Generic Name: everolimus
Drug Class: Targeted Therapy Medications
Company: Novartis
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: Yes
Drug Indication
Afinitor is a kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer in previously treated postmenopausal women, as well as for advanced kidney cancer and advanced or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors of the lung, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.
General Info
Afinitor inhibits mTOR, a serine-threonine kinase that which plays a role in cell growth and metabolism and blood vessel development.
Clinical trials showed it slows disease progression in people with HER2-negative breast cancer, kidney cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. It was first approved in 2009.
Dosage
Dosing Info: Afinitor is taken as a tablet once daily.
Side Effects
Common side effects include mouth sores, skin rash, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, fever, swelling, headache and loss of appetite. It can cause depletion of white blood cells (neutropenia), which can lead to infections. Potential serious side effects may include lung inflammation, kidney failure, metabolic problems and severe hypersensitivity reactions. Afinitor should not be used during pregnancy.
For More Info: https://www.us.afinitor.com/
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.us.afinitor.com/advanced-pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumors/patient-support/financial-resources/
Last Reviewed: December 22, 0019
