Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Afinitor
  2. Afinitor Disperz
  3. Zortress

Descriptions


Everolimus is used to treat advanced (late-stage) cancers or noncancerous tumors, such as kidney and breast cancer, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA, a brain tumor), renal angiomyolipoma (kidney tumor), and partial-onset seizures (epilepsy) with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, stomach or bowels, and lungs. It is used for patients who have already received other medicines that did not work well or those who will not be treated with surgery.

Everolimus works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected, other unwanted effects will also occur. It belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastics (cancer medicines).

Everolimus is also used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (eg, kidney or liver) in patients who have received kidney or liver transplant. This medicine may be used with cyclosporine, steroids, basiliximab, or tacrolimus. When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells may try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Everolimus works to suppress the immune system and prevents the white blood cells from getting rid of the transplanted organ.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Tablet
  • Tablet for Suspension