Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Olaparib
Severity: Major
Irinotecan 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 agents cause myelosuppression, and combining a PARP inhibitor with a topoisomerase I inhibitor increases hematologic toxicity. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia can be prolonged and may need dose reduction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan 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.
Irinotecan belongs to Oncology; Olaparib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression from DNA-damaging irinotecan and PARP inhibition by olaparib.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts frequently and reduce doses or delay cycles for significant cytopenias; use only within a defined protocol.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Irinotecan and Olaparib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Other interactions of Olaparib
- Amiodarone + Olaparib Major
- Amobarbital + Olaparib Major
- Apalutamide + Olaparib Major
- Aprepitant + Olaparib Major
- Azathioprine + Olaparib Major
- Carbamazepine + Olaparib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Irinotecan with Olaparib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Irinotecan 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 agents cause myelosuppression, and combining a PARP inhibitor with a topoisomerase I inhibitor increases hematologic toxicity. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia can be prolonged and may need dose reduction.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan 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 for significant cytopenias; use only within a defined protocol.
What other medicines interact with Irinotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Irinotecan with, for example, Clozapine, Sacituzumab govitecan, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Irinotecan 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.
