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Interactions between Niraparib and Rucaparib

1 drug interaction and 11 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

rucaparib niraparib

Applies to: rucaparib and niraparib
Monitor

The concomitant use of myelosuppressive, immunosuppressive, or cytotoxic agents may potentiate and/or prolong the bone marrow toxicity associated with niraparib. Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, and/or pancytopenia have all been observed with niraparib during clinical trials, especially during the initial phase of treatment. Additionally, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been reported in patients treated with niraparib. Some cases were fatal, and the duration of therapy with niraparib in patients who developed MDS/AML varied from less than 1 month to approximately 6 years. All patients had previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA-damaging agents, including radiotherapy.

Management

Caution is advised if niraparib is prescribed with other myelosuppressive, immunosuppressive, or cytotoxic agents. Do not start niraparib until patients have recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy (Grade 1 or less). Complete blood counts should be monitored as recommended in the product labeling and any relevant institutional protocols. Recommendations for dose adjustments as well as treatment interruption and discontinuation can also be found in the product labeling for serious hematologic adverse reactions. If hematological toxicities have not resolved within 4 weeks after interruption, discontinue niraparib and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations, including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics. If MDS/AML is confirmed, discontinue niraparib. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience pale skin, weakness, fatigue, fever, weight loss, infections, shortness of breath, unusual bleeding or bruising, or blood in urine or stool.

References (7)
  1. (2023) "Product Information. Akeega (abiraterone-niraparib)." Janssen Biotech, Inc.
  2. (2023) "Product Information. Zejula (niraparib)." GlaxoSmithKline
  3. (2023) "Product Information. Zejula (niraparib)." GlaxoSmithKline Inc
  4. (2023) "Product Information. Akeega (abiraterone-niraparib)." Janssen Inc
  5. (2023) "Product Information. Zejula (niraparib)." GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
  6. (2023) "Product Information. Zejula (niraparib)." GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd
  7. (2024) "Product Information. Vyvgart (efgartigimod alfa)." Argenx UK Ltd

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition.

It can be intentional, when combining drugs with similar actions adds demonstrated therapeutic benefit — or unintentional, such as when a patient sees multiple prescribers or fills prescriptions at more than one pharmacy, which can lead to adverse effects.

Duplication:

Parp inhibitors

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'PARP inhibitors' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'PARP inhibitors' category:

  • niraparib
  • rucaparib

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

Food/lifestyle interactions

No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Disease interactions

10 potential interactions Applies to: 8 conditions, including Arrhythmia, Liver Disease, Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders, Leukemia, and Renal Dysfunction.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

niraparib

Niraparib has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Niraparib has the potential to cause effects on pulse rate and blood pressure. Hypertension and hypertensive crisis have been reported in patients treated with niraparib. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure and heart rate monthly for the first year and periodically thereafter during treatment with niraparib. Closely monitor patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Medically manage hypertension with antihypertensive medications and adjust the dose of niraparib as necessary.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Moderate:

rucaparib

Rucaparib has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been reported with the use of rucaparib. Rucaparib should not be started until patients have recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy (grade 1 or less). It is recommended to monitor complete blood counts for cytopenia at baseline and monthly thereafter for clinically significant changes during therapy. For hematologic toxicities exceeding 4 weeks, rucaparib should be interrupted or the dosage reduced according to the manufacturer product information; blood counts should be monitored weekly until recovery. If levels have not recovered to grade 1 or less after 4 weeks or if MDS/AML is suspected, the patient should be referred to a hematologist for further investigations (including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics). If MDS/AML is confirmed, rucaparib should be discontinued.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Moderate:

niraparib

Niraparib has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Niraparib has the potential to cause effects on pulse rate and blood pressure. Hypertension and hypertensive crisis have been reported in patients treated with niraparib. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure and heart rate monthly for the first year and periodically thereafter during treatment with niraparib. Closely monitor patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Medically manage hypertension with antihypertensive medications and adjust the dose of niraparib as necessary.

Leukemia

Moderate:

niraparib

Niraparib has a moderate potential interaction with Leukemia.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML), including cases with fatal outcome, have been reported with the use of niraparib. It is recommended to use caution when using this agent in patients with MDS/AML, its use must be weighed against the risk. Discontinue the use of niraparib in patients who develop MDS/AML.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

niraparib

Niraparib has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild hepatic impairment according to the National Cancer Institute - Organ Dysfunction Working Group (NCI-ODWG) criteria. Caution is recommended in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment as the safety of niraparib has not been established in these patients.

Moderate:

rucaparib

Rucaparib has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction (total bilirubin up to 3 times the upper limit of normal [3 x ULN] or AST greater than ULN). Caution should be exercised when using this agent in patients with severe liver dysfunction (total bilirubin greater than 3 x ULN and any AST) as rucaparib has not been studied in these patients.

Myelodysplastic Diseases

Moderate:

niraparib

Niraparib has a moderate potential interaction with Myelodysplastic Diseases.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML), including cases with fatal outcome, have been reported with the use of niraparib. It is recommended to use caution when using this agent in patients with MDS/AML, its use must be weighed against the risk. Discontinue the use of niraparib in patients who develop MDS/AML.

Pancytopenia

Moderate:

niraparib

Niraparib has a moderate potential interaction with Pancytopenia.

Hematologic adverse reactions (thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia) have been reported in patients treated with niraparib. It is recommended to monitor complete blood counts weekly for the first month, monthly for the next eleven months of treatment, and periodically after this time. Do not start niraparib until patients have recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy (less than equal to Grade 1). If hematological toxicities do not resolve within 28 days following interruption, discontinue niraparib, and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations, including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

niraparib

Niraparib has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Caution is recommended in patients with severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis as the safety of niraparib has not been established in these patients.

Moderate:

rucaparib

Rucaparib has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to moderate renal dysfunction (CrCl between 30 and 89 mL/min [as estimated by Cockcroft-Gault method]). Caution should be exercised when using this agent in patients with severe renal dysfunction (CrCl less than 30 mL/min) or patients on dialysis as rucaparib has not been studied in these patients.

More resources

niraparib

A total of 642 drugs are known to interact with niraparib.

rucaparib

A total of 763 drugs are known to interact with rucaparib.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.