TALZENNA
TOLAZOPARIB TOSYLATE
What it does
Tolazoparib is a medication used in cancer treatment.
Commonly used for: breast cancer, ovarian cancer
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe · fetched 2026-04-18 08:22:11 · updated 2026-10-21 04:30:10
About this medicine
Tolazoparib is a medication used in cancer treatment.
What it treats
- breast cancer
- ovarian cancer
How it works
It works by blocking certain proteins that help cancer cells repair themselves, making it harder for the cancer to survive.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults with specific types of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly those linked to genetic mutations.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: tolazoparib
Tolazoparib is an oral poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor primarily used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer, particularly those associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. It is indicated for patients with germline BRCA-mutated breast cancer who have received prior chemotherapy. By inhibiting PARP, tolazoparib interferes with the DNA damage repair process in cancer cells, leading to increased cancer cell death.
Indications
- Germline BRCA-mutated breast cancer
- Advanced breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Tolazoparib exerts its therapeutic effects by selectively inhibiting PARP enzymes, which are crucial for the repair of single-strand breaks in DNA. This inhibition leads to the accumulation of DNA damage, particularly in cells deficient in homologous recombination repair, such as those with BRCA mutations. The resulting genomic instability ultimately triggers cell death, especially in cancer cells that rely on PARP-mediated repair mechanisms.
Pharmacodynamics
Tolazoparib displays a high affinity for PARP-1 and PARP-2, which are involved in the base excision repair pathway. By blocking these enzymes, tolazoparib enhances the efficacy of DNA-damaging agents and contributes to the therapeutic benefit in tumors with compromised DNA repair mechanisms. The drug's activity is dose-dependent, with higher doses correlating with increased inhibition of PARP activity and greater efficacy against cancer cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Tolazoparib is administered orally and demonstrates good bioavailability. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily via cytochrome P450 enzymes. The drug has a half-life that allows for once-daily dosing, and its clearance is affected by hepatic function. The pharmacokinetics of tolazoparib can be influenced by concomitant medications and patient-specific factors such as age and organ function.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to tolazoparib or any of its components
- Severe renal impairment
- Pregnancy
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Neutropenia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Interactions
- Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of tolazoparib
- Strong inducers of CYP3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of tolazoparib
Precautions
- Monitor blood counts regularly due to risk of myelosuppression
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
- Assess for signs of hypersensitivity reactions
Pregnancy
Tolazoparib is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether tolazoparib is excreted in human milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug.
Storage
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from moisture and light.
Formulations
- Capsules: 100 mg
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.