Afinitor (Everolimus)

Common Use

Afinitor, whose active ingredient is everolimus, is a targeted cancer therapy prescribed to treat several types of advanced cancers. These include:

Renal cell carcinoma – a type of kidney cancer

Breast cancer – specifically in postmenopausal women with advanced hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative disease

Neuroendocrine tumors – slow-growing tumours that can arise in the pancreas, stomach, intestines, or lungs

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) – a type of brain tumour associated with tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic condition

In simple terms, Afinitor works by inhibiting a pathway inside cells called mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) . Think of this pathway as a kind of “growth switch” for cells. In cancer, this switch can get stuck in the “on” position, causing cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Afinitor flips that switch off, helping to slow or stop the progression of the tumour.

Dosage and Direction

Afinitor is taken by mouth, usually once a day, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water—do not crush, chew, or dissolve them, as this can affect how the medicine is absorbed. The dosage is tailored to each individual based on the type of cancer, your overall health, and any other medications you may be taking. While you are on Afinitor, your doctor will regularly monitor your blood counts, kidney and liver function, and blood glucose levels to make sure the treatment is working safely.

Precautions

Before starting Afinitor, let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney problems, any active infections, diabetes, or a history of lung disease. Because Afinitor can make you more vulnerable to infections, it’s important to avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you develop a fever, cough, or any unusual symptoms, report them promptly. Keep an eye out for mouth ulcers, swelling, or skin rashes, and let your doctor know if these become bothersome.

Contraindications

You should not use Afinitor if you are allergic to everolimus or any other ingredient in the tablet. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak with your doctor—this medication should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically deemed necessary by your healthcare provider. It can cause harm to an unborn baby, so effective contraception is recommended during treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include mouth sores (which can look like small ulcers), fatigue, rash, diarrhoea, nausea, and swelling in the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. Most of these are manageable with supportive care. Serious side effects can include severe infections, liver or kidney dysfunction, pneumonitis (inflammation of the lung tissue that can cause cough and breathing difficulties), or an increased risk of bleeding. If you experience severe symptoms—such as trouble breathing, high fever, or unusual bruising—seek medical attention straight away.

Drug Interactions

Afinitor can interact with a number of other medications. It is particularly affected by strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as certain antifungals, antibiotics, and HIV drugs) which can raise the level of Afinitor in your blood, and by CYP3A4 inducers (such as some anti-epileptic drugs) which can lower its effectiveness. It may also interact with immunosuppressants and certain vaccines—live vaccines should generally be avoided while on this treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements you are taking, including herbal remedies.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

Overdose

An overdose of Afinitor may cause severe mouth sores, extreme fatigue, infections, or dysfunction of the liver, kidneys, or other organs. If you suspect an overdose—whether accidental or otherwise—seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

Store Afinitor at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the tablets in their original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We understand that when you’re undergoing cancer treatment, having reliable access to your medication is essential—so we’ve built our service to be straightforward, dependable, and tailored to your needs. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Afinitor can be with you by the next day, giving you one less thing to worry about.