Understanding Afinitor (Everolimus)⁚ Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions
Afinitor, also known by its generic name everolimus, is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including certain types of cancers, tumors, and seizures. It belongs to a class of drugs called mTOR inhibitors, which work by blocking a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow and multiply.
While Afinitor can be an effective treatment option, it’s important to understand its potential uses, side effects, and precautions before starting the medication.
Uses of Afinitor⁚
Afinitor is approved for the treatment of several conditions, including⁚
- Advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer⁚ Afinitor is often used in combination with other medications, such as exemestane, to treat this type of breast cancer.
- Advanced neuroendocrine tumors⁚ These tumors can occur in various parts of the body, including the pancreas, stomach, intestines, and lungs.
- Advanced kidney cancer⁚ Afinitor can help slow the growth and spread of kidney cancer cells.
- Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA)⁚ This is a type of brain tumor that can occur in people with tuberous sclerosis complex.
- Partial-onset seizures⁚ Afinitor can be used as an adjunctive therapy for certain types of seizures in adults and children with tuberous sclerosis complex.
- Organ transplant rejection⁚ Afinitor can help prevent organ rejection in people who have received a kidney or liver transplant.
Potential Side Effects of Afinitor⁚
As with any medication, Afinitor can cause side effects, ranging from mild to serious.
Common side effects⁚
* Mouth sores⁚ These can be painful and may require treatment.
* Infections⁚ Afinitor can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
* Fatigue⁚ Feeling tired or weak is a common side effect.
* Nausea and loss of appetite⁚ These can lead to weight loss.
* Swelling⁚ This can occur in various parts of the body, such as the face, arms, legs, and feet.
* Diarrhea⁚ This may be accompanied by stomach pain.
* Skin problems⁚ These can include rashes, dry skin, and acne.
* Cough⁚ This may be a sign of lung problems.
Serious side effects⁚
* Kidney problems⁚ Afinitor can cause kidney damage, so it’s important to have regular blood tests to monitor kidney function.
* Lung problems⁚ In rare cases, Afinitor can cause serious lung problems, such as pneumonitis.
* Liver problems⁚ Afinitor can also affect liver function, so it’s important to be aware of any symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
* High blood sugar⁚ Afinitor may increase blood sugar levels, so it’s important to monitor them closely, especially if you have diabetes.
* High cholesterol⁚ Afinitor may also increase cholesterol levels.
Precautions and Warnings⁚
Before taking Afinitor, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Let them know if you⁚
* Are pregnant or breastfeeding⁚ Afinitor can harm an unborn baby, and it’s not known if it passes into breast milk.
* Have any allergies⁚ Tell your doctor about any allergies you have to medications or other substances.
* Have any other medical conditions⁚ This includes kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
* Are taking any other medications⁚ Afinitor can interact with other medications, so it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Monitoring and Management⁚
While taking Afinitor, it’s important to have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and manage any side effects. They may recommend⁚
* Regular blood tests⁚ These will help monitor your kidney and liver function, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels.
* Lifestyle changes⁚ Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, to help manage side effects and improve your overall health.
* Additional medications⁚ In some cases, your doctor may prescribe additional medications to help manage side effects, such as anti-nausea medication or pain medication.
Remember⁚
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Afinitor and whether it is the right medication for you.