Everolimus

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor	Afinitor®	Cancer-related

Everolimus - What is it for

Everolimus is a medicine that has been used for treatment of certain types of cancer e.g. kidney cancer, breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumors.

Everolimus - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Everolimus cause?

Nausea or vomiting
Mouth sores
Decreased appetite, taste changes
Slight indigestion or diarrhea
Mild to moderate headache
Rash, dry itchy skin, acne
Protect yourself from sunlight by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen.
Increased blood pressure, cholesterol or lipid levels and blood sugar levels
Body aches and tiredness
Swelling of the leg or feet
Increased risk of infection
To minimize infection risk, take precaution when visiting crowded areas or being around sick people.

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Allergic reactions – rashes, facial swelling, breathing difficulty
Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
Signs of infection – fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty in urinating
Signs of bleeding – bruising, black tarry stools, blood in the urine
Unusual weakness, tiredness or light-headedness
Sudden onset or gradual worsening of cough and/or breathlessness
Wounds that heal slowly or do not heal well

Be cautious especially if you have a history of diabetes.

Before taking Everolimus , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you:

Have any other medical conditions e.g. diabetes, high cholesterol, hepatitis B
Are taking any other long-term medicines or supplements

Effective birth control should be used during treatment and for at least 2 months after stopping treatment. Inform your doctor if you plan to get or suspect that you are pregnant.
Do not breastfeed. Inform your doctor if you intend to breastfeed while taking Everolimus.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Everolimus ?

Grapefruit or its juice
Starfruit
Seville oranges

Everolimus - Dosage and How to Use

How should Everolimus be used?

It is a tablet, to be taken by mouth once daily at the same time.
Take consistently with or without food and swallow whole with a glass of water.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Everolimus, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 6 hours of the missed dose. However if more than 6 hours have past, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing. Do not double the dose.