As with other drugs, Rubraca (rucaparib) can cause side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and anemia. If you’re not able to tolerate side effects of Rubraca, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Rubraca (rucaparib) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for some types of ovarian cancer and metastatic prostate cancer in certain adults and situations.

The side effects you experience may vary depending on the condition being treated.

If you have problems with side effects from Rubraca, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop taking Rubraca without consulting your doctor first.

Rubraca can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The following are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Rubraca in studies. These side effects can vary depending on the condition being treated.

More common side effects in people taking Rubraca for ovarian cancer include:

More common side effects reported by people who took Rubraca for prostate cancer include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • fatigue and weakness
  • skin rash
  • diarrhea
  • increased liver enzyme levels
  • reduced blood cell levels, including anemia

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Mild side effects can occur with Rubraca use. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Rubraca’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Rubraca include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Rubraca and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Rubraca may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Rubraca’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Rubraca, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported include:

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Rubraca can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Rubraca, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

While taking Rubraca, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.

If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting were common side effects reported in studies of Rubraca. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • taking over-the-counter medications that help prevent nausea and vomiting, such as antiemetics
  • eating smaller meals throughout the day
  • avoiding greasy or spicy food
  • drinking fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated

If nausea and vomiting don’t go away or this side effect is interfering with your daily activities, talk with your doctor. They can check your symptoms to determine whether the drug or something else (such as infection) is the cause.

Your doctor can also recommend treatments, including prescription antiemetics, to manage the side effect. In some cases, they may decide to reduce your dose of Rubraca or switch to a different medication to treat your condition.

Photosensitivity

Taking Rubraca can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, including tanning beds. With this condition, you’re more likely to experience skin burns, blisters, and rash even after limited sun exposure. Photosensitivity reactions were a common side effect reported Rubraca studies.

Steps you can take to reduce your risk of this side effect include:

  • avoiding time in the sun
  • wearing sunscreen that protects your skin from UV rays
  • wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants

If you experience a skin reaction while taking Rubraca, talk with your doctor right away. They can determine the severity of the reaction and recommend appropriate treatment. If you have questions about your risk of this side effect while taking Rubraca, talk with your doctor.

Reduced blood cell levels

Rubraca treatment may reduce the level of certain blood cells. Thrombocytopenia and anemia were the most commonly reported blood cell-related side effects in Rubraca’s studies.

With thrombocytopenia, the number of platelets in your blood is lower than normal. Platelets are required for your blood to clot, such as after a cut. With a low platelet count, your blood may not clot properly, which can lead to bleeding. Symptoms of this side effect can include:

  • bleeding more easily than usual, such as from your gums
  • petechiae (tiny red spots on your skin)
  • purpura (skin rash that resembles a bruise)

With anemia, you have a low red blood cell (RBC) count. Your RBCs carry oxygen throughout your body. Mild anemia may not cause symptoms, but those of severe anemia can include:

Be sure to talk with your doctor if you experience any symptoms listed above. If your doctor finds your blood cell levels are low, they may reduce your Rubraca dosage or prescribe a different medication instead. They can also recommend treatments to help manage the side effect.

Take note of the following important information to consider before taking Rubraca.

Before taking Rubraca, discuss your health history with your doctor. Rubraca may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.