM and others) that has progressed after enzalutamide or abiraterone.
- Together with abiraterone: mCRPC with a BRCA mutation, combined with abiraterone and prednisone or prednisolone.
Median radiographic progression-free survival in patients with BRCA1, BRCA2 or ATM changes, olaparib vs the comparison hormone drug.
Median radiographic progression-free survival, olaparib plus abiraterone vs abiraterone alone.
Patients also stay on androgen-deprivation therapy (a GnRH analog) or have had their testicles removed. Blood clots were more common in prostate studies, so your team will watch for symptoms closely.
How Do You Find Out if Olaparib Is an Option?
Olaparib is not started on a hunch. A validated biomarker result is the gate. In practice it goes like this:
Questions Worth Asking Your Oncologist
- Is my BRCA mutation germline or somatic, and does that change my options?
- Am I being offered olaparib as maintenance, as a treatment, or together with another drug?
- How long am I expected to stay on it?
- Which side effects should make me call you the same day?
- How often will I need blood tests?
How Olaparib Is Taken
Tablets and the Usual Dose
What Most Adults Are Prescribed
- Two 150 mg tablets in the morning and two in the evening, roughly 12 hours apart.
- Take with or without food.
- Swallow tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, dissolve or split them.
- If you miss a dose, do not double up. Take your next dose at the usual time.
If Side Effects Get in the Way
- Doctors can pause treatment or lower the dose: first to 250 mg twice daily, then to 200 mg twice daily.
- People with moderate kidney impairment start at 200 mg twice daily.
- Never adjust the dose on your own. The right change depends on your blood counts and how you feel.
Quick Tip: Tablets and Capsules Are Different
- Olaparib was first sold as 50 mg capsules taken at 400 mg twice daily.
- Tablets are a different formulation and are not swapped milligram for milligram.
- Check the strength on the box and the prescription every time you refill.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
| Situation | Usual duration |
|---|---|
| Newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer | Up to two years, or longer if your doctor sees further benefit |
| High-risk early breast cancer | One year |
| Recurrent ovarian, metastatic breast, metastatic pancreatic and prostate cancer | Until the disease progresses or side effects are no longer acceptable |
Side Effects and Safety
Common Side Effects
Most people notice some of these, especially in the first few weeks.
- Nausea and vomiting (a light meal with the tablets or an anti-sickness medicine from your doctor often helps)
- Tiredness and low energy
- Anemia (low red blood cells), which can add to the fatigue
- Diarrhea, indigestion or reduced appetite
- Headache, dizziness, a changed sense of taste, cough or breathlessness
- Low white blood cells or platelets, found on blood tests
Rare but Serious Problems: When to Call Your Team
- Fever, frequent infections, unusual bruising or bleeding, or extreme weakness (possible low blood counts)
- New or worsening cough, wheeze or shortness of breath (possible lung inflammation, about 1 in 100 patients)
- Pain or swelling in a leg, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness (possible blood clot)
- Dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, or abdominal discomfort (possible liver problems)
- Blood counts are checked before starting and then monthly.
- About 1.2% of people across clinical studies developed myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML), a serious bone marrow condition.
- All of them had earlier platinum chemotherapy or other DNA-damaging treatment.
- Unexplained, persistent low counts are always investigated.
To report a suspected side effect involving a product we supplied, use our adverse event reporting page. You can also report to your local regulator or the marketing authorization holder.
Medicines, Food, Pregnancy and Daily Life
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Other medicines | Strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors (some antifungals such as itraconazole, some antibiotics such as clarithromycin) can raise olaparib levels. Inducers (rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St John's wort) can lower them. Tell your team about everything you take, including herbal products. Grapefruit and Seville orange are commonly avoided too. |
| Pregnancy | Olaparib can harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Men whose partner could become pregnant should use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after. |
| Breastfeeding | Not recommended during treatment and for one month after the last dose. |
| Driving and work | Tiredness and dizziness are common. Take care until you know how you react. |
Getting Olaparib: Access, Supply and India
Why Access Can Be Hard
Olaparib is a prescription-only cancer medicine. Where it is registered and reimbursed, patients usually get it through a hospital or specialty pharmacy. In many other places:
- it may not be launched yet,
- approval timelines may cause delays, or
- the price may be more than a family can manage.
How Ikris Pharma Network Can Help
Ikris Pharma Network is a pharmaceutical sourcing and supply company. We do not manufacture medicines. We help hospitals, pharmacies, importers and treating doctors reach hard-to-find oncology products through documented, regulated channels. Depending on the destination country, that can mean:
- Our Indian Generic Medicines service
- Our Named Patient Management service, for medicines not yet registered locally
- Guidance on the import route: read how named-patient imports work
- Other cancer medicines: see our oncology supply from India overview
Whether a particular brand or an India-manufactured version can be supplied depends on the destination country's rules, the patient's prescription and current availability. We confirm each case individually and never guess.
What to Have Ready When You Contact Us
- A prescription or letter from the treating oncologist
- The diagnosis and your BRCA or HRD test report
- The destination country and any import license or permit your hospital holds
- The strength and quantity needed, and the delivery address or hospital pharmacy
A Word of Caution About Unverified Sellers
- Counterfeit and diverted cancer medicines do circulate online. A price that looks too good to be true usually is.
- Buy only from licensed suppliers who can show paperwork, batch details and proper storage handling.
- Be wary of anyone who sells prescription oncology drugs without asking for a prescription.
