Afinitor

Afinitor Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Afinitor is a brand name. Its generic name is Everolimus.

Introduction

Afinitor is an orally administered mTOR inhibitor, which is a type of antineoplastic drug. It is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). It is believed to act by inhibiting mTOR, the target of rapamycin, a protein involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metabolism.

Uses

Afinitor is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Mechanism of Action

Afinitor works by inhibiting mTOR, the target of rapamycin, a protein involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metabolism.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Afinitor usually begins to work within the first few weeks of treatment, with the effects becoming more noticeable over time. Patients treated with Afinitor may experience improvement in symptoms within 8-12 weeks.

Absorption

Afinitor is rapidly and almost completely absorbed following oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Afinitor is primarily eliminated via the bile.

Dosage

For the treatment of advanced RCC, the recommended dosage of Afinitor is 10 mg orally once daily.

Administration

Afinitor should be taken orally, once daily, with or without food.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Afinitor include fatigue, diarrhea, anemia, nausea, stomatitis, asthenia, constipation, decreased appetite, fever, infection, vomiting, cough, mucositis, abdominal pain, and rash.

Toxicity

Afinitor is generally well-tolerated; the most severe toxicities associated with its use are infections and gastrointestinal inflammation. Other side effects that may occur include hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperglycemia, and hypokalemia.

Precaution

Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of infection while taking Afinitor and should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider for any symptoms. Patients may also be at risk of developing severe and potentially fatal complications associated with the use of Afinitor, including interstitial lung disease, hepatotoxicity, and immune-mediated events.

Interactions

Afinitor can interact with a variety of medications and other drugs, and patients should discuss any potential drug interactions with their healthcare provider. Patients should also be aware of potential food–drug interactions and should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Afinitor.

Disease Interaction

Afinitor may interact with certain medical conditions, and should be taken with caution in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, cholestasis, hepatic impairment, severe infections, or autoimmune diseases.

Drug Interactions

Afinitor may interact with certain drugs, and should not be taken with ACE inhibitors, cyclosporine, hypotension-inducing agents, or specific antifungal agents.

Food Interactions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Afinitor.

Pregnancy Use

Afinitor is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Animal studies have not shown any evidence of fetal harm, but the potential risks to humans are not known.

Lactation Use

Afinitor is not recommended for use in nursing mothers. It is not known whether Afinitor is excreted in breast milk, and the potential risks to an infant are not known.

Acute Overdose

The most commonly reported symptoms following an Afinitor overdose are fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. If an overdose is suspected, it is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately for appropriate medical care.

Contraindication

Afinitor is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Afinitor or its excipients.

Use Direction

Take Afinitor by mouth, once daily, with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Take your Afinitor at the same time each day.

Storage Condition

Keep Afinitor at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Store the capsule in its original container and keep tightly closed.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Afinitor is approximately 32L.

Half Life

The half-life of Afinitor is approximately 24 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of Afinitor is approximately 589 mL/min.

Here you find in details version of Afinitor

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Afinitor

What is Afinitor?

Afinitor is a drug used to prevent the rejection of organ transplants in adults and to treat a rare form of kidney cancer and a type of brain tumor in adults and children. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other cancer types.

What is Afinitor used for?

Afinitor is used to prevent organ transplant rejection in adults and to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer), and progressive, well-differentiated, non-functional neuroendocrine tumors of gastrointestinal and pulmonary origin. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other cancer types.

How does Afinitor work?

Afinitor works by blocking the action of certain proteins that play a role in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It also blocks the action of certain proteins that are involved in the body’s immune response to transplant rejection.

Is Afinitor safe?

Afinitor is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, like all medications it can have side effects. The most common side effects are mouth sores or swelling, headache, skin rash, nausea, fatigue, anemia, and vomiting. It can also cause serious side effects including an increased risk of infections and an increased risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Afinitor.

What are the precautions for taking Afinitor?

Before taking Afinitor, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are taking any medicines, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Do not start or stop taking any medicines without talking to your doctor first.

Is it safe to take Afinitor while pregnant?

Afinitor is not recommended during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Afinitor, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. It is not known if Afinitor poses any risk to the fetus. To avoid any potential risks to your baby, contact your doctor immediately.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Afinitor?

If you miss a dose of Afinitor, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

How long does it take for Afinitor to start working?

It may take several weeks for Afinitor to start working. Talk to your doctor about how long it may take for you to start seeing results.

How often do I need to take Afinitor?

Your dose and schedule of Afinitor will depend on your medical condition, tolerance level, and other factors. Talk to your doctor about the best dosing schedule for you.

What are the most common side effects of Afinitor?

The most common side effects of Afinitor are mouth sores or swelling, headache, skin rash, nausea, fatigue, anemia, and vomiting. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that are bothersome or persistent.

