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Everolimus

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor Afinitor® Cancer-related

Everolimus - What is it for

Everolimus is a medicine that has been used for treatment of certain types of cancer e.g. kidney cancer, breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumors.

Everolimus - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Everolimus cause?

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Mouth sores
  • Decreased appetite, taste changes
  • Slight indigestion or diarrhea
  • Mild to moderate headache
  • Rash, dry itchy skin, acne
    Protect yourself from sunlight by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen.
  • Increased blood pressure, cholesterol or lipid levels and blood sugar levels
  • Body aches and tiredness
  • Swelling of the leg or feet
  • Increased risk of infection
    To minimize infection risk, take precaution when visiting crowded areas or being around sick people.

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Allergic reactions – rashes, facial swelling, breathing difficulty
  • Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
  • Signs of infection – fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty in urinating
  • Signs of bleeding – bruising, black tarry stools, blood in the urine
  • Unusual weakness, tiredness or light-headedness
  • Sudden onset or gradual worsening of cough and/or breathlessness
  • Wounds that heal slowly or do not heal well
  • Be cautious especially if you have a history of diabetes.

Before taking Everolimus , what precautions must I follow?

  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you:
    • Have any other medical conditions e.g. diabetes, high cholesterol, hepatitis B
    • Are taking any other long-term medicines or supplements
  • Effective birth control should be used during treatment and for at least 2 months after stopping treatment. Inform your doctor if you plan to get or suspect that you are pregnant.
  • Do not breastfeed. Inform your doctor if you intend to breastfeed while taking Everolimus.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Everolimus ?

  • Grapefruit or its juice
  • Starfruit
  • Seville oranges

Everolimus - Dosage and How to Use

How should Everolimus be used?

It is a tablet, to be taken by mouth once daily at the same time.
Take consistently with or without food and swallow whole with a glass of water.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Everolimus, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 6 hours of the missed dose. However if more than 6 hours have past, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing. Do not double the dose.​

What should I do if I overdose?

If you overdose on this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.

Everolimus - Handling

How should I handle Everolimus safely?

Do not break or crush the tablet.

Everolimus - Storage

How should I store Everolimus ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#

How should I dispose of Everolimus safely?

Everolimus - Additional Information

  • Updated on 10/12/2017 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by Department of Pharmacy National Cancer Centre Singapore
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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