Lucaparib 300 Tablet

Description of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet

Lucaparib 300 tablets contains 300 mg of rucaparib is a pharmacological agent used in cancer practise to treat the selected BRCA-mutated and homologous recombination deficient (HRD) malignancies. The agent is the type of poly (ADP -ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and has its therapeutic action because of its ability to interfere with DNA repair mechanisms in malignant cells. Rucaparib prevents the activity of PARP enzymes to promote the development of cancer-cell DNA damage, which eventually leads to cell death and the suppression of illness progression.

Indications of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet

The main indications of Lucaparib 300 tablets are the management of BRCA‑mutated ovarian cancer, Advanced or metastatic ovarian (maintenance therapy) cancer, and Metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer that has been found to have BRCA mutation. Prescription is done as per routine after a positive outcome of treatment with platinum based chemotherapy or at an advanced clinical level following establishment of relevant genetic changes.

Mechanism of action of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet   

Rucaparib is a selective PARP-1, PARP-2, and PARP-3 inhibitor, which is a selective mechanism in repairing single-strand DNA breaks. Blocking PARP leads to the retention of DNA damage, thus causing genomic instability in tumour cells whose homologous recombination repair pathways are impaired e.g. BRCA mutated tumour cells.

How to consume of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet 

Rucaparib is to be taken diligently as prescribed by the oncologist. The drug is normally administered twice a day, regardless of whether one is eating or not. Tablets are to be swallowed by using water and should not be crushed or chewed. Treatment will depend on clinical response and tolerance upon the patient.

Side Effects of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet

1. Common side effects

• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Anemia
• Diarrhea
• Appetite gets lower

2. Serious side effects

• Shortness of breath
• Bone marrow loss
• Allergic issues (rashes itchy, or swelling)

3. Rare side effects

• Severe allergic reactions
• Profuse increase of liver enzymes

Safety Advice for Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet 

Complete blood counts, liver tests and renal watch will have to be monitored regularly during therapy.

Breastfeeding: It is contraindicated during the lactation period because it may be harmful to the baby.

Pregnancy: The drug is not to be used during pregnancy or in the case of a planned baby as it can pose a danger to the development of the foetus. It is best to seek advice with a trained medical practitioner.

Alcohol: The intake of alcohol should be minimised in order to minimise liver burden and gastrointestinal irritation.

Liver: This drug should be used with caution in hepatic impairment, a decrease in dose can be required.

Lungs: This drug should be used with caution in hepatic impairment, a decrease in dose can be required.

Kidney: Modification of dosage might be needed in moderate renal failure.

Driving: Dizziness or fatigue may also be experienced; they should not be allowed to drive when they experience it.

Interaction of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet

• Drug-Drug Interaction :

Abrocitinib × Rucaparib. 

The use of rucaparib probably will increase the efficacy of abrocitinib by suppressing its metabolic clearance.

Fexinidazole × Rucaparib. 

It is expected that concomitant administration of rucaparib will reduce the effect of fexinidazole through the modulation of the hepatic enzymes.

Rucaparib × Dichlorphenamide.

Being careful is recommended, as the combination of dichlorphenamide and Rucaparib may lead to lowering levels of plasma potassium.

Rucaparib × Carbamazepine. 

The other treatment option needs to be discussed, as carbamazepine is reported to reduce plasma Rucaparib levels.

Mavorixafor × Rucaparib. 

The therapeutic treatment process requires close observation because the effect of co-administration of mavorixafor can increase the activity of Rucaparib due to the effect of P-glycoprotein-based efflux.

• Drug-Food Interaction:

Caffeine

The use of this drug can also reduce the level of caffeine in the blood and its impact. Report to the doctor in case the symptoms intensify during treatment; never quit on this medication without consulting a doctor.

Food

Grapefruit should be avoided when taking as it can enhance the adverse effects of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, lack of appetite, pain in the abdomen, pulmonary complications, and bone marrow.

• Drug-Disease Interaction:

Hematologic toxicities. 

Caution should be exercised when administering therapy to patients that have a history of prior cancer since this medication can trigger myelodysplastic syndrome.

Hepatic impairment. 

Caution should be used when administering the therapy to liver dysfunction patients, as the pharmacokinetics of this drug have not been investigated in moderate or severe hepatic dysfunction.

Pulmonary abnormalities.

Careful use of the drug must be used as a therapy as this drug can cause pneumonitis.

Contraindication of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet 

Not to be used in patients who have known hypersensitivity to Rucaparib and in pregnant women. It should be cautiously used in patients who present with pneumonitis, possible teratogenicity, venous thromboembolic diseases, or acute myeloid leukemia.

Dosage of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet

Dose depends on the type of cancer. The doctor may make changes depending upon personal tolerance and how the treatment is working.

Storage of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet

Storage of Lucaparib 300 should be at ambient room temperature, the place must be dry and not exposed to extreme heat and moisture and must be locked up to avoid being accessed by the minors.

Missed Dose of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet

Missing of a dose must not be taken and next dose to be taken as planned. The omission should not be covered by doubling of the dose.

Other General Information of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet

Being long term, the treatment may be linked to fatigue, anaemia, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Follow-up and lab cheques are to be routinely performed. The nursing staff must be informed about any unusual or adverse symptoms promptly by the patients.

FAQs of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet 

1.Why does Rucaparib have a tendency to raise hepatolithic enzymes? 

Rucaparib can cause a temporary increase in the levels of hepatic transaminases (ALT/AST) which can be explained by its effect on the metabolic processes occurring in cells. Such enzymatic changes can usually be reversed however they require regular monitoring to avoid major hepatic sequelae.

2. Does Rucaparib produce photosensitivity?

Yes. There are risks of some patients to be sun-sensitive. Wearing protective clothing, applying wide-spectrum sunscreen, and reducing the time spent in the sun should be used.

3. Does Rucaparib commonly reduce the platelets?

Rucaparib could lead to thrombocytopenia, which in turn predisposes the occurrence of bruising or haemorrhage. Such hematologic toxicity needs to be identified early by routine observation of complete blood counts.

4. Is Rucaparib effective soon after administration?

Rucaparib does not have immediate curative impacts. Its anti-tumour effect builds up over time with progressive DNA damage and resultant apoptosis of cancerous cells. A clinical response is usually evaluated through the use of serial imaging and laboratory evidence during routine follow-up visits.

5. Is Rucaparib administerable together with hormonal therapy?

Rucaparib can be used together with androgen -deprivation therapy in some malignancies, especially in prostate cancer. This combination is dependent on the treating oncologist depending on the characteristics of the disease and comorbidity in the patient.

6. What becomes to be done in case of continuing nausea?

The adverse occurrence is mild nausea. Symptoms can be reduced by taking the medication with light food and prescribed anti-emetic. Incessant or exacting vomiting must be reported in time to the medical professional.

Fact Box of Lucaparib 300 (Rucaparib 300mg) tablet:

Field	Details
Generic/Molecule Name	Rucaparib
Therapeutic Class	Anti-neoplastic agent
Pharmacological Class	PARP Inhibitor
Dosage form	Tablet
Habit forming	No
Indication	BRCA-mutated Ovarian and Prostate Cancer

 

References

• FDA Prescribing Information – Rubraca (Rucaparib) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/208353s013lbl.pdf
• European Medicines Agency – Rubraca Summary of Product Characteristics https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/rubraca-epar-product-information_en.pdf
• DrugBank – Rucaparib Drug Profile https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11740
• Mayo Clinic – Rucaparib Drug Information https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/rucaparib-oral-route/description/drg-20453943