Niraparib and Increased Heart Rate: What Users Say

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

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."

• Hay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2019

For Ovarian Cancer "Just finished 18 rounds of chemo for a reappearance of ovarian cancer cells in my lungs and one lymph node after 12 years in remission. Note: I've been tested semi-annually and my CA-125 never went above 7.2. I am BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative. Post-chemo, the oncologist started me on maintenance of Avastin every 21 days. Last PET scan showed 'virtually no evidence of disease'. He added Zejula this week, and I've never felt worse. I took the full 300 mg for three days, fell into such a deep sleep twice, couldn't keep my balance, and my hearing became so fuzzy my partner noticed the change in the pitch of my voice. My blood pressure, usually normal (I've been on meds for essential hypertension for nearly 30 years) started rising and wouldn't come back down. Heart racing at 114 bpm at rest. So the oncologist has me off Zejula for a few days, then we're going to try 100 mg and see if I can tolerate that. Two days after stopping the drug, my blood pressure is normal, and the other effects have finally worn off."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2020

For Fallopian Tube Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage III-A fallopian tube serous carcinoma in 2018. After debulking surgery and chemo, I started taking 300 mg Zejula in January this year. Was debilitating until exhausted, and my platelets and WBC became very low after a month. Took a month off, then started taking 100 mg a day. Pulse rate high but controlled, occasionally very tired. My CA-125, which was initially 29, is now 3.2. Couldn't be happier or more relieved. Thrilled that I am able to take this promising drug!"

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

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!"