How should I take niraparib (Zejula)?

Niraparib comes as a capsule to take by mouth once daily. Take niraparib at around the same time every day with or without food. If you experience nausea after taking niraparib, take it once daily at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take niraparib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not open, chew, or dissolve them. If you vomit after taking niraparib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.

Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with niraparib. Do not stop taking niraparib without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.

What are the side effects of niraparib (Zejula)?

Niraparib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking niraparib (Zejula)

• tell your doctor about your allergies
• tell your doctor about other intakes
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any other disease, symptom, or treatment
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you.

While you are on niraparib (Zejula)

• If you become pregnant while taking niraparib, call your doctor immediately. Niraparib may harm the fetus.
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while taking niraparib and for 1 month after your final dose.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

In case of an emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

How should I safely store and dispose of niraparib (Zejula)?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Brand names

• Zejula^®

Last Revised – 06/19/2023, FDA updated- 02/15/2020, SG