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Zortress vs. Afinitor

Everolimus, also known by the brand name Zortress, is an FDA approved immunosuppressant used in adults to prevent rejection after a kidney or liver transplant. The tablet is typically taken by mouth twice a day along with other anti-rejection medications. Your transplant provider will adjust your dose based on the levels of the medication in your body. Common side effects include swelling in the arms and legs, nausea, and high blood pressure.

• Prevent kidney transplant rejection
• Prevent liver transplant rejection

Kidney transplant:

• Swelling in the arms and legs (45%)
• Constipation (38%)
• High blood pressure (30%)
• Nausea (29%)
• Low red blood count, anemia (26%)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) (22%)
• High cholesterol (21%)

Note: These side effects were reported in people taking everolimus (Zortress) and cyclosporine.
Liver transplant:

• Diarrhea (19-24%)
• Headache (19-22%)
• High blood pressure (17-21%)
• Swelling in the arms and legs (18-20%)

Note: These side effects were reported in people taking everolimus (Zortress) and tacrolimus.

• Cancer
• Serious infections
• Kidney or liver blood clot
• Kidney damage
• Allergic reaction
• Slower wound healing and fluid build up
• Lung problems
• High cholesterol and triglyceride
• Diabetes after transplant
• Harm to unborn baby and fertility concerns
• Vaccines

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.

• 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)

• 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.

• Lung problem
• Low blood cell counts and serious infections
• Severe allergic reactions
• Mouth sores
• Kidney problems
• Higher blood sugar and lipids levels (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• Inflammation and sensitivity with radiation therapy
• Harm to unborn baby and effects on fertility