Certican (Everolimus)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Certican Used For?
Certican is an immunosuppressant medication that helps prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs in adult patients.
Primary Uses
Used primarily for preventing organ rejection in kidney, heart, or liver transplant recipients.
How It Works
Certican works by suppressing the immune system to reduce the likelihood of organ rejection.
Good to know: Certican is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Certican
Follow your doctor's instructions on how to take Certican for optimal results.
Dosage Instructions
For kidney and heart transplants, the usual starting dose is 0.75 mg taken twice daily with ciclosporin. For liver transplants, the recommended dose is 1 mg taken twice daily with tacrolimus and corticosteroids, starting approximately four weeks after transplantation.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Important: Never take a double 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:
- General pain
- Muscle or joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nosebleeds
- Acne
- Weakness
- Bruising
- Frequent infections
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of hands, feet, or limbs
- Burning sensation during urination
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Persistent or worsening lung/breathing problems
Impulse Control Issues
There is no specific mention of impulse control issues related to Certican.
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to consider before taking Certican.
Who Should Not Take Certican
Do not take Certican if you are allergic to everolimus or any of its ingredients, or if you have had an allergic reaction to sirolimus.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss any liver problems, high cholesterol, or other medications you are taking with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certican is not recommended during pregnancy. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for 8 weeks after stopping. Breastfeeding is also not recommended while taking Certican.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Special caution is advised for elderly patients, particularly those with dementia.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Certican, affecting its efficacy.
Grapefruit interaction: Do not take Certican with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
- Ciclosporin
- Rifampicin
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Rifabutin
- Ketoconazole
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Diltiazem
- Verapamil
- Efavirenz
- Nevirapine
- Atorvastatin
- Pravastatin
- Carbamazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Cannabidiol
- Cimetidine
- Cisapride
- Metoclopramide
- Danazol
- Bromocriptine
- St John's wort
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and driving while taking Certican.
Alcohol
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Certican.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Certican affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No specific warnings about temperature regulation are mentioned.
Storage
Store Certican tablets in their original packaging in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certican begins to work immediately after starting treatment, but it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for optimal results.
You can take Certican with or without food, but it should be taken the same way each time.
No, Certican is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Certican or change your dose without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to organ rejection.
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Certican.
Weight gain is not specifically mentioned as a side effect of Certican.
Elderly patients should use Certican with caution, particularly those with dementia.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
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.