Afinitor (Everolimus)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Afinitor Used For?
Afinitor is a medication that helps treat certain types of cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Primary Uses
Afinitor is used to treat renal cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) with angiomyolipoma, TSC with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), TSC with seizures, and hormone receptor-positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
How It Works
Afinitor works by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, which is crucial for cancer cell growth and proliferation.
Good to know: Afinitor is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Afinitor
It is important to take Afinitor as prescribed by your doctor.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of Afinitor based on your specific condition. It is usually taken once daily, either in the morning with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Important: Never double your dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- infections
- rash
- feeling weak or tired
- diarrhea
- swelling of limbs or face
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- fever
- cough
- headache
- decreased appetite
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling)
- signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills)
- lung or heart problems (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain)
- symptoms of hepatitis B (e.g., jaundice, fatigue)
- swelling in the legs
- vomiting blood
Important Warnings
There are several important considerations to keep in mind while using Afinitor.
Who Should Not Take Afinitor
Do not take Afinitor if you are allergic to everolimus or any of its ingredients.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have liver problems, diabetes, a history of Hepatitis B, recent surgery, or any infections.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Afinitor is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, consult your doctor as it is not advised while taking Afinitor.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications can interact with Afinitor and affect its effectiveness.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Afinitor, as they can affect how the medication works.
- Antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin, clarithromycin)
- Antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole)
- Blood pressure medications (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
- HIV medications (e.g., ritonavir, efavirenz)
- Seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Cannabidiol
- St John's wort
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., ciclosporin)
Alcohol & Driving
While taking Afinitor, be cautious with alcohol and operating vehicles.
Alcohol
There are no known interactions between Afinitor and alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
It is unclear how Afinitor may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, so proceed with caution.
Storage
Store Afinitor below 30°C in its original packaging, in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose of Afinitor, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Afinitor to show effects can vary by individual and condition.
You can take Afinitor with or without food, but it's best to take it consistently at the same time each day.
No, Afinitor is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Afinitor suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to complications.
There are no known interactions between Afinitor and alcohol, but it's best to use caution.
Weight gain is not specifically mentioned as a side effect of Afinitor.
Consult your doctor regarding the safety of Afinitor for elderly patients, especially those with dementia.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.