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Everolimus Coupon - Everolimus 10mg tablet

everolimus

Generic Afinitor
Used for Organ Transplant, Breast Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Renal Cancer, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Used for Organ Transplant, Breast Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Renal Cancer, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Everolimus (Afinitor) is an oral medication used to treat different types of cancer, including certain types of breast cancer and kidney cancers. It's taken by mouth, typically just once daily. But depending on the type of cancer you're being treated for, your provider might ask you to do regular blood draws to figure out a dose that's safe for you. Keep in mind that everolimus (Afinitor) comes in 3 different formulations and they don't all treat the same conditions. Some common side effects everolimus (Afinitor) can cause include mouth sores and skin rashes.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Jenny Zhang, PharmD, BCOP
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 12, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Everolimus (Afinitor)?

What is Everolimus (Afinitor) used for?

  • Breast cancer (hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative)

  • Neuroendocrine tumors (NET)

  • Kidney cancer (renal cell cancer or RCC)

  • Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated kidney tumor

  • Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated brain tumor (people age 1 years and older)

  • Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated seizures (people age 2 years and older)

How Everolimus (Afinitor) works

Everolimus (Afinitor) is kinase inhibitor. It blocks a specific type of protein that's involved in cell growth and spread. This protein can be more active in cancer cells, leading to tumor growth. When everolimus (Afinitor) blocks this protein, cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.

Are you looking for information on everolimus (Zortress) for organ transplant instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAfinitor, Afinitor Disperz
Drug ClassKinase inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Everolimus (Afinitor)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Abnormal blood cell counts (up to 92%)
  • Higher cholesterol and lipid levels (up to 86%)
  • Mouth ulcers or inflammation (up to 78%)
  • Higher blood sugar levels (up to 75%)
  • Abnormal liver labs (up to 74%)
  • Rash (up to 59%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 50%)
  • Abnormal kidney lab values (up to 50%)
  • Infections (up to 58%)
  • Extreme tiredness (up to 45%)
  • Fluid buildup in the arms or legs (up to 39%)
  • Stomach pain (36%)
  • Nausea (up to 32%)
  • Fever (up to 31%)
  • Appetite loss (up to 30%)
  • Headache (up to 30%)
  • Cough (up to 30%)
  • Weight loss (up to 28%)
Please note: The frequency of certain side effects depends on what condition you’re being treated for.

Other Side Effects

  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Weakness
  • Change in taste
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • High blood sugar
  • Joint pain
  • Back pain
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nail changes
  • Anxiety

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious infections: repeated fevers, chills, cough, trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, vomiting, painful or frequent urination
  • Serious bleeds: bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, large amount of bleeding, throwing up blood, bloody or black and tarry stool
  • Lung problems: new or worsening cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing
  • Serious allergic reactions: throat tightness, trouble breathing, flushing, swelling, chest pain
  • Angioedema: Swelling of the face, lips, throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

bloody nose

chest pain or tightness

chills

cough

decreased weight

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty with swallowing

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hoarseness

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

rapid weight gain

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth

tingling of the hands or feet

Less common

Bleeding gums

bloody urine

blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

coughing up blood

extreme tiredness or weakness

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

increased thirst or urination

irregular breathing

loss of appetite

nausea

nervousness

nosebleeds

prolonged bleeding from cuts

red or black, tarry stools

red or dark brown urine

slow heartbeat

stomach ache

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Incidence not known

Agitation

confusion

decreased awareness or responsiveness

depression

dizziness

hostility

irritability

muscle twitching

seizures

severe sleepiness

unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Change in taste

dry skin

itching skin or rash

lack or loss of strength

loss of taste

pain in the arms or legs

stomach pain

trouble sleeping

Less common

Back pain

blistering, peeling, redness, or swelling of the palms, hands, or bottoms of the feet

bumps on the skin

burning, dry, or itching eyes

discoloration of the fingernails or toenails

feeling of fullness

flushing or redness of the skin

jaw pain

numbness, pain, tingling, or unusual sensations in the palms of the hands or bottoms of the feet

passing of gas

redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Everolimus (Afinitor)

thumbs-up

Pros

Oral pill, taken once daily

Available as a lower-cost generic

Can be taken with or without food

Can be taken by children (only for TSC-associated brain tumors or seizures)

thumbs-down

Cons

Can raise blood sugar levels

Can cause painful sores in the mouth

Might make it difficult for you to have children in the future

Raises the risk of infection

Higher risk of serious side effects in older adults

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Everolimus (Afinitor)

pharmacist

  • Take everolimus (Afinitor) at the same time each day. It can be taken either with or without food, but try to keep it consistent. Swallow Afinitor and generic everolimus tablets whole with a glass of water. Don’t break or crush the tablets.

