AFINITOR (Everolimus)

What is this medication?

AFINITOR (Everolimus)
Antineoplastic Agent; mTOR Kinase Inhibitor; Immunosuppressant Agent

AFINITOR (Everolimus) is indicated for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumors (GI, lung, or pancreatic origin), advanced renal cell carcinoma, and tuberous sclerosis complex-associated renal angiomyolipoma.

ALERT: WARNING
Breast cancer; Neuroendocrine tumors; Renal cell carcinoma; Tuberous sclerosis complex-associated renal angiomyolipoma (AFINITOR ONLY)

Tuberous sclerosis complex-associated partial-onset seizures (AFINITOR DISPERZ ONLY)

Tuberous sclerosis complex-associated subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (AFINITOR or AFINITOR DISPERZ)

How does this medication work? 

AFINITOR (Everolimus) is a macrolide immunosuppressant and a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor which has antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties.

How should I take this medication? 

AFINITOR: 
Oral: Take 10 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

AFINITOR DISPERZ: 
Oral: Take 4.5 or 5 mg/m2 once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

How to Take: 
Afinitor: Swallow whole with a glass of water. May be taken with or without food, but to reduce variability take consistently with regard to food. Administer at the same time(s) each day. 

Afinitor Disperz: Administer as a suspension only. Administer immediately after preparation, discard if not administered within 60 minutes after preparation. Prepare suspension in water only. Do not break or crush tablets.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Before starting AFINITOR (Everolimus) make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have experienced any of the following medical conditions: solid organ transplant, hepatic impairment, hereditary galactose intolerance, and renal impairment.  Everolimus use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as non-infectious pneumonitis which requires monitoring for signs and symptoms.  Other serious adverse effects include oral ulcers, stomatitis, bone marrow suppression, edema, graft thrombosis, hepatic artery thrombosis, hypersensitivity reactions, malignancy, metabolic effects, mucositis, nephrotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity and renal failure.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of AFINITOR (Everolimus), you may still take it up to 6 hours after the time you normally take it. If it is more than 6 hours after you normally take your dose, skip the dose for that day. The next day, Everolimus at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses to make up for the one that you missed.

How should I store this medication?

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Store in the original container.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication? 

Stomatitis, sinusitis, infections, otitis media,  asthenia, fatigue, cough, and diarrhea. 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for AFINITOR (Everolimus), only common ones.