Olaparib was originally approved in capsule formulation in the EU in 2015, for the maintenance treatment of adults with platinum-sensitive relapsed BRCA-mutated (germline and/or somatic) high grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in response to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Olaparib tablets have been approved for use in the same indication, but regardless of BRCA status, therefore can be used in a wider population.
AstraZeneca have issued a Dear Healthcare Professional Communication warning of the risk of medication errors associated with the introduction of this new formulation. This states that the tablets and capsules should not be substituted on a milligram-to-milligram basis, and advises that:
- To avoid medication errors, prescribers should specify the formulation and dosage of LYNPARZA on each prescription and pharmacists should ensure that the correct formulation and dose is dispensed to patients.
- Patients be instructed on the correct dose they should take for their capsules or tablets. For any patients switching from capsules to tablets (or vice-versa), explain how the doses in milligrams for the two forms are different.