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Uses

What is Rubraca used for?

Rubraca (rucaparib) is commonly used to treat certain ovarian and prostate cancers.

Rubraca may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Rubraca work (mechanism of action)?

Rubraca is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. PARP inhibitors work by blocking a protein in cancer cells that repairs damaged DNA and prevents the cells from dying. When a PARP inhibitor blocks this protein, it stops the DNA repair of the cancer cells so that the cells will die and the tumor will shrink. 

How is Rubraca supplied (dosage forms)?

Rubraca is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 200 mg oral tablets
  • 250 mg oral tablets
  • 300 mg oral tablets 

How should I store Rubraca?

Rubraca should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Rubraca?

The most common side effects of Rubraca are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Low blood cell levels, such as low red blood cells (anemia)
  • Changes in liver function tests
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in how food tastes
  • Changes in kidney function tests
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Upset stomach
  • Rash
  • Constipation

There may be other side effects of Rubraca that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Rubraca?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Rubraca are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rubraca may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Rubraca and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Disorders or Cancer. Rubraca may increase the risk of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which are blood disorders where your body does not make enough healthy blood cells. Rubraca may also raise the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a type of blood cancer. These conditions have been reported by a small number of people who used Rubraca, and most happened months to years later. Keep all appointments to check your blood work after Rubraca treatment.

  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Fever
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood in pee or poop

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Rubraca?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Rubraca.

  • Rubraca
  • Rucaparib
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Rubraca.

What should I know about Rubraca before using it?

Do not take Rubraca unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Rubraca with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Rubraca out of the reach of children.

Rubraca can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

Your healthcare provider will do blood tests while you are taking Rubraca to make sure it is safe for you. It is important to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider, so they can monitor your blood tests. If you miss an appointment, contact them right away to reschedule it. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Rubraca?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Rubraca is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Rubraca may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Rubraca. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Rubraca and for six months after your last dose. If you have a partner that can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Rubraca and for three months after your last dose. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take Rubraca while you are breastfeeding and do not breastfeed for two weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Rubraca passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Sperm Donation. You should not donate sperm while taking Rubraca and for three months after your last dose. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rubraca may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Rubraca, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

How can I get more information about Rubraca?

For more information about Rubraca, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.rubraca.com or talk with your healthcare provider about enrolling in the Rubraca support program.

Interactions

Does Rubraca interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Rubraca and foods or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rubraca.

Does Rubraca interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking warfarin, which is a blood thinner. 

Rubraca may alter the blood levels of many other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Rubraca. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Rubraca?

If you or someone else has used too much Rubraca, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rubraca?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you vomit after taking Rubraca, do not repeat that dose or take an extra one. Instead, take your next regular dose at the usual time.