PARP inhibitor

Rucaparib (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Rubraca

Rucaparib is an oral PARP inhibitor used as a specialist treatment in ovarian cancer, particularly in BRCA-mutated disease and as maintenance therapy.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase enzymes, impairing single-strand DNA break repair so that tumour cells deficient in homologous recombination accumulate lethal DNA damage (synthetic lethality).

Prescribing in practice

Rare but serious myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia have been reported, so persistent or unexplained cytopenias must be investigated.
Myelosuppression is common and full blood count should be monitored regularly.
It is teratogenic and effective contraception is required during and after treatment.

Monitoring

Monitor full blood count regularly and investigate any prolonged haematological abnormality.

Counselling the patient

Report unusual tiredness, bruising, bleeding or recurrent infections.
Use reliable contraception during and after treatment as advised.
Keep all blood test appointments.

Evidence & guidelines

Use is supported by NICE guidance and pivotal trials including the ARIEL programme in ovarian cancer.

Reference: NICE TA611/TA784; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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