Medication Profile: Everolimus

Summary or Key Points

Everolimus, sold under the brand name Afinitor, is a medication used to treat various types of cancer. It is classified as a kinase inhibitor and works by slowing the growth of cancer cells. This article provides essential information about Everolimus, including dosing, side effects, drug interactions, and safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Names of Medication

Brand Name: Afinitor
Generic Name: Everolimus (E-ver-O-li-mus)

In the pharmaceutical industry, the term ‘generic name’ refers to the official scientific name of the drug, whereas ‘brand name’ is the trademark under which the drug is sold. The generic name is written in parentheses.

Pharmacologic Category

Everolimus is a Kinase Inhibitor. Other drugs in this category include Imatinib (Gleevec), Sunitinib (Sutent), and Sorafenib (Nexavar).

Dosing

Everolimus is used to treat the following diseases in adults:

• Kidney Cancer: 10mg orally once daily.
• Breast Cancer: 10mg orally once daily, usually in combination with exemestane.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors: 10mg orally once daily.
• Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Dose depends on body surface area.

Always consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals before adjusting your dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Everolimus comes in the form of a tablet and is available in two strengths: 2.5 mg and 5 mg.

Administration Instructions

Everolimus should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Common side effects of Everolimus include mouth ulcers, infections, rash, fatigue, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. More serious side effects can include lung or breathing problems, infections, kidney failure, or delayed wound healing.

Contraindications

‘
Contraindication’ is a term used in medicine to describe situations when a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. For Everolimus, contraindications include hypersensitivity to Everolimus, other rapamycin derivatives, or any component of the formulation.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Everolimus may interact with:

• Dexamethasone (Decadron)
• St. John’s Wort
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Rifampin (Rifadin)

Always inform your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team about all the medications you are currently taking.

Everolimus in Pregnancy

Everolimus may harm an unborn baby. It is not recommended to take Everolimus during pregnancy

Everolimus while Breastfeeding

Everolimus passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Always consult your healthcare provider or reach out to one of our telemedicine professionals to discuss the best feeding options during treatment.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Everolimus (10mg per day) without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $14,000 – $15,000. Costs may vary depending on the pharmacy and the dosage.

Possible Alternatives

Alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that might help include:

• Kidney Cancer: Other targeted therapies, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
• Breast Cancer: Hormone therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors: Surgery, liver-directed therapies, and regular monitoring for smaller, slow-growing tumors.
• Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Monitoring for new growths, educational and occupational therapy, and a healthy lifestyle.

Always discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider or consult one of our telemedicine professionals before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Everolimus Research

Recent research on Everolimus shows promising results in the treatment of a wider range of cancers. Ongoing studies are investigating its use in combination with other cancer therapies to enhance efficacy. This is a rapidly evolving field, and we recommend staying in touch with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team for the latest updates.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.