Lynparza (olaparib): What to Expect, Side Effects, and More
Lynparza (chemical name: olaparib) is a type of targeted therapy called a PARP inhibitor. It works by making it hard for cancer cells with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation to survive.
You may be prescribed Lynparza if:
You have been diagnosed with early-stage, HER2-negative breast cancer with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation with a high risk of recurrence (the cancer coming back). Lynparza is prescribed after the completion of chemotherapy in this situation.
You have been diagnosed with metastatic, HER2-negative breast cancer with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
See Lynparza prescribing information.
How Lynparza works
Lynparza blocks the ability of cancer cells to repair DNA damage, making it harder for the cells to survive.
DNA carries genetic information in both healthy cells and cancer cells. Cells can develop DNA damage spontaneously or from exposure to specific things in the environment (too much sun, for example). Under normal conditions, cells can detect this damage and make repairs. But when DNA is damaged in a healthy cell and the damage isn't fixed, that cell can become cancerous. BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations increase the risk of breast and other cancers because these mutations interfere with cells’ ability to repair damaged DNA.
An enzyme called poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) helps repair DNA damage in both healthy and cancer cells. DNA damage will continue to occur in cells that have become cancerous. Lynparza helps kill cancer cells by blocking PARP from fixing DNA damage in those cells. The medication also interferes with DNA repairs in healthy cells.
What to expect during Lynparza treatment
Lynparza is a pill taken by mouth. The recommended starting dose of Lynparza is 300 mg taken twice a day, with or without food.
There are certain medicines, supplements, and foods you should not take or eat if you are taking Lynparza:
You should not take a type of medicine called a strong CYP3A inhibitor because it increases the effects of Lynparza. This class of medicines includes antifungal medicines such as Nizoral (chemical name: ketoconazole).
You should not take a type of medicine called a strong or moderate CYP3A inducer because it decreases the effects of Lynparza. This class of medicines includes Rifamate (chemical name: rifampin), an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis.
You should not eat grapefruit or Seville oranges, or drink grapefruit juice or Seville orange juice, because they can increase the effects of Lynparza.
People who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should not take Lynparza. Lynparza can harm the developing fetus. If there is any chance you can become pregnant, you should use birth control while you’re taking Lynparza and for at least six months after your last dose.
Also, women who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed shouldn’t take Lynparza. Together, you and your doctor will decide if you should take Lynparza or breastfeed.
Lynparza side effects
Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Lynparza can cause side effects, some of them severe.
The most common side effects of Lynparza are:
upper respiratory infections
Lynparza also may cause serious side effects.
Your doctor will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts every month while you are being treated with Lynparza or even weekly if you have low blood cell counts that last a long time.
While low red and white blood cell counts are common side effects of Lynparza, they also can be symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia. Tell your doctor right away if you have:
blood in your urine or stool
extreme tiredness
frequent infections
bruising or bleeding more easily
Lympaza may also cause inflammation. While upper respiratory infections are a common side effect of Lynparza, tell your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms of lung problems, including:
shortness of breath
fever
coughing
wheezing
Real patient reviews
Members of our community discuss their experiences with Lynparza in the community forum. Here are some of their comments. Remember, it's very important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you're having and ask about ways to manage them.
“Aside from a little heartburn at first (helped with an over-the-counter pill), I've now started some daily Immodium, which the pharmacy sent WITH the Lynparza.” —geekness
“I’ve been on Lynparza for one week and have had zero side effects.” —dnazyme
“I was on Lynparza for 6 months, but alas, it caused really bad vertigo with me.” —Gardentool
Read more in our Lynparza discussion forum.
Paying for Lynparza
The cost of Lynparza may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use.
Note: Your insurance company may require prior authorization before covering Lynparza.
AstraZeneca, the company that makes Lynparza, may be able to help through the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program. For more information, visit the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program or call 1-800-292-6363.
Also, the AstraZeneca Access 360 program connects patients to affordability programs and streamlines access and reimbursement for AstraZeneca medicines. Reimbursement counselors can help with prior authorization support, the reimbursement process, refer patients to assistance programs, and more.
Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.
Lynparza (olaparib) prescribing information. AstraZeneca. Wilmington, DE. 2018. Available at: https://www.azpicentral.com/lynparza_tb/lynparza_tb.pdf. (PDF)
— Last updated on September 6, 2025 at 4:03 PM