Can Afinitor be used in combination with other medications?

Yes, Afinitor can be used in combination with other medications to treat your condition. Talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking to make sure they are compatible with Afinitor.

Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid when taking Afinitor?

It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Afinitor. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet to reduce the risk of developing mouth sores. Talk to your doctor about dietary recommendations while taking Afinitor.

Can I take other medications while taking Afinitor?

You should talk to your doctor before taking any other medications, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with Afinitor, so it is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you take.

Should I get a flu shot while taking Afinitor?

Yes, it is recommended to get a flu shot while taking Afinitor to reduce your risk of developing an infection. Talk to your doctor about other vaccinations that may be recommended while taking Afinitor.

Is Afinitor associated with increased risk of blood clots?

Yes, Afinitor may be associated with an increased risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Afinitor.

Can Afinitor cause an allergic reaction?

Yes, Afinitor can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms can include hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.

Can I still get pregnant while taking Afinitor?

No, it is recommended to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Afinitor. Talk to your doctor about contraception options and the risks of taking the medication while pregnant.

Can Afinitor cause kidney damage?

Yes, Afinitor can cause kidney damage. Symptoms of kidney damage can include decreased urine output, swelling of the legs or abdomen, and dark or bloody urine. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Afinitor.

Can I breastfeed while taking Afinitor?

No, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking Afinitor. Talk to your doctor about alternative options that can provide nutrition to your baby while avoiding the risks of taking Afinitor.

What is the most important information I should know about Afinitor?

The most important information to know about Afinitor is that it may increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. It may also increase your risk of cancer and blood clots. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Afinitor.

What should I do if I experience side effects while taking Afinitor?

If you experience any side effects while taking Afinitor, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or provide other options to help manage the side effects. It is important to tell your doctor if the side effects are affecting your quality of life.

Is Afinitor covered by health insurance?

It depends on the health insurance plan. Contact your health insurance provider for information on what medications are covered and any potential co-pays or out-of-pocket costs.

Can Afinitor be used to treat other types of cancer?

Yes, Afinitor is sometimes used off-label to treat other types of cancers. Talk to your doctor about your specific cancer to see if Afinitor may be an option for your treatment.

Can Afinitor cause muscle or joint pain?

Yes, Afinitor may cause muscle or joint pain. Talk to your doctor if the pain is persistent and affecting your quality of life.

Can Afinitor be taken with antacids?

Yes, Afinitor can be taken with antacids such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Talk to your doctor about the best way to take antacids with Afinitor.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Afinitor?

No, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Afinitor. Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with drinking alcohol while taking the medication.

Can Afinitor interact with other medications?

Yes, Afinitor can interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medications. Certain medications, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and grapefruit juice, can increase the risk of side effects when taken with Afinitor.

How long should I take Afinitor?

The length of treatment with Afinitor will depend on your condition and response to treatment. Talk to your doctor about the best duration of treatment for you.

Will Afinitor cause me to gain weight?

It is possible to gain weight while taking Afinitor. Talk to your doctor about how to best manage any weight gain while taking the medication.

Can Afinitor cause headaches?

Yes, Afinitor can cause headaches. If the headaches are severe or persistent, talk to your doctor about other options that can help manage the side effects.

Does Afinitor cause hair loss?

Yes, Afinitor may cause hair loss. Talk to your doctor about other options that can help manage the side effects.

Can I take other vitamins or supplements while taking Afinitor?

You should talk to your doctor before taking any other vitamins or supplements while taking Afinitor. Certain vitamins and supplements may interact with Afinitor and increase the risk of side effects.

Can Afinitor cause sleep problems?

Yes, Afinitor can cause sleep problems. If the sleep problems are severe or persistent, talk to your doctor about other options that can help manage the side effects.

Can I donate blood while taking Afinitor?

No, it is recommended to avoid donating blood while taking Afinitor. Talk to your doctor before donating blood while taking the medication.

Can Afinitor reduce fertility in men?

Yes, Afinitor can reduce fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking the medication.

Are there any restrictions on activities while taking Afinitor?

Yes, it is important to avoid strenuous physical activities, including sports and exercise, while taking Afinitor. Talk to your doctor about any restrictions that may be recommended while taking the medication.

Can I take ibuprofen while taking Afinitor?

Yes, ibuprofen can be taken while taking Afinitor. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any pain relievers or other medications while taking Afinitor.

Can Afinitor cause liver damage?

Yes, Afinitor can cause liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Afinitor.

Should I get regular blood work while taking Afinitor?

Yes, it is important to get regular blood work while taking Afinitor. Your doctor may monitor your blood levels to ensure the medication is working properly and to make sure there are no signs of toxicity or other side effects.