What Is Everolimus?

Everolimus is also known by the brand names Afinitor and Zortress. It is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) drug that belongs to a class called mTOR kinase inhibitors.

Everolimus is a type of chemotherapy that prevents cancer cells from multiplying and restricts their growth.

What Is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment in which certain drugs are used to kill cancerous cells. These drugs are usually cytotoxic chemical substances that are toxic to the cells, restrict their growth, prevent their division, and ultimately kill the cells.

Directions for Use

Everolimus can be dosed either once or twice a day with varying doses depending on the condition treated.  For once-a-day dosing, administer at the same time each day. If taking everolimus for organ transplantation, administer twice a day consistently (about 12 hours apart) and administer at the same time as cyclosporine or tacrolimus. Verify the correct dose and frequency with your provider. The dose should not be more or less than what is prescribed.

Tablets: Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water; do not break, crush, chew, or allow them to dissolve in your mouth. If tablets are accidentally broken or damaged, avoid inhalation or contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

Tablets for oral suspension: Due to their hazardous nature, it is important to wear gloves when preparing the everolimus suspension. Do not break or crush tablets. Suspension should be prepared in water only and should be administered immediately; discard if not administered within 60 minutes after preparation. The maximum dose is 10 mg per syringe and 10 mg per small glass. Use an additional syringe or small glass for doses greater than 10 mg. The oral suspension can be prepared in an oral syringe or in a small glass, as follows:

• Preparation in an oral syringe: Place dose into 10 ml oral syringe. Draw about 5 ml of water and about 4 ml of air into the syringe; allow it to sit (with the tip up) in a container until tablets are in suspension (usually 3 minutes). Gently invert syringe five times immediately prior to administration. Administer suspension then add about 5 ml water and about 4 ml of air into the same syringe, swirl to suspend remaining particles, and administer again.
• Preparation in a small glass: Place dose into a small glass (≤100 ml) containing about 25 ml of water and allow it to sit until tablets are in suspension (usually 3 minutes). Stir gently with a spoon immediately prior to administration. Administer suspension, then add about another 25 ml of water to the same glass, swirl with the same spoon to catch any residue left, and administer again.