    • Afinitor or Afinitor Disperz aren’t interchangeable and one can’t be substituted for the other. Make sure to take the right form of medication that’s appropriate for your condition. Don’t mix the two together. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about which form of everolimus you’re supposed to take.

      • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it’s within 6 hours from the time you normally take it. If it’s been more than 6 hours, then skip your dose for that day. The next day, take your dose at the normal time.

        • If you’re taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Zestril), to lower blood pressure, let your provider know. Taking everolimus (Afinitor) with ACE inhibitors raises your risk for serious swelling of the tongue and face (angioedema). If you do experience angioedema, your provider will likely ask you to stop taking everolimus (Afinitor).

          • Everolimus (Afinitor) can make it harder for your body to heal itself. This can be a problem when your body is recovering from surgery. Make sure to tell your provider if you have a planned surgery coming up. Your provider might ask you to stop taking everolimus (Afinitor) for a week or two before and after the surgery. They’ll also monitor your healing progress to let you know when it’s safe to start taking everolimus (Afinitor) again.

            • If you’re taking everolimus (Afinitor) for TSC-associated brain tumors or seizures, you’ll need to have your blood work checked to monitor the levels of the medication in your body. Your provider might adjust your dose based on your lab results. Make sure to follow the lab work schedule you’re given.

              Tips for Afinitor Disperz:

              • If you’re taking Afinitor Disperz, you need to dissolve the tablet in water to prepare a suspension. Make sure to wear gloves while preparing the suspension.

                • You can prepare the Afinitor Disperz in a small drinking glass. Place your dose (up to 10 mg of Afinitor Disperz) in a glass that contains about 25 mL of water. It’ll take about 3 minutes for the tablet to dissolve. Stir the suspension gently, then drink. After drinking the suspension, add another 25 mL of water to the cup. Then stir and drink again.

                  • If you or your child aren’t able to drink the Afinitor Disperz suspension from a cup, you can also prepare the medication for an oral syringe.

                    • If you’re taking a dose that’s higher than 10 mg of Afinitor Disperz, then you’ll need to prepare additional drinking glasses or oral syringes.

                      Once the suspension is made, make sure to drink the suspension immediately. Don’t take the suspension if it has been sitting out for 60 minutes or longer.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Everolimus (Afinitor)