- Our trusted wholesale supplier guide explains what to look for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olaparib
What is olaparib used for?
Olaparib (Lynparza) is a targeted tablet used mainly for cancers linked to BRCA mutations or faulty DNA repair. Depending on the country, that includes certain ovarian, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers. It is prescribed only after a test confirms the right biomarker.
Is olaparib chemotherapy?
No. Olaparib is a targeted therapy called a PARP inhibitor. Chemotherapy damages fast-dividing cells throughout the body, whereas olaparib goes after a specific DNA-repair weakness in cancer cells. It can still cause side effects, and it is sometimes given after or alongside other cancer treatments.
Does olaparib cure cancer?
Olaparib is not described as a cure. In trials it has kept cancers under control for longer, and in early breast cancer it lowers the chance of recurrence. How much benefit a person gets depends on the cancer type, stage and their own biology, so it is worth asking your oncologist what to realistically expect.
Can I take olaparib if I do not have a BRCA mutation?
Sometimes. A few approvals rely on broader markers, such as HRD-positive ovarian cancer (with bevacizumab) or a wider set of HRR gene changes in prostate cancer. In most other situations the benefit has not been shown, so olaparib should not be started without your oncologist and a supporting test.
How long do people take olaparib?
It depends on the cancer. In newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer it is usually given for up to two years, and in early breast cancer for one year. In recurrent ovarian, metastatic breast, metastatic pancreatic and prostate cancer it continues until the disease progresses or side effects become unacceptable.
What are the most common side effects of olaparib?
Nausea, tiredness, anemia, vomiting, diarrhea and reduced appetite are the most common. Blood counts can fall, so regular blood tests are part of treatment. Rare but serious risks include MDS/AML, lung inflammation, liver problems and blood clots, so report warning symptoms quickly.
How is olaparib different from niraparib, rucaparib and talazoparib?
All four are PARP inhibitors, but their approved uses, doses and side-effect patterns differ. Olaparib has one of the broadest sets of approvals, covering ovarian, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer. The right choice depends on the cancer, the biomarker, earlier treatment and how well a patient tolerates the drug.
Can men take olaparib?
Yes. Men with BRCA-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer can receive olaparib, and men with a germline BRCA mutation and HER2-negative breast cancer or pancreatic cancer may also be eligible under the same criteria as women.
Which foods and medicines should I avoid while taking olaparib?
Tell your team about every medicine and supplement you use. Certain antifungals and antibiotics can raise olaparib levels, while rifampicin, some anti-seizure drugs and St John's wort can lower them. Grapefruit and Seville oranges are commonly avoided. Never start or stop a medicine without checking first.
What should I do if I miss a dose of olaparib?
Do not take a double dose. The US label says to take the next dose at its usual time. If you are unsure, or you vomited after taking a dose, call your oncology team for advice instead of guessing.
How will I know if olaparib is working?
Your doctor will follow scans and blood markers, such as CA-125 in ovarian cancer or PSA in prostate cancer, along with how you feel. During maintenance treatment, "working" often means the cancer stays quiet rather than shrinking, which is why regular check-ups matter.
Can olaparib be sourced from India for patients in other countries?
Often it can be arranged, but it depends on the destination country's import rules, the prescription and whether the medicine is registered locally. Ikris Pharma Network coordinates the documentation and logistics. Share your country and requirement, and we will tell you what is realistic.
About Ikris Pharma Network
Ikris Pharma Network is an international pharmaceutical services company with offices in Noida (India), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Hong Kong. We source, supply and distribute hard-to-access medicines, with a focus on oncology and rare diseases. Learn more on our company page, or explore other targeted cancer therapies, such as acalabrutinib for MCL, CLL and SLL.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Olaparib is a prescription-only medicine that must be started and monitored by a qualified oncologist. Do not start, stop or change any treatment based on this page. Approvals, doses and safety information vary by country and are updated over time, so always check the current product label and speak to your doctor. See our full disclaimer.
Sources and Further Reading
- Lynparza (olaparib) US Prescribing Information, AstraZeneca (label version effective July 2025, retrieved via openFDA).
- Moore K, et al. Maintenance olaparib in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer (SOLO-1). N Engl J Med 2018;379:2495-2505. Long-term follow-up: DiSilvestro P, et al. J Clin Oncol 2023;41:609-617.
- Pujade-Lauraine E, et al. Olaparib tablets as maintenance therapy in platinum-sensitive, relapsed ovarian cancer (SOLO2). Lancet Oncol 2017;18:1274-1284.
- Ray-Coquard I, et al. Olaparib plus bevacizumab as first-line maintenance in ovarian cancer (PAOLA-1). N Engl J Med 2019;381:2416-2428.
- Tutt ANJ, et al. Adjuvant olaparib for patients with BRCA1- or BRCA2-mutated breast cancer (OlympiA). N Engl J Med 2021;384:2394-2405.
- Robson M, et al. Olaparib for metastatic breast cancer in patients with a germline BRCA mutation (OlympiAD). N Engl J Med 2017;377:523-533.
- Golan T, et al. Maintenance olaparib for germline BRCA-mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer (POLO). N Engl J Med 2019;381:317-327.
- de Bono J, et al. Olaparib for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PROfound). N Engl J Med 2020;382:2091-2102.
- Clarke NW, et al. Abiraterone and olaparib for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PROpel). NEJM Evidence 2022;1(9).