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Uses

What is Zejula used for?

Zejula (niraparib) is a targeted therapy that is commonly used for certain types of advanced ovarian cancer (which is defined as fallopian tube, primary peritoneal and epithelial ovarian.) 

Learn more about Treating Ovarian Cancer With Zejula.

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

How does Zejula work (mechanism of action)?

Zejula is a type of medicine known as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. PARP is a protein that helps cancer cells survive and grow by helping repair damaged DNA. Zejula blocks the action of PARP to stop the DNA repair of cancer cells so that the cells will die. 

How is Zejula supplied (dosage forms)?

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

  • 100 mg oral tablets
  • 200 mg oral tablets
  • 300 mg oral tablets

How should I store Zejula?

Zejula 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 Zejula?

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

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tiredness and trouble sleeping
  • Changes in blood levels including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Headache
  • Lung problems, such as shortness of breath and cough
  • Rash
  • High blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in your urine (color or amount)
  • Bladder infection

There may be other side effects of Zejula 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 Zejula?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zejula may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Zejula 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

Bone Marrow Problems. Zejula may cause bone marrow problems called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or a type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This can be dangerous and life-threatening. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood levels closely with blood work while you are taking Zejula. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Weakness or tiredness
  • Fever
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent infections

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Zejula may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure:

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea/ or vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome. Zejula can cause a condition known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) which affects your brain. PRES can be dangerous and life-threatening. Despite the name, PRES is not always reversible. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Confusion
  • Tiredness
  • Vision changes
  • Headache
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zejula?

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

  • Zejula
  • Niraparib
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Zejula before using it?

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

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

Keep Zejula out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Zejula. 

Taking Zejula at bedtime may help relieve any nausea you may have.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zejula?

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 Zejula is right for you.

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

  • Liver problems
  • Lung problems
  • Heart problems, including high blood pressure

Other Medicines and Supplements. Zejula may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Zejula, 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.

Pregnancy. Zejula 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 Zejula. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Zejula and for six months after your last dose.

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

How can I get more information about Zejula?

For more information about Zejula, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at zejula.com or call them at 844-447-5662.

Interactions

Does Zejula interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zejula. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Zejula. 

Does Zejula 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.

Zejula may alter the blood levels of some 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 Zejula. 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 Zejula?

If you or someone else has used too much Zejula, 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 Zejula?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

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