Generic Name: Zejula (niraparib)
Zejula Reviews
For Ovarian Cancer "Update, my mom has gone back on Zejula. At her two-week bloodwork check, her CA-125 numbers are great. No issues with her platelets. She is feeling great and her appetite is okay. So far, so good. She is taking two pills a day. I hope this gives some of you some hope."
For Ovarian Cancer "In January 2018, I was diagnosed with Grade 3C serous ovarian cancer. I underwent a full hysterectomy/debulking surgery, followed by chemotherapy, Avastin, and a trial drug. Recurrence in September 2020: I had Chemotherapy & Gemcitabine. I managed 100% better than the first time; only 2 days of not feeling well, ADL’s were not affected. I put this down to a sound plan for my positive future health, i.e., losing all the weight I put on: 21 kilos, upped my exercise & hike to 2 hours most days, or 1 hour on an elliptical trainer, eat lots of fruit & veg, minimal red meat, don’t drink alcohol at all. I have been taking Zejula one tablet at night for a month, with minimal side effects. Lots of energy. All the best to other ladies living with OC. I am 69, fit, healthy, and active. AM"
For Ovarian Cancer "I am 62 and was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer in July of 2021. I had surgery to remove my ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and part of my bowel. After a recovery of about 5 weeks, I started chemotherapy and had 6 rounds. I have been taking 200 mg of Zejula daily for 9 weeks. My blood counts have been good, but I have had some side effects: high blood pressure (never an issue before), high heart rate, constipation, tiredness, swollen joints, dry mouth, lack of energy, and heartburn. My C125 was under 5 after chemotherapy and is 7 now. I'm thankful I can take this drug and can only pray it's helping me and all the other ladies out there diagnosed with this terrible cancer."
For Ovarian Cancer "This is a story to give you all hope. My active young mom was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer at the age of 79. She became very ill after the second treatment. She developed a blockage where she was hospitalized for 10 days. I really thought I was going to lose my best friend. She fought back, spent her 80th birthday getting chemo and finished the treatments. She had the Chek2 gene mutation and started Zejula 2 pills a day. She handled the medication well with very little side effects. Her Ca-125 numbers started to rise 15 months later. She was monitored for the next 2 months and at that time had a new scan. This time it was “only in her lungs”. She was a “healthier” cancer patient this time. One large dose chemo regimen was given next. She got to celebrate her 82 birthday this January during her treatments. She was given her Ca-125 number before her next to last treatment yesterday and it was 22. I still have my best friend because of this drug. Thank you."
For Ovarian Cancer "I feel excellent on Zejula! Started 3/1/21. 200 mg at 9 pm every day. Stage 3B ovarian cancer. BRCA negative. Had debulking surgery 7/30/20. Carbo/Pax chemo, six sessions, 9/17/20-12/31/20. Before taking Zejula, I was sleeping 12-14 hours a night. Now sleep is normal, 8-9 hours. I have so much more energy! CA-125 holding steady at 11."
For Ovarian Cancer "I just started on Zejula. It is a week now that I take 300 mg at night. I was pretty anxious reading all the comments and experiences. I was scared. But I want to live, and anything that can help me have a normal life, I will try. For now, I am okay except for being weak and tired. I'll see along the way. Thanks, and good luck to every woman facing a battle that big. Roxane."
For Ovarian Cancer "Just finished 18 rounds of chemo for a reappearance of ovarian cancer cells in my lungs and one lymph node after 12 years in remission. Note: I've been tested semi-annually and my CA-125 never went above 7.2. I am BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative. Post-chemo, the oncologist started me on maintenance of Avastin every 21 days. Last PET scan showed 'virtually no evidence of disease'. He added Zejula this week, and I've never felt worse. I took the full 300 mg for three days, fell into such a deep sleep twice, couldn't keep my balance, and my hearing became so fuzzy my partner noticed the change in the pitch of my voice. My blood pressure, usually normal (I've been on meds for essential hypertension for nearly 30 years) started rising and wouldn't come back down. Heart racing at 114 bpm at rest. So the oncologist has me off Zejula for a few days, then we're going to try 100 mg and see if I can tolerate that. Two days after stopping the drug, my blood pressure is normal, and the other effects have finally worn off."
