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Everolimus ( eh-ver-OH-li-mus ) (Afinitor®) What is this medication used for?
Everolimus is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. Everolimus treats cancer by stopping cancer cells from reproducing and by decreasing the blood supply to the cancer cells. Everolimus prevents transplant rejection by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
• Heartburn • Constipation • Fever • Swelling and pain in the belly or stomach (abdomen) • High blood pressure • Acne • Irritability • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) and extreme tiredness (fatigue) caused by an increase in liver enzymes • Increased risk of infection (neutropenia) Special instructions: • Everoliumus tablets should be taken at the same time each day with or without food. • The tablets should be swallowed whole—not chewed or crushed—with a glass of water. If they cannot be swallowed whole, a pharmacist can meet with patients to discuss how to take this medication. • This medication should be kept in the blister pack it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication. • Blood work will be checked regularly, including blood counts, electrolytes, kidney and liver tests, and blood sugar. • Consult your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant, fathering a child, or breastfeeding. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for several months after treatment is completed. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
What does it look like? • Tablet How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) What are the common side effects? • Increased levels of sugar (glucose), lipids, or cholesterol (fat substance) in the blood) • Loss of appetite (anorexia) • Weight loss • Diarrhea • Nausea or vomiting • Redness, irritation, swelling, pain, or sores in the mouth (mucositis) • Rash (redness, irritation, or itching of skin) • Dry skin • Feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) • Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep (insomnia) • Headaches • Low red blood cell counts (low hemoglobin, anemia) • Cough and/or shortness of breath • Swelling of arms or legs (peripheral edema) • Sudden bleeding or bruising • Nose bleeds • Back pain • Change in sense of taste • Weakness or loss of strength What are the less common side effects? • Low white blood cell and platelet counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) • Dry mouth • Dehydration • Pain or stiffness in joints (arthralgia) • Difficulty swallowing
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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