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Compare Zortress vs. Afinitor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Everolimus (Zortress)
    Everolimus (Afinitor)
  • Everolimus (Zortress)
    Everolimus (Afinitor)

  • Summary of Zortress vs. Afinitor

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for Kinase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Zortress vs. Afinitor

    Indications for
    •Prevent kidney transplant rejection
    •Prevent liver transplant rejection
    Indications 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)

  • Pros and Cons of Zortress vs. Afinitor

    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a tablet that's taken by mouth
    •Comes in different strengths to allow for dose adjustments
    Cons
    •Raises the risk of infections
    •Commonly causes swelling in the arms and legs
    •Must be taken with other anti-rejection medications
    Pros and Const for Kinase inhibitor
    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)
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Zortress vs. Afinitor

    Common Side Effects for

    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. </br> 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.

    Common Side Effects for
    •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.

  • Warnings of Zortress vs. Afinitor

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung problem
    •Low blood cell counts and serious infections
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Risk factors: Taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Zortress vs. Afinitor

    Learn more about Everolimus
    Learn more about Everolimus

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