What is everolimus (Afinitor)?
Everolimus is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body.
The Afinitor brand of everolimus is used to treat advanced kidney cancer. Afinitor is usually given after sorafenib (Nexavar) or sunitinib (Sutent) have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Afinitor is also used to treat a type of brain tumor that occurs in people with a genetic condition called tuberous sclerosis.
Afinitor is also used to treat certain types of advanced or progressive tumors of the pancreas.
This medication guide provides information about the Afinitor brand of everolimus. Zortress is another brand of everolimus used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant.
Everolimus may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Afinitor?
This medication guide provides information about the Afinitor brand of everolimus. Zortress is another brand of everolimus used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to everolimus, sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf), or temsirolimus (Torisel).
Do not use Afinitor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication and for at least 8 weeks after your treatment ends.
Before taking Afinitor, tell your doctor if you have a breathing disorder such as asthma or COPD, liver disease (or a history of hepatitis B), an active infection, diabetes or high blood sugar, or high cholesterol.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while taking everolimus, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), oral polio, typhoid, chickenpox (varicella), BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin), and nasal flu vaccine.
There are many other drugs that can interact with everolimus. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
To be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Afinitor?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to everolimus, sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf), or temsirolimus (Torisel).
To make sure you can safely take everolimus, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
a breathing disorder, such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
liver disease, or a history of hepatitis B;
kidney disease;
an active infection;
diabetes or high blood sugar; or
high cholesterol.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not take Afinitor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control while you are taking this medication and for at least 8 weeks after your treatment ends.
Everolimus can affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.
It is not known whether everolimus passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking everolimus.