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Drug interactions

Etoposide + Olaparib

Severity: Major

Etoposide and Olaparib: major interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Both drugs cause bone marrow suppression, so the combination can intensify and prolong cytopenias. Anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are of particular concern.

What this interaction means in plain words

Etoposide and Olaparib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Etoposide belongs to Oncology; Olaparib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive myelosuppression from topoisomerase II inhibition and PARP inhibition with impaired DNA repair.

What to do

Monitor complete blood counts frequently and reduce doses or delay cycles as needed. Provide supportive care such as growth factors per guidelines.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Etoposide with Olaparib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etoposide and Olaparib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs cause bone marrow suppression, so the combination can intensify and prolong cytopenias. Anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are of particular concern.

How serious is the interaction between Etoposide and Olaparib?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor complete blood counts frequently and reduce doses or delay cycles as needed. Provide supportive care such as growth factors per guidelines.

What other medicines interact with Etoposide?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Etoposide with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Pentostatin, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Etoposide page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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