Zejula (niraparib) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of cancer in adults. Zejula comes as a tablet that’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on what condition the drug is used to treat.

Zejula is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following types of advanced* or reccurent† cancer in adults:

Zejula is prescribed as a maintenance treatment after a complete or partial response to platinum chemotherapy.

Zejula belongs to a drug class called poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Zejula is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Zejula, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Zejula, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Zejula provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Zejula, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

* Advanced cancer is cancer that likely won’t completely go away but may be managed with treatment.
† Zejula is used in recurrent cancer that may have a certain BRCA mutation (gBRCAmut).

Read below for details about Zejula’s dosages for its approved uses.

Zejula form

Zejula comes as an oral tablet.

Zejula strengths

Zejula comes in three strengths:

  • 100 milligrams (mg)
  • 200 mg
  • 300 mg

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for advanced cancer of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum

Doctors may prescribe Zejula to treat advanced cancer of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. Typically, you’ll start treatment with Zejula no later than 12 weeks after your last platinum-based chemotherapy treatment.

If your doctor prescribes Zejula, your dose will be based on your body weight in kilograms and/or your platelet count. (One kilogram [kg] equals about 2.2 pounds [lb].)

If you weigh less than 77 kg (about 170 lb) or have a platelet count of less than 150,000 per microliter (μL) of blood, then your dose will be 200 mg. You’ll take this once per day.

If you weigh 77 kg or more and have a platelet count of 150,000 per μL or more, then your dose will be 300 mg. You’ll take this once per day.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for recurrent cancer of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum with a BRCA mutation

Zejula is also approved to help treat recurrent cancer of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum that has a BRCA mutation. Typically, you’ll start treatment with Zejula no later than 8 weeks after your last platinum-based chemotherapy treatment. In this case, the recommended dose of Zejula is 300 mg. You’ll usually take this once per day.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

How to take Zejula

Zejula comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the tablet in water. You may take your dose with or without food.

It may be helpful to take Zejula around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Zejula can work effectively.

If you miss a dose of Zejula, skip it and take your next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one. If you vomit after taking your dose of Zejula, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at its scheduled time.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have questions about how to use Zejula, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also helpful instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Long-term treatment

Zejula is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. You’ll continue taking Zejula as long as it is working for you and you don’t have severe side effects.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Zejula.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Zejula in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

It’s important that you do not take more Zejula than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Zejula

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Zejula. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

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.