About Afinitor: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Afinitor is a brand name for everolimus, a pharmaceutical that belongs to a class of drugs known as MTOR inhibitors. It is used to treat cancer, tumours, and seizures caused by a hereditary disorder known as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Afinitor acts by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells and decreasing immune system activity.

Uses

Adults can take Afinitor to address the following conditions:

• Advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer treated with exemestane after letrozole or anastrozole failed.
• Advanced neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas, lungs, or stomach that cannot be removed surgically or have spread to other parts of the body.
• Advanced renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer) that has progressed after treatment with sunitinib or sorafenib.
• Noncancerous kidney tumours (angiomyolipomas) associated with TSC and causing symptoms or complications.

Afinitor can also be used to treat the following conditions in adults and children over the age of one year:

• Partial-onset seizures linked with TSC that are not managed by other antiepileptic drugs.
• Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), a form of noncancerous brain tumour that creates increased pressure in the brain.

Afinitor is available in two forms: tablets and disperz tablets. Afinitor Disperz pills are designed to dissolve in water and generate a liquid suspension that can be swallowed. Afinitor Disperz is a medication used to treat SEGA and partial-onset seizures in children who are unable to swallow Afinitor pills.

Dosage

Afinitor dose is determined by the ailment being treated, body weight, everolimus levels in the blood, liver function, response to treatment, and adverse effects. The dosage may also differ based on whether Afinitor is used alone or with other medications.

Afinitor's usual starting dose for adults is 10 mg once day, with or without food. Afinitor Disperz is usually started at 4.5 milligrammes per square metre of body surface area once daily, diluted in water and given orally.

The doctor may alter Afinitor's dose based on blood test results, the development of adverse effects, or the usage of other drugs that may interact with Afinitor. Adults can take up to 15 mg once day, while children can take up to 7 mg per square metre of body surface area once daily. If severe or unbearable adverse effects occur, the dose may be lowered or discontinued temporarily or permanently.

Afinitor should be taken on a daily basis at the same time. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless the following dose is approaching. In that instance, skip the missing dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. To make up for a missing dose, do not take two doses at once.

Adverse Effects

Afinitor can have serious, even fatal, adverse effects. Some examples are:

• Infections: Afinitor might impair the immune system's ability to fight infections, potentially leading to serious or fatal illnesses such as pneumonia, sepsis, hepatitis B reactivation, or fungal infections. Fever, chills, skin rash, joint pain, weariness, cough, chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath are all symptoms of infection. If you see any signs of infection while taking Afinitor, contact your doctor right away.
• Afinitor can cause lung inflammation or scarring (pneumonitis), which can lead to breathing difficulty, blood coughing, or respiratory failure. Coughing, chest pain, wheezing, and shortness of breath are all symptoms of lung disease. If you see any indicators of lung difficulties while taking Afinitor, contact your doctor right away.
• Afinitor can induce kidney damage (nephrotoxicity), which can lead to renal failure or the need for dialysis. Swelling in your legs or feet, decreased urine production, blood in your urine, or changes in your blood pressure are all symptoms of kidney difficulties. If you see any indicators of renal difficulties while taking Afinitor, contact your doctor right once.
• Afinitor can induce liver damage (hepatotoxicity), which can result in liver failure or death. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or itching are all symptoms of liver disease. If you see any indicators of liver problems while taking Afinitor, contact your doctor right once.
• Allergic reactions: Afinitor can cause life-threatening allergic responses (anaphylaxis). A rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, chest pain, or dizziness are all symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you see any signs of an allergic reaction while taking Afinitor, contact your doctor right away. If you use an ACE inhibitor (a type of blood pressure medication) while taking Afinitor, you may be more likely to experience an allergic response. Before beginning Afinitor, inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking.

Other common Afinitor side effects include:

Afinitor can create painful sores or ulcers in your mouth, lips, tongue, or throat, which can make eating, drinking, or speaking difficult. You should rinse your mouth with water after taking Afinitor and avoid spicy, acidic, or hard meals and drinks to prevent or decrease mouth sores. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste, and avoid using dental floss or toothpicks. If you get mouth sores while using Afinitor, notify your doctor. To help treat the sores, your doctor may prescribe mouthwash or a gel.

Afinitor can induce a skin rash that is itchy, red, scaly, or blistering. The rash can appear anywhere on your body, although it most commonly appears on your face, arms, legs, or chest. To minimise or lessen rash, avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light, and wear sunscreen and protective gear when going outside. Avoid strong soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and perfumes that may irritate your skin. If you develop a rash while taking Afinitor, notify your doctor. To assist ease the rash, your doctor may prescribe a cream or an antihistamine.

Afinitor can produce diarrhoea that is watery, bloody, or contains mucous. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss can all result from diarrhoea. Drink plenty of water and consume bland meals like rice, bananas, toast, or applesauce to avoid or minimise diarrhoea. You should also avoid spicy, fatty, oily, or fried foods; dairy products; alcohol; caffeine; or artificial sweeteners. If you get diarrhoea while taking Afinitor, notify your doctor. To assist control the diarrhoea, your doctor may prescribe an anti-diarrheal medicine.

Fatigue: Afinitor can produce fatigue (low energy), which can impair your ability to complete daily tasks like work, school, or exercise. To avoid or lessen fatigue, get plenty of rest and sleep and avoid hard physical activities. You should also eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water to keep your energy levels up. If you experience fatigue while taking Afinitor, notify your doctor. To help you feel more energetic, your doctor may modify your Afinitor dose or prescribe a stimulant prescription.

Swelling: Afinitor may cause swelling (edoema) in your arms, legs, feet, hands, or face, which can be painful or uncomfortable. Swelling can also raise blood pressure and impair cardiac function. Elevate your legs when sitting or lying down to prevent or minimise swelling, and avoid wearing tight clothing or shoes that may limit blood flow. You should also limit your salt and fluid intake and weigh yourself on a regular basis to check any changes in your body weight. If you have swelling while taking Afinitor, notify your doctor. To assist remove extra fluid from your body, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic drug.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible Afinitor side effects. Consult your doctor or chemist for further information on other possible side effects, or read Afinitor's prescribing information.