For Ovarian Cancer "I first posted a review in May 2021. I had stage 3c ovarian cancer, had surgery and 6 rounds of chemo in 2020. I started taking Zejula 200 mg in Feb 2021. Other than some minor side effects, my blood work has been normal, and my CA125 was 5.5 and has only gone up slightly to 7. I pray every day for all you ladies out there struggling with gynecological cancers that this medication will help you remain in remission for many years to come! Stay positive and pray new treatments will come out to help us all. God bless!"
For Ovarian Cancer "I have recurrent clear cell ovarian cancer and my prognosis was rather disheartening. I began using Zejula 16 months ago and so far I am clear. Initially my CA 125 steadily dropped and then rose slightly. Last month, my CA 125 dropped slightly again! This drug has been a huge blessing to me! 16 months! When it does come back, it has been long enough that I will be able to take chemo again to hopefully prolong!"
For Ovarian Cancer "Stage 3C high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Have been taking Zejula since late October 2020. Took 200 mg initially, but platelets dropped below 100. Now I take 100 mg and feel great. I do have insomnia, but I had that prior. Had to increase my blood pressure medication, but it’s under control. So far, all is good. Able to go all day and also use the treadmill daily."
For Ovarian Cancer "Update: I've been on this tablet for 10 months now. 6 weeks ago, I had to have a transfusion, but I must confess I have no other side effects. I still have high blood pressure, not too high though, but thinking about it, I had high blood pressure before taking this tablet. I've been on 3 a day from the start, my C125 has stayed the same at 20. I had a CT scan 8 weeks ago, and no cancer was found anywhere in my body. I am feeling brighter about this pill now. I was a little scared about the side effects you can get, but reading about Supermom gave me courage. Thank you, Supermom."
For Ovarian Cancer "June 2022. My experience with Zejula has been positive. This is my third review. I have been on Zejula since the end of April 2021, x 2 capsules each night. The side effects which I had experienced have stabilized over the last couple of months. I currently have ‘no side effects at all’ from this drug. The CA125 count has remained stable. I am living a normal, active life. I am fit and active. I continue to ‘look forward’ and I live my life with positivity and hope. Thank you for reading my review. AM"
For Ovarian Cancer "I've been on Zejula now for 3 months. Side effects are getting slightly better. 300 mg at bedtime due to persistent nausea prior to starting this drug. I take it and feel so tired that you would think I would sleep, but I lay down and my mind won't turn off. Usually drop off at 1 a.m. then wake at 4:30 a.m. Sometimes, I can get back to sleep. Really bad fatigue and joint pain. H&H are slowly dropping but not critical. I do like the fact that my white count, while low, does not need Nupagen. I have trouble concentrating and focusing on things. Motivation is a thing of the past. CA125 is climbing since I started the drug. I see the oncologist tomorrow for a 3-month check-in."
For Ovarian Cancer "This drug has been a blessing for me. I have been on it now for 11 months with very little side effects. Once my doctors figured out the right dosage, I have felt good. I take one pill every other day. My CA125 has come down to a safe range, so needless to say, it is killing the cancer. Today, my CA125 is at 14."
For Ovarian Cancer "I have been taking Zejula for 19 months. I started out at 300 mg each day but now alternate 200 mg and 300 mg daily. My CA-125 has been creeping up the past few months, now at 66. I have had 4 blood transfusions in the past 7 months. Other than feeling fatigued, I have not had other side effects other than having the blood transfusions."
For Ovarian Cancer "My mom took Zejula for about 6 months before she was diagnosed with MDS. Just short of 5 months after her MDS diagnosis, she passed away from AML. She was BRCA2+, but was cancer-free before taking this as a precaution. I wish we would have known the risks better before starting the treatment, she might still be here if we did."
For Ovarian Cancer "Stage 4 ovarian cancer, March 2020. Also in lung and right breast. April started chemo. Four rounds of Carbo-taxol and tumor shrank enough for surgery in July 2020. Removed tumor, full hysterectomy, and part of bowel and liver. Three rounds of chemo post-op. CT scan now shows no cancer. September 30 started on 200 mg. Severe nausea for two weeks. Week three nausea eased, but fatigue worsened. Low hemoglobin and platelets, resulting in three weeks off drug. Back on for one month. First two weeks, nausea and fatigue. Two weeks ago, noticed I was weaker. Can barely care for myself: fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath with exertion, headaches, restlessness, and bad sleep. Will switch to morning, as after meds I am wired and have very restless legs. Zejula harder than chemo. Want to try 100 mg. Good to read everyone's experience and see dose can be every other day. Healthy vibes to all. Re-rating: 5/10, as side effects are horrible, but told it can take three months to adjust. It's too early to tell if the drug is keeping the cancer at bay."
