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Ovarian cancer treatment: drugs, side effects and support
Ovarian cancer is usually treated with surgery and platinum chemo (carboplatin plus paclitaxel). Some people then take a PARP inhibitor such as Lynparza or Zejula as maintenance, or get Avastin or Elahere.
Drugs
CarboplatinChemotherapy (platinum drug)Paclitaxel (Taxol)Chemotherapy (taxane)LynparzaTargeted therapy pill (PARP inhibitor)ZejulaTargeted therapy pill (PARP inhibitor)AvastinTargeted therapy (VEGF antibody)ElahereAntibody-drug conjugate
Regimens
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Common side effects
- Appetite and taste changes
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Hair loss from chemo
- Low blood counts and infection risk (neutropenia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
Support groups for ovarian cancer
- Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA): Woman to Woman peer support, education and research
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC): Support groups, the Teal Hearts Network and education
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
- Imerman Angels: Free one-on-one matching with a survivor or caregiver mentor
Help paying
Start with our cost-help guide. Each drug page links its official program.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write
Not medical advice. This page is general information to help you talk with your care team. It can't replace advice from your doctor or nurse. If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during treatment, or any symptom that worries you, call your care team now. In an emergency, call 911.