Afinitor (Everolimus)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Afinitor Used For?
Afinitor contains everolimus, which is classified as an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor. It works by slowing the growth of cancer-causing cells and is used to treat various types of cancer and related conditions.
Primary Uses
Afinitor is used to treat: renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) in the stomach, intestine, lung or pancreas, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) with kidney angiomyolipoma not requiring immediate surgery, TSC with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) not requiring immediate surgery, TSC with seizures in patients 2 years and older, and hormone receptor-positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
How It Works
For kidney cancer, Afinitor stops the cancer from making new cells and cuts off the blood supply, slowing growth and spread. For NETs, it controls tumour growth. For TSC conditions, it may reduce tumour size and lower bleeding risk while preserving kidney function. For brain tumours (SEGA), it reduces size to prevent complications like hydrocephalus. For breast cancer, it prevents cancer cells from becoming resistant to exemestane treatment.
How to Take Afinitor
Your doctor will determine the right dose of Afinitor for your specific condition and treatment needs. The medication comes in both regular tablets and dispersible tablets.
Dosage Instructions
Take Afinitor once daily at the same time each day, preferably in the morning. You can take it consistently with or without food. For regular tablets: swallow whole with water, do not chew or crush. If you cannot swallow whole, you can stir the tablet in approximately 30 mL of water for 7 minutes, drink immediately, then rinse the glass with another 30 mL of water and drink. For dispersible tablets: must be made into a suspension in water first using either an oral syringe or small drinking glass method as detailed in the instructions. Do not eat grapefruit, star fruit, or Seville oranges, or drink grapefruit juice while taking Afinitor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, then take the next tablet as usual. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
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
- Diarrhoea
- Swelling of arms, hands, feet, ankles, face or other body parts
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Sore mouth or throat, mouth ulcers
- Vomiting, constipation, excess gas
- Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
- Loss of taste, weight loss
- Cloudy urine, pain when urinating
- Feeling thirsty
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Ear ache
- Runny nose
- Nose bleeds
- Irregular menstrual periods in females
- Joint pain
- Poor wound healing
- Bruising more easily
- Small pink or red bumps on skin
- Dry or red skin
- Nail disorders
- Rash on palms or soles
- Pimples
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions: shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, rash, itching, hives
- Infections: fever, chills, sore throat, aching joints, swollen glands, cough
- Painful skin rash with fluid-filled blisters (herpes zoster)
- Lung problems: coughing, breathing problems, rapid breath, shortness of breath
- Heart problems: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood
- Radiation therapy complications: difficulty breathing, nausea, diarrhoea, mouth soreness, skin rashes
- Hepatitis B symptoms: fever, skin rash, joint pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, upper right abdominal pain, pale stool, dark urine
- Blood clots: swelling and/or pain in leg, usually calf, redness or warm skin
- Lymphatic system problems: swelling, heaviness, tightness, pain, limited movement
- Bleeding: vomiting blood, blood in faeces
- Mood changes: signs of anger, easily irritated
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before and while taking Afinitor.
Who Should Not Take Afinitor
Do not use Afinitor if you are allergic to everolimus or any ingredients listed, or if you have an allergy to everolimus-related medicines such as Rapamune (sirolimus). Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts, rash, itching or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have or have had: liver problems, diabetes or high blood sugar levels, previous Hepatitis B, recent or upcoming radiation treatment, lactose intolerance, recent surgery or unhealed wounds, any type of infection, scheduled vaccinations, or any other medical conditions. It’s important to treat any infections before starting Afinitor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Afinitor is not recommended during pregnancy. Use effective contraception while taking Afinitor and for up to 8 weeks after stopping. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Afinitor and for two weeks after the last dose, as it’s unknown whether Afinitor passes into breast milk.
Drug Interactions
Several medicines may interfere with Afinitor and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit, star fruit or Seville oranges while taking Afinitor as these can stop the medicine from working properly
- Antibiotics such as rifampicin, rifabutin, clarithromycin and erythromycin
- Antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole
- Medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems such as diltiazem and verapamil
- ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems
- HIV/AIDS medicines such as ritonavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, efavirenz and nevirapine
- Epilepsy medicines such as carbamazepine, phenobarbitone and phenytoin
- Cannabidiol used to treat epilepsy and chronic pain
- St John’s wort herbal product
- Organ transplant rejection drugs such as ciclosporin
- Anti-vomiting medicines such as aprepitant
- Midazolam for seizures or sedation
Alcohol & Driving
There are no known interactions between Afinitor and alcohol, but you should be careful about driving and operating machinery.
Alcohol
There are no known interactions between Afinitor and alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
It is not known if Afinitor will influence your ability to drive and use machines. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Afinitor affects you.
Storage
Store Afinitor below 30°C in the original packaging. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep tablets in original packet and foils until time to take them. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Afinitor, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Afinitor works by slowing cancer cell growth and cutting off blood supply to tumours. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments to assess how well the medication is working for your specific condition.
Yes, you can take Afinitor consistently with or without food. It’s best to take it in the morning at the same time each day. However, avoid grapefruit, star fruit, Seville oranges, and grapefruit juice as these can interfere with how the medication works.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, then take the next tablet as usual. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop using Afinitor suddenly. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication. Your doctor will provide guidance on how to safely discontinue the medication if needed.
There are no known interactions between Afinitor and alcohol according to the medication information. However, you should always consult with your doctor about alcohol consumption while on any medication.
Tell your doctor if you need to get a vaccination. Some vaccines may be less effective if given while taking Afinitor. Your doctor will advise you on the best timing for any needed vaccinations.
Tell your doctor if you are about to have surgery, have had recent surgery, or if you still have an unhealed wound following surgery. Afinitor may affect wound healing, so your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan around any surgical procedures.
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.