Herbal Spotlight
|
|
 Taking everolimus (Afinitor)
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed everolimus for the treatment of your kidney cancer. This drug stops cancer cells from making new cancer cells and stops the blood supply to the cancer. Everolimus may slow the growth and spread of kidney cancer. The brand name of this drug is Afinitor.
How you'll take everolimus
Take this drug about the same time each day. You may take it with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water; don't cut, crush, or chew the tablet.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. You may take it up to 6 hours after the time you normally take it. If it's more than 6 hours after you usually take this drug, skip the missed dose. Don't try to make up doses. Don't take more than one dose per day.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects to this medication.
Common: mouth ulcers, infection, feeling tired or weak, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, rash, dry skin, itching, nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, swelling of the extremities, abnormal taste, headache, nosebleeds, arm and leg pain, inflammation of the GI tract.
Less common: dizziness, insomnia, conjunctivitis, runny nose, heart failure, chest pain, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, dry mouth, abdominal pain, sinus infection, hemorrhoids, difficulty swallowing, urinary tract infection, throat pain, weight loss.
What you must know about other medications
There are many drugs that could cause serious problems if you combine them with this drug. Amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, clarithromycin, delavirdine, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, verapamil, voriconazole, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, or rifampin may alter levels of everolimus. Live vaccines may cause serious infections. Herbal products such as St. John's wort may also alter drug levels. Consult with your health care provider before taking any herbal preparations or over-the-counter medications. Tell any health care provider who takes care of you that you're taking this drug.
Special directions
- Before taking this drug, tell your health care provider if you have a history of liver problems, diabetes, high cholesterol levels or if you're scheduled for any immunization with live vaccine or may be around someone who has been recently vaccinated with a live vaccine.
- Don't eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this drug; doing so can increase drug levels.
- Your health care provider may monitor your blood pressure and various blood test results while you're taking this drug.
- Notify your health care provider if you develop mouth ulcers and sores. You may need treatment with a special mouthwash or mouth gel. Don't use mouthwash containing alcohol or peroxide.
Keep in mind
- It's unknown how this drug could affect a nursing baby. Because of the potential for adverse effects, another method of feeding the baby should be used.
- It's unknown how this drug could affect an unborn baby. You should use contraceptive measures while taking this drug and for 8 weeks after treatment.
- Notify your health care provider if you develop signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, cough), new or worsening heart failure, or difficulty breathing.
For institutions
to distribute multiple copies of this document, a
licensing agreement is required from the publisher.
|
