Afinitor (Everolimus)

Description

Indications

Everolimus is utilized to manage advanced renal cell carcinoma that has been previously treated unsuccessfully with other medicines. It is also prescribed for a specific type of advanced breast cancer that has already been treated with at least one other medication. Everolimus is used to manage a particular type of cancer in the pancreas, stomach, intestines, or lungs that has spread or progressed and cannot be treated with surgery.

Everolimus is classified as a kinase inhibitor and functions by inhibiting cancer cells from reproducing and by reducing blood supply to the cancer cells. Everolimus is also effective in preventing transplant rejection by decreasing the activity of the immune system.

Uses and Dosage

As directed by your doctor, take this medication orally once daily. You can take it with or without food, but select one method and maintain consistency with each dose.

Ingest the medication whole with a full glass of water, and avoid crushing or chewing the tablets.

The dosage of this medication is determined by your medical condition, treatment response, laboratory tests, and other medications you may be using. Ensure that you inform your doctor and pharmacist of all products you are using, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. If you are using this medication to manage a certain type of benign brain tumor, the dosage is also dependent on your body size.

Consistently use this medication to derive the maximum benefits from it, and take it at the same time every day to help you remember.

Do not exceed the prescribed dosage, use this medication more frequently or for longer than directed, as it will not improve your condition faster and may increase the risk of severe side effects.

While using this medication, avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, unless approved to do so safely by your doctor or pharmacist, as grapefruit can increase the likelihood of side effects with this medication.

Since this drug may harm an unborn baby and can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or inhale the dust from the tablets.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• change in ability to taste food
• weight loss
• dry mouth
• weakness
• headache
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• nosebleed
• dry skin
• acne
• problems with nails
• hair loss
• pain in the arms, legs, back or joints
• muscle cramps
• missed or irregular menstrual periods
• heavy menstrual bleeding
• difficulty getting or keeping an erection
• anxiety
• aggression or other changes in behavior

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• hives
• itching
• swelling of the hands, feet, arms, legs, eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• flushing
• chest pain
• extreme thirst or hunger
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• pale skin
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• dizziness
• seizures

Caution

Prior to taking everolimus, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies you may have to this medication, sirolimus or temsirolimus, or any other allergies you may have. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues.

Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly if you have liver disease, any recent or current infections, diabetes, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or if you have undergone radiation treatment.

This medication may cause dizziness. The use of alcohol or marijuana can intensify this effect. Do not operate machinery, drive or engage in activities that require alertness until you can do so safely.

Everolimus can increase your susceptibility to infections or aggravate any existing infections. Avoid contact with individuals who have infections that can spread to others, such as chickenpox, measles or flu. Speak with your doctor if you have come into contact with an infection or for additional information.

Notify your healthcare professional that you are using everolimus before receiving any immunizations or vaccinations. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines.

To reduce your risk of cuts, bruises or injuries, be cautious when handling sharp objects such as razors and nail clippers, and avoid contact sports.

Your doctor or dentist may instruct you to discontinue the use of everolimus at least one week before surgery. This medication may slow wound healing. Follow all instructions on when to stop or resume this medication.

This medication may affect fertility in both males and females. Consult your doctor for additional information.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using everolimus. Everolimus may harm an unborn baby. Female patients should inquire about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 8 weeks after discontinuing treatment. Male patients with female partners should inquire about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 4 weeks after discontinuing treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor immediately.

Since this medication can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling this medication or breathing in dust from the tablets.

It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for 2 weeks after discontinuing treatment is not recommended.

Form and Strength

Afinitor is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Afinitor tablet:
  • 2.5mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg

FAQ

Is Afinitor chemotherapy?

No, Afinitor isn’t a type of chemotherapy. Afinitor is a type of drug called a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, which is considered a targeted therapy.

Does Afinitor cause fatigue?

Examples of Afinitor’s commonly reported side effects include feeling tired or weak.

Resources

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326055#dosage
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/afinitor-side-effects#more-common-side-effects
3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609032.html
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-152072/afinitor-oral/details
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/everolimus-oral-route/precautions/drg-20072842?p=1
6. https://www.drugs.com/afinitor.html