For Ovarian Cancer "I posted last May 2021 and wanted to update everyone on my progress. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in spring of 2019, stage 3C. After surgery and 6 rounds of chemotherapy I started 200mg daily of Zejula in Feb 2020. I have had some side effects but nothing serious. My ca 125 has been between 5 and 8 and other blood levels have been good. I am so thankful for this medication and pray everyday it will continue to help all of us in our cancer journeys."
For Ovarian Cancer "I've been on the 200 mg dose for just under 3 months. While my labs are OK, I have unbelievable fatigue. It seems like no amount of rest helps. Not very conducive to working even part-time. I come home and lay on the bed or couch with no motivation. We'll see what the doc says at the 3-month visit. But this is my 3rd recurrence, and yet I don't want to keep taking this drug."
For Fallopian Tube Cancer "I have been on Zejula since May 2017. I was put on Zejula after a recurrence of Stage 4 fallopian tube cancer. I started with 300 mg but experienced severe platelet issues after five weeks. The dose was reduced to 200 mg, but again had platelet problems after four months. I have been on 100 mg since November 2017 and have had no significant issues. I sometimes experience minor joint pain and fatigue. My CA-125 remains at 8-9. I continue with all my daily activities, including water aerobics, walks (4-6 miles), and a busy family and social life. For now, Zejula is effective and without significant side effects."
For Ovarian Cancer "Had stage 3c ovarian with optimal debunking surgery and 6 rounds cisplatum and taxotere. In remission for 14 months with ca125 of 6. Can only tolerate 100 mg. All blood counts normal and stable. Few side effects. I walk 3 miles 4-5 days a week."
For Ovarian Cancer "I initially posted a review in May 2021 (“In January 2018 I was diagnosed with Grade 3C Serous Ovarian Cancer” this post is a follow up to that post). It is now February 2022. The CA125 count has been between 8 & 9. The last couple of times it has been 10, I am taking 2 capsules every night. All good. I don’t get too fussed about the side effects; which are really quite minor, headache, sun sensitivity, balance a bit off. I have maintained a healthy weight. I am hiking between 4-5 days a week, which I am sure has made an enormous difference not only to feeling physically well, but psychologically balanced in my life. I consider myself extremely lucky in all aspects of my life. I believe that Zejula is extending my life. All in all “I smile from the inside out”. AM"
For Ovarian Cancer "My initial experience with Zejula was terrible, plunging platelets and other blood components, fatigue, joint pain, dry mouth, sleep disruption, more fatigue. I could not handle my work or my life. Had to have two transfusions. Tried two hundred mg. I watched carefully this time. Then a precipitous drop in platelets and other key blood components again. Intolerable fatigue. Had an allergic reaction to one of the transfusions. My optimism was sapped. Started 100 mg despite these experiences eleven months ago. Persistent anemia, depression, fatigue, and joint pain. Now tardive dyskinesia. Still hoping."
For Ovarian Cancer "Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with OC in October 2023, stage 3. I've had 6 rounds of chemotherapy with a big operation in between. Currently free from disease. I began 300mg of Zejula in mid-April 2024. I'm just starting to have some side effects now, and it's the end of May. I'm having a lot of tummy discomfort and feel bloated, my bowels are very sluggish, and I'm on laxido now too. I've had one time vomiting last weekend. I have developed a little cough in the last few days too. I'm sure more side effects will occur at some point, but so far I seem to be tolerating the max dose of this drug well. My skin is dryer and my energy is not so great, but it's tolerable. My appetite has also decreased, but I feel that's mainly due to my indigestion issues. I would definitely rate this medication, it's definitely worth trying in my opinion. Thanks for reading, stay well all. x"
For Ovarian Cancer "I started with 300 mg nightly. After 5 nights, I reduced it to 100 mg per night. Side effects were terrible. I basically could not function. Blood pressure high, then low. Dizzy and could not breathe without extreme difficulty. Blood work remained okay. Am off of it completely for one week and back to normal. Never want to feel that way again. Another blood workup tomorrow and to revisit taking it again. I do NOT want to. Yes, worse than chemo."
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