everolimus

Long-term use of everolimus (Zortress) raises your risk of developing lymphoma and other cancers, especially skin cancer. To protect your skin, limit sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen whenever you go outside. Talk to your prescriber if you have concerns about your cancer risk while taking this medication.

Immunosuppressants like everolimus (Zortress) can raise your risk of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Some infections can be serious or even life-threatening. Your transplant provider might prescribe medications to help prevent certain types of infections to lower your risk of serious illness. If you develop symptoms of fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, tell your care team right away.

Everolimus (Zortress) can raise your risk of developing a blood clot in the vessels of your transplanted kidney or liver, which could put your transplanted organ in danger. It's most likely to happen within the first 30 days after your transplant. Your transplant provider might order blood tests and scans to check for any signs of a clot.

Taking everolimus (Zortress) with other anti-rejection medications like cyclosporine and tacrolimus can harm your kidneys. Since these medications must be used together, your transplant provider will adjust the doses to help protect your kidney function. Your care team will check your lab tests regularly to monitor your kidney health and make sure your medication levels stay safe.

Everolimus (Zortress) has been linked to angioedema, a serious swelling that can affect your face, lips, or throat. Taking everolimus (Zortress) with certain blood pressure medications, like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, can raise your risk of developing this side effect. Let your care team know if you notice any unusual swelling, especially if it makes it hard to breathe or swallow.

Everolimus (Zortress) can slow down wound healing and raise the risk of problems like infections and your incision opening up. Some of these issues might require additional surgery.

Everolimus (Zortress) is linked to a lung condition called interstitial lung disease (ILD), which causes inflammation or scarring in the lungs. Let your prescriber know if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, or wheezing. Most people recover once they stop taking everolimus (Zortress), with or without additional treatment. But in rare cases, it can be very serious or even life-threatening.

Taking everolimus (Zortress) can raise your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, especially if your everolimus (Zortress) levels in the blood are too high. Your prescriber will check your labs for any changes in your cholesterol levels. They might also recommend diet changes, exercise, or cholesterol-lowering medications. If you already have high cholesterol, your transplant provider will weigh the risks and benefits before starting or continuing this medication.

Everolimus (Zortress) can raise your risk of developing diabetes after a transplant. Your transplant provider will check your blood sugar levels closely while you're taking this medication. Let your care team know if you notice signs of high blood sugar, such as unusual thirst or hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, or unusual tiredness.

Everolimus (Zortress) can cause harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you can get pregnant, use birth control while taking this medication and keep taking it for 8 weeks after stopping treatment to prevent pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your prescriber about the risks.