Rucaparib

Rucaparib is used to treat a certain type of ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed) that has not improved after treatment with other medications. Rucaparib is in a class of medications called poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. It works by killing cancer cells.

Before taking rucaparib,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rucaparib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in rucaparib tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are taking rucaparib. You will need to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment. Use effective birth control during your treatment with rucaparib and for 6 months after your final dose of this medication. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. If you become pregnant while taking rucaparib, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed during your treatment with rucaparib and for 2 weeks after your final dose of this medication.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Rucaparib may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

• Rubraca^®

Rucaparib may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Rubraca

Rucaparib is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Rucaparib is used to treat advanced ovarian cancer.

Rucaparib is used only if your tumor has a specific genetic marker, for which your doctor will test.

Rucaparib is usually given after at least 2 other cancer medicines have been tried without success.

Rucaparib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Rucaparib can cause leukemia or serious bone marrow problems. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, shortness of breath, or signs of infection (fever, feeling weak or tired, weight loss).

You should not use rucaparib if you are allergic to it.

Using rucaparib may increase your risk of developing serious bone marrow problems or other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Do not use rucaparib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause a miscarriage. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

It is not known whether rucaparib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

You should not use rucaparib if you are allergic to it.

Using rucaparib may increase your risk of developing serious bone marrow problems or other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Do not use rucaparib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause a miscarriage. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

It is not known whether rucaparib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Rucaparib can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Other drugs may interact with rucaparib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

Rucaparib is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme inhibitor, including PARP1, PARP2, and PARP3. PARP enzymes are involved in DNA transcription, cell cycle regulation, and DNA repair. By inhibiting PARP, rucaparib may cause increased formation of PARP-DNA complexes, resulting in DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell death. Increased cytotoxicity due to rucaparib was observed in tumor cell lines deficient in BRCA1/2 and other DNA repair genes.

Absorption

Cmax is increased by 20%, AUC is increased by 38%, and Tmax is delayed by 2.5 hours following a high-fat meal (as compared to the fasting state)

Distribution

113 to 262 L (following a single IV dose of 12 to 40 mg)

Metabolism

Primarily hepatic via CYP2D6; minor pathways include CYP1A2 and CYP3A4

Time to Peak

1.9 hours

Half-Life Elimination

Terminal: 17 to 19 hours (following a single oral 600 mg dose)

Protein Binding

70%