Have you or someone close to you been prescribed the drug Everolimus by a doctor? You may have received this drug under the brand names Afinitor or Zortress. This is a very important and powerful drug. That is why we need to be very careful when using this drug. So today we will talk about this drug Everolimus, what it does, what to be careful about while using it, and all the side effects in a simple and clear way.
What kind of medicine is Everolimus?
Simply put, Everolimus is a drug that reduces the activity of our body's immune system . This immune system, which acts like a protector of our body, can sometimes work against us. This medicine mainly helps to control such situations.
This medicine is used for two main purposes:
1. Cancer Treatment: Everolimus, which comes under the brand name Afinitor, is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as kidney, breast, and pancreatic cancer). It works by controlling the growth and spread of cancer cells.
2. After Organ Transplant: Everolimus, which comes under the brand name Zortress, helps stop our body from rejecting the new organ after a kidney or liver transplant. Because a new organ is foreign to the body, the immune system tries to attack it. Everolimus controls that process.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medication
Everolimus is a sensitive drug. Therefore, it is important for your doctor to know your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or issue | Reason to be concerned |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease or high cholesterol | Heart function may be affected. |
| Immune system weaknesses | Since this medication further reduces immunity, you should inform anyone who already has a weakness. |
| Existing infections | Tell about any infections, including viral infections such as chickenpox and herpes. |
| Liver or kidney disease | The dosage of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Decreased blood cell count | If you have low white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells, you should report it. |
| Trying to get pregnant/being pregnant | This medicine may be harmful to the unborn baby. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| Receiving radiation treatment | If you have recently had or are undergoing radiation treatment. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to take the correct dosage, at the correct time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- The Zortress brand is a type of medicine that you take at the same time every day , whether you take it with or without food (e.g., after a meal every day). This will help your body maintain a consistent absorption rate.
- Most importantly: Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice for any reason. Grapefruit juice can severely affect the way this medication works.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But 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 once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with Everolimus
Everolimus is a medication that can interact with other medications, certain foods, and supplements. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins).
| Things that can cause problems | Examples |
|---|---|
| What should never be taken | |
| Live virus vaccines | E.g.: Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), chickenpox vaccine. |
| Other drugs that may interact | |
| Antiretroviral drugs for HIV or AIDS | - |
| Some antibiotics | Erythromycin, Clarithromycin |
| Antifungals | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Cholesterol and blood pressure medications | Simvastatin, Diltiazem, Verapamil |
| Medicines for migraines | Carbamazepine, Phenytoin |
| Other | Cyclosporine, Dexamethasone, Rifampin |
Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine
Decreased immunity and infections
This medicine weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness, especially infections. Therefore, stay away from people who have a fever or cold. Be careful when going to crowded places. If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or a sore throat, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor immediately.
Surgery and wound healing
If you are going to have surgery, you should tell your doctor. Everolimus may delay wound healing. Doctors usually advise stopping the medication a week before surgery and restarting it two weeks after surgery, when the wound has healed well.
Pregnancy and Fertility
This is a very important matter.
- Women: Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine and for 8 weeks after stopping the medicine. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- Men: Do not try to father a child while taking this medication or for 4 weeks after stopping the medication.
- Also, this medication can cause ovarian failure in some women and reduced sperm count in men. If you have fertility problems, talk to your doctor about that as well.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Everolimus can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action quickly if necessary.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| • Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue | • Difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough |
| • Fever, chills, sore throat | • Dark urine, stomach pain |
| • Unusual bruising or bleeding | • Swelling of hands, feet, and ankles |
| • Symptoms of high blood sugar - excessive thirst, hunger, frequent urination, excessive fatigue, blurred vision | • Difficulty urinating |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| • Constipation or diarrhea | • Dry mouth or mouth sores |
| • Headache | • Dizziness |
Take-Home Message
- Everolimus is a powerful drug that controls the immune system. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice for any reason.
- Protect yourself from infections while taking the medicine. If you develop symptoms such as fever and cough, seek medical advice immediately.
- Warnings regarding pregnancy and childbirth are very important. Talk openly with your doctor about it.
- If you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, excessive swelling, or unusual bleeding, see a doctor without delay.
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