                      Will I have a harder time fighting off infections when I take everolimus (Afinitor)?
                      Yes, taking everolimus (Afinitor) weakens your immune system and makes it more likely for you to get an infection. Infections can become a serious problem because your body will also have a harder time fighting them off. You can lower your risk of getting an infection by washing your hands often, and avoiding crowded places, and minimizing contact with people who are sick. To prevent getting ill from foods, you’re recommended to wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating, and cook foods thoroughly. If you do get sick while taking everolimus (Afinitor), your provider might ask you to stop the medication until they can treat your infection. Let your provider know right away if you think you might be sick or experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, or cough.
                      Can I get a vaccine if I’m taking everolimus (Afinitor)?
                      Before you receive a vaccine, make sure your provider knows that you’re taking everolimus (Afinitor). Because this medication weakens your immune system and makes it more difficult for you to fight off infections, you’re recommended to avoid live vaccines while taking everolimus (Afinitor). Live vaccines are made with weakened forms of viruses that typically won’t cause a person with a healthy immune system to become sick. But they can cause people with a weakened immune system to become ill. Examples of live vaccines include measles, mumps, and rubella virus vaccine (MMR) and the chickenpox vaccine (Varivax). The childhood vaccination series should be completed before starting everolimus (Afinitor). Speak to your provider before getting any vaccines and make sure they know you're taking everolimus (Afinitor).
                      Is everolimus (Afinitor) safe to take if I have liver problems?
                      Let your provider know if you have problems with your liver, because you’ll need to be monitored more closely. If you’ve liver problems, your body might have a harder time getting rid of this medication. This causes higher levels of everolimus (Afinitor) in your body and can raise your risk for more side effects, such as lung problems, infections. Depending on how severe your liver problems are, you might need to take the medication at a lower dose, or you might not be able to receive everolimus (Afinitor) entirely.
                      Is everolimus (Afinitor) safe in pregnancy?
                      Based on animal studies, everolimus (Afinitor) can cause harm to your unborn baby. This medication isn't typically recommended during pregnancy, unless the provider thinks the benefit is greater than the risk for both you and your unborn baby. Let your provider know right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant while receiving everolimus (Afinitor).
                      Is everolimus (Afinitor) safe while breastfeeding?
                      There haven’t been any studies in humans about how everolimus (Afinitor) can affect breast milk and your breastfed baby. However, everolimus (Afinitor) was found in the milk of rats in animal studies, so it's likely that this medication can be passed along in human milk and cause serious harm to nursing infants. Because of this risk, you shouldn’t breastfeed during everolimus (Afinitor) treatment and for 2 weeks after your last dose. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about breastfeeding while taking everolimus (Afinitor).
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Everolimus (Afinitor)?

                      Everolimus (Afinitor) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Lung problem

                      Let your provider know right away if you experience coughing or trouble breathing while taking everolimus (Afinitor) because this medication can cause your lungs to become inflamed. If you develop these symptoms, your provider will need to examine you to figure out they’re caused by everolimus (Afinitor) or an infection, and treat you accordingly. If your symptoms aren’t too severe, your provider will likely ask you to continue taking everolimus (Afinitor), while giving you a corticosteroid to ease the inflammation in your lungs. But if they’re severe, your provider might ask you to stop this medication.

                      risk-warning

                      Low blood cell counts and serious infections

                      Risk factors: Taking other medications that weakens your immune system

                      Everolimus (Afinitor) can cause your white blood cell (WBCs), red blood cell (RBCs), and platelet counts to drop. Your provider will closely monitor your blood cell counts through lab work before you start everolimus (Afinitor) and every 6 months while you’re receiving treatment. If your blood counts are low, your dose might need to be lowered or you might stop taking the medication altogether.

                      risk-warning

                      Severe allergic reactions

                      • Risk factors: Taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

                        Everolimus (Afinitor) can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. In addition, people who take ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) are at higher risk for swelling in the face and tongue (angioedema). Contact your provider or get medical help right away if you experience any throat tightness, trouble breathing, flushing, chest pain, or swelling of the face, airways, or tongue (angioedema).

                        risk-warning

                        Mouth sores

                        Everolimus (Afinitor) can cause painful mouth ulcers or sores. People typically experience this within the first 2 months after starting treatment. If you have mouth sores, let your provider know. They might be able to recommend mouthwashes and other options, such as sucking on ice chips, to help with these symptoms.

                        risk-warning

                        Kidney problems

                        Some people developed kidney problems, including kidney failure, after starting everolimus (Afinitor) can harm your kidneys. Your provider will order labs to check your kidney health before you start this medication, then at least yearly during treatment. Reach out to your provider right away if you experience blood in the urine, pain or problems urinating, or changes in the color or cloudiness of the urine. These can be signs of a serious kidney problem.

                        risk-warning

                        Higher blood sugar and lipids levels (cholesterol and triglycerides)

                        • Risk factors: Diabetes

                          Everolimus (Afinitor) can raise your blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride (a type of fat) levels. Because of this, your provider will work with you to make sure your blood sugar and lipid levels are within a healthy range before you start everolimus (Afinitor). They’ll also order lab work to check your sugar and lipid levels yearly while you’re receiving treatment. If you have diabetes, your provider will check your blood sugar levels more often. If your blood sugar or lipid levels aren’t within a healthy range and are difficult to control with medications, diet, and exercise, then your provider might recommend that you stop taking this medication.

