Niraparib and Constipation: What Users Say

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2021

Niraparib for Ovarian Cancer "I am 62 and was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer in July of 2021. I had surgery to remove my ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and part of my bowel. After a recovery of about 5 weeks, I started chemotherapy and had 6 rounds. I have been taking 200 mg of Zejula daily for 9 weeks. My blood counts have been good, but I have had some side effects: high blood pressure (never an issue before), high heart rate, constipation, tiredness, swollen joints, dry mouth, lack of energy, and heartburn. My C125 was under 5 after chemotherapy and is 7 now. I'm thankful I can take this drug and can only pray it's helping me and all the other ladies out there diagnosed with this terrible cancer."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2020

Niraparib for Ovarian Cancer "My wife started taking Zejula 4 months after her ovarian cancer surgery (complete response, chemo was done prior to surgery) because of positive biomarkers for gene mutations in the MLH1 and PMS2 genes. Unfortunately, she could only tolerate Zejula (200 mg) for 6 weeks due to mostly nausea and constipation (then diarrhea), and also during that time, another tumor developed in her pelvis area. She is now going back into chemo."

• Ret...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2020

Niraparib for Ovarian Cancer "I started 3 pills for the first two weeks. Experienced constipation and low platelets. Platelets too low, so I was taken off for 2 weeks to get my platelets up. Went back on at 2 pills a day for 2 weeks. I was then bumped to 3 pills the last 2 weeks. Platelets tanked again, and my 125 test was going higher. Oncologist will discuss the next step for me. I am still hopeful and will keep fighting this cancer!!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 27, 2021

Niraparib for Ovarian Cancer "I have been on Zejula for 11 months. Started taking it immediately after finishing my last of six chemo treatments. Started at 300 mg, side effects were debilitating: extreme insomnia, fatigue, heart racing, constipation, etc. Dropped down to 200 mg and still had lots of bad side effects. Ended up having to have a platelet infusion. Went off Zejula altogether to allow blood levels to recover. Went back on 100 mg and have been tolerating that dosage fairly well. Decided to up the dosage to 200 mg and started that yesterday, time will tell if my body will tolerate it. My CA125 has stayed at 6 or 7 for the last 11 months!"

• Coo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 5, 2021

Niraparib for Ovarian Cancer "Diagnosed with 3B ovarian with peritoneal and 11 lymph nodes involved. I had Carbo Taxol, then surgery and finished with more Carbo Taxol. I’ve been on Zejula for 9 months. It’s pretty tolerable. My side effects have been awful insomnia, constipation, some joint pain, tiredness, some nausea, and stomach pain, and most recently some itching. I am 60. I push myself to exercise 4-5 days a week and work part-time in a retail setting, so lots of steps. Yoga is helping the joint pain. My CA 125 is holding steady at 5-7. Platelets are staying around 220. Hoping to stay on it at least 15 more months to make it to the 2-year mark. Current dosage: 3 pills daily."

• MRS...
• March 4, 2021

For Ovarian Cancer "I’m on my 3rd recurrence, ovarian 3C high serous. I’m platinum sensitive, and my last chemo was 3 years ago. Avastin bought me 3 years until BP increased with severe dizziness. Had to stop Avastin because of that rise, and cancer started to move fast and found evidence in several localized lymph nodes. Was recommended niraparib alone, 300 mg with no chemo. I've been on the 300 mg for a month now. The first few weeks were okay, just BP was high, probably niraparib also contributes to BP on top of Avastin. In the 3rd week, I noticed more nausea, and CBD shots help. In the 4th week, the side effects are very evident: severe fatigue, nausea, insomnia, and mild headaches. Stomach pain and constipation. Platelets look good, although the liver enzyme increased by a few numbers. Symptoms mimic those of chemotherapy. I might have to decrease the dose to 200 mg in a week if symptoms are intolerable. CA125 is still pretty high. I hear both symptoms and markers get better in 3 months."