Has your doctor prescribed you or a loved one a medicine called Everolimus? It's normal to feel a little scared or curious when you hear about such a special medicine. Because this is a rather powerful medicine that is given for complex medical conditions like cancer. That's why, today we will talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what precautions you need to take, in a very simple language that you can understand.
What is Everolimus?
Simply put, Everolimus is a drug that suppresses or reduces the activity of your body's immune system. Some cancer cells use certain processes in the immune system to grow. So what this drug does is it disrupts those processes and controls the growth of cancer cells.
This medication is commonly sold under the brand name Afinitor DISPERZ . It comes in the form of dispersible tablets that you dissolve in water and drink. It can also be used for other conditions, and your doctor will explain more about this to you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is essential to give your doctor a complete picture of your health condition. Because, we need to be very careful when using this medication with certain medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions in the table below, be sure to inform your doctor about it.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease or high cholesterol | Because it can affect heart function. |
| Immune system weaknesses | This drug further reduces immunity, increasing the risk of infection. |
| Current infections (especially viral ones like chickenpox and herpes) | Existing infections are likely to worsen. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The dosage may need to be changed because it affects the excretion of the drug from the body. |
| Decreased blood cell count (white blood cells, platelets, red blood cells) | This medicine may make this condition worse. |
| If you have recently received radiation treatment | The side effects of radiation therapy may increase. |
| Rare hereditary diseases (e.g. (galactose intolerance), (Lapp lactase deficiency), (glucose-galactose malabsorption) ) | The ingredients in these pills may be harmful to you. |
| Allergies to Everolimus or other medicines, foods, or dyes | To prevent serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding | This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby and can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a pill that is dissolved in water and taken, it is very important to know the correct way to use it.
1. With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, do not take it with grapefruit juice for any reason.
2. Prepare the tablet: Do not remove the tablet from the blister package until you are ready to take it. Do not try to remove the tablet by pushing it through the foil, but carefully remove the tablet by cutting the package with scissors.
3. Do not swallow or chew: Do not swallow or chew these tablets whole.
4. Prepare the solution: Place the number of tablets corresponding to the dosage prescribed by the doctor in a glass with a little water. Wait about 3 minutes until the tablets dissolve and a milky suspension forms.
5. Stir and drink: Stir well with a spoon and drink all the liquid in the glass at once.
6. The last drop: Add some more water to the empty glass you drank the medicine in, stir it again, and drink that too. This will ensure that the body receives the full dose of the medicine.
7. Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. Do not stop taking the medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
Important: If you think you have overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other drugs that may interact with Everolimus (Drug Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may interact with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
Extreme caution: Do not receive live virus vaccines for any reason while taking this medication. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
The following medications may interact with Everolimus:
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Antiretroviral drugs for HIV or AIDS | Ritonavir, Nelfinavir |
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Erythromycin |
| Blood pressure and heart disease medications | Diltiazem, Verapamil |
| Medications for cholesterol | Simvastatin |
| Medicines for fungal infections | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Medicines for epilepsy | Carbamazepine, Phenytoin |
| Other medications | Cyclosporine, Dexamethasone, Rifampin |
| Beverages | Grapefruit juice |
Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine
Common discomforts
Since chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, it is normal to feel uncomfortable and lethargic. However, continue the treatment even if you feel uncomfortable until your doctor tells you to stop. Tell your doctor about any side effects.
Before and after surgery
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor. This medicine may delay wound healing. Therefore, you are advised to stop taking the medicine a week before surgery , not to start again until at least two weeks after surgery , and to start again after the wound has healed completely.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
You need to be very careful about this matter.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 8 weeks after stopping.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping.
- Fertility: This medication may cause ovarian failure in some women and a decrease in sperm count in men. This may affect your ability to have children. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Protection from infections
This medicine lowers your immunity, so you are more likely to catch diseases. If you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor. Avoid crowded places and places where sick people are.
Be aware of side effects
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are minor, but others we need to be very careful about.
| Side effect/symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing, cough, chest pain | The lungs may be affected. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar | Excessive thirst, hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, extreme fatigue. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat. |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising | It may be a sign of low platelet levels in the blood. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe stomach pain, swelling of the ankles and feet, dark urine, vomiting, extreme weakness. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Mouth sores or dry mouth | These are common side effects. |
| Diarrhea or constipation | Take care of your diet and water intake. |
| Headache, dizziness | These are usually skipped. |
Take-Home Message
- Everolimus is a medication that should be used very carefully, only under the advice of a doctor. Do not take it with grapefruit juice for any reason.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you may have.
- Protect yourself from infections as your immunity may be weakened while taking this medicine. If you develop symptoms such as fever and cough, seek medical advice immediately.
- Strictly follow the instructions given regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- If you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, allergies, or excessive bleeding, notify your doctor or hospital immediately.
- No matter how uncomfortable you feel, never stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
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