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Afinitor Information

Afinitor (Everolimus) is a chemotherapy medication typically prescribed for several distinct conditions, mostly advanced forms of cancer. It’s rarely a first-line treatment, but rather a medication used when other therapies haven't quite done the job. Firstly, it is used for renal cell carcinoma specifically after other treatments (like sunitinib) have failed. It is also often used along with another medication, exemestane, for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer after failure of treatment with certain medications like letrozole or anastrozole. It is also used for neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic, gastrointestinal, or lung origin that cannot be removed by surgery. Furthermore, Afinitor is used in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex to help shrink non-cancerous tumors in the kidneys (angiomyolipomas) or the brain (subependymal giant cell astrocytomas [SEGA]) associated with this genetic condition. It may also be used with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

The active ingredient in Afinitor is everolimus, a potent mTOR inhibitor (kinase inhibitor). Everolimus inhibits the mTOR protein kinase, which plays a crucial role in signalling pathways regulating cell growth, proliferation, and survival. By blocking mTOR activity, Afinitor interferes with the abnormal growth and division of cancer cells. This helps to slow down or stop the progression of cancer. Additionally, Afinitor may also inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which tumours form new blood vessels to supply themselves with nutrients and oxygen, further impeding tumour growth. Aside from its versatile usage in advanced cancer, everolimus can be used along with other medications to prevent organ rejection after a kidney or liver transplant in patients with low-moderate immunologic risk.

Afinitor Side Effects

Like other medications, some individuals might experience side effects while taking everolimus. Common mild side effects of this medication include infections, rash, feeling weak or tired, diarrhea, swelling of arms, hands, feet, ankles, face, or other parts of the body, stomach pain, nausea, fever, headache, decreased appetite, and cold- or flu-like symptoms (such as sore throat, fatigue, headache, fever, runny nose or nasal congestion). Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Breathing problems such as wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and new or worsening cough;
• Kidney problems with symptoms like reduced urination, nausea, vomiting; • Painful mouth sores or ulcers;
• Poor wound healing;
• Reactivation of hepatitis B with symptoms like fever, joint pain, skin rash, pale stools, dark urine, and yellow skin;
• Reduced blood cell count, with symptoms like recurrent nosebleeds, frequent infections

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Afinitor Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to everolimus, other ingredients in Afinitor, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Active infections;
• Blood clot disorders;
• Diabetes;
• Electrolyte imbalance;
• Hepatitis B;
• High cholesterol levels;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Radiation treatment

Your doctor will regularly perform blood tests to monitor the levels of specific blood cell types, including red blood cells and platelets, because this medication can reduce blood cell counts, leading to bleeding, anemia, and frequent infections. Grapefruits block the enzymes that break down this medication, potentially leading to toxic levels in the body. Therefore, it's advised to avoid them while taking this medication. To reduce the risk of mouth sores while taking this medication, brush your teeth regularly and avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, iodine, peroxide, or thyme. Also, eat more soft, moist foods while taking this medication. Everolimus interferes with the body's ability to repair tissue. Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication if you are going for surgery, as it’s generally recommended to stop taking it at least one week before elective surgery and wait at least two weeks after major surgery before restarting.

This medication can make you more susceptible to infections. Therefore, avoid contact with individuals who are infected with measles, chickenpox, or the flu. You should avoid live vaccines (such as the MMR or yellow fever vaccine) while on treatment, as your immune system may not be able to handle the weakened virus. This medication should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnant women should not handle this medication as it can be absorbed into the body through the skin and the lungs, potentially causing harm to the unborn baby. Women are advised not to breastfeed while taking this medication until 2 weeks after the last dose. Both men and women are advised to use highly effective contraception during treatment. Women should continue using it for 8 weeks after the last dose, while men should continue for 4 weeks after stopping. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 1 year of age.

Common medicines (like certain antifungals, antibiotics, or seizure medications) can either dangerously increase or significantly decrease the amount of Afinitor in your blood. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with Afinitor. Afinitor is available as tablets designed to be taken orally as directed by your doctor. Take this medication at the same time each day with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole, with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose, formulation, and duration of treatment for you. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for detailed usage instructions. Store either form of this medication at room temperature (20-25°C) and keep away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Afinitor?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Afinitor.