Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Afinitor (Everolimus).
Anemia: Afinitor (Everolimus) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Bleeding: Afinitor (Everolimus) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication that affects blood clotting, discuss with your doctor how Afinitor (Everolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Afinitor (Everolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, vomiting coffee-ground like substances, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Clotting: Afinitor (Everolimus) has been linked to clots in the leg and lungs. If you develop sudden pain with redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually in the calf), sudden difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood, contact your doctor immediately.
Breathing problems: Afinitor (Everolimus) has been linked to inflammation and damage to the lungs. If you develop shortness of breath or a persistent cough, contact your doctor.
Cholesterol and triglycerides: Afinitor (Everolimus) may cause an increase in the amount of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood. If you have High Cholesterol or are at risk for heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Afinitor (Everolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Afinitor (Everolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: Afinitor (Everolimus) may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Afinitor (Everolimus).
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Afinitor (Everolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Afinitor (Everolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience signs of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst and urination, excessive hunger, unexplained weight loss or a fruity odour to your breath, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Fertility: Afinitor (Everolimus) can cause changes to sperm in men and may cause ovulation and menstrual bleeding to stop during treatment in women. These changes may continue after stopping the medication.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Afinitor (Everolimus) may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium in the blood to change while taking Afinitor (Everolimus). If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the levels of these electrolytes in your blood while you are taking Afinitor (Everolimus).
Grapefruit juice: Drinking grapefruit juice, or eating grapefruit, star fruit, or Seville oranges while you are taking Afinitor (Everolimus) can affect how the medication is removed from the body and may cause too much of the medication to build up in the body. This can cause possibly harmful side effects. You should avoid these foods while taking Afinitor (Everolimus).
Hepatitis B: There have been reports of flare-ups of hepatitis B occurring when people take Afinitor (Everolimus). If you have a history of hepatitis B, discuss with your doctor how Afinitor (Everolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Afinitor (Everolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: As well as killing tumour cells, Afinitor (Everolimus) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections and public areas with lots of people. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Afinitor (Everolimus) can cause harm to the kidneys. While you are taking Afinitor (Everolimus), your doctor should test your kidney function regularly with blood tests. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Afinitor (Everolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Afinitor (Everolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Afinitor (Everolimus).
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Afinitor (Everolimus) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Afinitor (Everolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Afinitor (Everolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Afinitor (Everolimus).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Mouth ulcers: Afinitor (Everolimus) commonly causes inflammation of the mucous membrane in your mouth resulting in mouth ulcers. Avoid using any alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or thyme-containing mouthwashes as they can worsen the ulcers. Discuss proper treatment for mouth ulcers with your doctor.
Surgery: Afinitor (Everolimus) causes changes to the blood and wound healing. Make sure anyone involved in your medical care knows you are taking Afinitor (Everolimus).
Pregnancy: Afinitor (Everolimus) may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women who may become pregnant while taking Afinitor (Everolimus) must use an effective form of birth control, even if they have not had their first menstrual period. Effective birth control must be used during treatment with Afinitor (Everolimus), and for at least eight weeks following the discontinuation of treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Afinitor (Everolimus), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Afinitor (Everolimus) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Afinitor (Everolimus), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Afinitor (Everolimus) is not recommended for children with cancer who are less than 18 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of using Afinitor (Everolimus) have not been studied for children with SEGA who are less than 1 year of age and there is limited information about the use of Afinitor (Everolimus) for children less than 3 years of age.
Seniors: People over 65 years of age are more likely to experience side effects while taking Afinitor (Everolimus). Your doctor may adjust your dose based on side effects and how well the medication is tolerated.
