What is this medication for?
Everolimus belongs to a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. This is an anticancer medication that interferes with cell communication, reducing the growth and proliferation of cancer cells as well as reducing the growth of new blood vessels supplying cancer cells with nutrients.
Everolimus is used to treat kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) that has not responded to treatment with the anticancer medications sunitinib or sorafenib. It is also used to reduce the size of a certain type of brain tumor called subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) seen with a genetic condition called tuberous sclerosis (TS) when surgery is not an option. It is also used to treat neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Afinitor® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
For kidney cancer and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, the recommended adult dose is 10 mg taken by mouth once daily. For brain tumors, the dose is based on body size.
Take everolimus tablets whole with a large glass of water at the same time every day, either consistently with or without food. Do not chew or crush the tablets.
Do not have grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as they may interfere with how this medication works.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If more than 6 hours have passed since you were to take your dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to everolimus or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to other related medications (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus)