                          risk-warning

                          Inflammation and sensitivity with radiation therapy

                          • Risk factors: Previous, current, or subsequent radiation therapy

                            Everolimus (Afinitor) can cause inflammation around the areas of radiation you receive, both on your skin or inside your body. This medication can also make you more sensitive to the effects of radiation and cause more side effects. This can happen if you receive radiation therapy before, during, or after treatment with everolimus (Afinitor).

                            risk-warning

                            Harm to unborn baby and effects on fertility

                            Based on animal studies, everolimus (Afinitor) can harm an unborn baby. Because of this risk, regardless of your sex, you should use birth control during treatment with everolimus (Afinitor) to prevent pregnancy. After treatment, continue to use birth control for another 8 weeks (for females) or 4 weeks (for males). Let your provider know right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant during this time.

                            Everolimus (Afinitor) can also affect your ability to have a baby. If you or your partner are thinking about having a child in the future, talk to your provider about your different options before starting everolimus (Afinitor), such as sperm banking or egg freezing.

                            dosage

                            Everolimus (Afinitor) dosage forms

                            Typical dosing for Everolimus (Afinitor)

                            Breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, kidney cancer, or TSC-associated kidney tumor

                            TSC-associated brain tumor

                            • Afinitor, Afinitor Disperz, and generic everolimus tablet: Your provider will determine your dose base on your body surface area (BSA, in units of m2), which takes into account your body weight and height. The typical starting dose is 4.5 mg/m2 by mouth once daily.

                            TSC-associated seizures

                            • Afinitor Disperz only: Your provider will determine your dose base on your body surface area (BSA, in units of m2), which takes into account your body weight and height. The typical starting dose is 5 mg/m2 by mouth once daily.

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Everolimus (Afinitor) and other drugs

                            Everolimus (Afinitor) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Everolimus (Afinitor). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                            How much does Everolimus (Afinitor) cost?

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                            Afinitor (brand)
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                            contraindications-icon

                            Everolimus (Afinitor) contraindications

                            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Everolimus (Afinitor) will not be safe for you to take.
                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Everolimus (Afinitor)?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Everolimus (Afinitor). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Everolimus (Afinitor)
                            Used for:

                            • Breast cancer (hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative)

                            • Neuroendocrine tumors (NET)

                            • Kidney cancer (renal cell cancer or RCC)

                            • Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated kidney tumor

                            • Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated brain tumor (people age 1 years and older)

                            • Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated seizures (people age 2 years and older)

                            $1291.72 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Ibrance (palbociclib)
                            Used for:

                            • HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer

                            View Prices
                            Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot)
                            Used for:
                            $2436.56 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            images

                            Everolimus (Afinitor) images

                            White Oval Evr And Nat - Everolimus 10mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Nat" And "Evr".White Oval Evr And Nat - Everolimus 10mg Tablet
                            White Oblong B 10 - Everolimus 10mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "B 10".White Oblong B 10 - Everolimus 10mg Tablet

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                            References

                            Best studies we found

                            American Cancer Society. (2020). Radiation therapy side effects.

                            American Cancer Society. (2020). What is kidney cancer? 

                            American Red Cross. (n.d.). Platelets and thrombocytopenia.

                            View All References (12)

                            Burris III, H. A., et al. (2010). Radiation recall with anticancer agents. The Oncologist.    

                            Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Child & adolescent immunization schedule.

                            Díez, M., et al. (2013). Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Diagnosis and treatment. Annals of Gastroenterology. 

                            Krueger, D. A., et al. (2010). Everolimus for subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis. The New England Journal of Medicine. 

                            Lin, C., et al. (2017). Tuberous sclerosis-associated renal angiomyolipoma: A report of two cases and review of the literature. Molecular and Clinical Oncology. 

                            National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms. (n.d.). Neuroendocrine tumor.

                            National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Neutropenia and risk for infection.

                            National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Acromegaly.

                            Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2023). AFINITOR- everolimus tablet; AFINITOR DISPERZ- everolimus tablet, for suspension. DailyMed. 

                            Pandit, S., et al. (2023). Carcinoid syndrome. StatPearls. 

                            Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (2022). EVEROLIMUS tablet. DailyMed.

                            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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