Zortress (Everolimus)

Alternate Name: Afinitor

Dosage Form: Tablet

Administration Route: By mouth

Drug Class: Antineoplastic Agent, Immune Suppressant

Generic Available: Yes

Strength: 0.5 MG

Warnings: Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 8 weeks after your last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with Afinitor® or Afinitor® Disperz and for 4 weeks after the last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Afinitor® or Afinitor® Disperz and for 2 weeks after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems, any type of infection (including hepatitis B), diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of skin cancer or lymphoma. Tell your doctor if you have a lactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or a glucose-galactose malabsorption. Also, tell your doctor if you have had a heart transplant, if you are having a surgery or other procedures, or if you had or are planning to receive a radiation treatment. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone. This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of cancer (including skin cancer, lymphoma)Increased risk of serious infectionsInterstitial lung disease or non-infectious pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs)Angioedema (severe swelling, when used with an ACE inhibitor)Kidney problemsSlow wound healingDiabetesHigh cholesterol in the bloodLiver problemsIncreased risk of blood clots in the transplanted kidney or liverWorsening side effects from radiation treatmentThrombotic microangiopathy (damage in the smallest blood vessels), hemolytic uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often. This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment. This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Food Warnings: Some foods and medicines can affect how everolimus works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, boceprevir, cannabidiol, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, digoxin, diltiazem, efavirenz, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, midazolam, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nevirapine, nicardipine, octreotide, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, ritonavir, saquinavir, St John's wort, telaprevir, telithromycin, verapamil, voriconazoleBlood pressure medicineMedicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)Steroid medicine, Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine., This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines., Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease, any type of infection (such as hepatitis B), diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of skin cancer or lymphoma. Tell your doctor if you are lactose intolerant or have Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption., This medicine may cause the following problems:Noninfectious pneumonitisSlow wound healingKidney failureIncreased risk of skin cancer and lymphomaAngioedema (when used with an ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine)Increased risk of blood clots in the new kidney or liver (transplant patients), This medicine may weaken your immune system and increase your risk for infections. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health., Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment., Because this medicine increases your risk for skin cancer, wear sunscreen when you are outside. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. Tell your doctor if you notice any growths or changes on your skin., Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments., Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.