Rucaparib

Say it: roo-KAP-a-rib · Brand names: Rubraca

Rucaparib is a targeted therapy pill called a PARP inhibitor that stops cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA.

What it is

Cells use proteins called PARP to fix damaged DNA. Cancer cells with a BRCA gene change already have trouble fixing DNA. When rucaparib blocks PARP, these cancer cells cannot repair themselves and die.

Often used for

• ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer with a BRCA gene change, after chemotherapy has worked
• prostate cancer with a BRCA gene change that has spread

How you get it

Rucaparib is a pill you take by mouth at home, twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with or without food. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up. Eat small meals and ask your team about anti-nausea medicine.
• Feeling tired or weak. Rest when you need to, and try short walks.
• Low red blood cells (anemia), which can make you tired or short of breath. You will have blood tests to check.
• Changes in liver blood tests. Your team will check these.
• Constipation. Drink fluids and eat fiber.
• Changes in how food tastes. Try new flavors and keep your mouth clean.
• Not feeling hungry or losing weight. Try small, frequent meals and snacks.
• Sunburning more easily. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and long sleeves outside.

Call your care team right away if you have

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
• Unusual bruising or bleeding, feeling very weak or tired, or getting infections often
• Blood in your urine or stool
• Feeling dizzy or faint, or not able to keep fluids down

Before you start, tell your team

• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you have liver or kidney problems
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

• You will have blood tests to check your blood counts and liver every month.
• Rarely, it can cause a serious blood or bone marrow cancer. Tell your team if you feel very tired, lose weight, bruise easily, or get fevers or infections often.
• Your skin may burn more easily in the sun.
• This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use birth control during treatment and for some time after. Ask your team how long.

At home

• Take the tablets at about the same times each day.
• Swallow the tablets whole.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after taking it, ask your team what to do. Do not take extra pills to make up for it.
• Store the pills at room temperature in the original bottle, away from children and pets.

Questions to ask

• How long will I take this medicine?
• Do I have a gene change that this medicine targets?
• Should my family members think about genetic testing?
• Which side effects should I call about right away, and which can wait until my next visit?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Taste changes
• Anemia (low red blood cells)
• Shortness of breath

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.