Drug interactions
Olaparib + Temozolomide
Severity: Major
Olaparib and Temozolomide: 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, and combining a PARP inhibitor with an alkylating agent substantially increases the frequency and duration of cytopenias. This can lead to infections, bleeding, or the need for dose delays and reductions.
What this interaction means in plain words
Olaparib and Temozolomide 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.
Olaparib belongs to Oncology; Temozolomide belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression; PARP inhibition impairs repair of DNA damage caused by temozolomide.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts frequently and reduce doses or interrupt treatment for grade 3-4 cytopenias. Use only within a defined regimen with dose-adjustment guidance.
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?
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Other interactions of Temozolomide
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 Olaparib with Temozolomide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Olaparib and Temozolomide 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, and combining a PARP inhibitor with an alkylating agent substantially increases the frequency and duration of cytopenias. This can lead to infections, bleeding, or the need for dose delays and reductions.
How serious is the interaction between Olaparib and Temozolomide?
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 interrupt treatment for grade 3-4 cytopenias. Use only within a defined regimen with dose-adjustment guidance.
What other medicines interact with Temozolomide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Temozolomide with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Deferiprone. The full list is on the Temozolomide page.
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