Everolimus is an immunosuppressant inhibiting a regulatory kinase mTOR to lower the activity of T-lymphocytes and hence the immune system. It can also reduce the generation of new blood vessels by inhibiting the blood factors. Everolimus is used for targeted cancer therapy, treatment of breast cancer, tuberous sclerosis complex-associated partial-onset seizures and prophylaxis of organ transplant rejections.
Everolimus is administered as oral tablets or orodispersible tablets dissolved in 25 mL of water in Hong Kong. It does not differ much whether it is taken with or without food but taken at consistent timings. Listed below are the indications and the dosages.
Advanced neuroendocrine tumours, advanced renal cell cancer and advanced, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
Adult and elderly
Afinitor: 10 mg once daily, for breast cancer in combination with Exemestane. Continue until cancer progresses or it cannot be tolerated.
Prophylaxis of kidney transplant rejections
Adult and elderly
Certican: The initial dose is 0.75 mg twice daily in combination with Basiliximab, Cyclosporin and a corticosteroid. The maintenance dose is based on the concentration of Everolimus in blood, body response and tolerability.
Tuberous sclerosis complex-associated partial-onset seizures
Child above 6 years of age, adult and elderly
Afinitor Dispersible: The initial dose is 5 mg/m2 once daily. Continue until seizure progresses or it cannot be tolerated. The maintenance dose is based on the concentration of Everolimus in blood, body response and tolerability.
Child at 2-6 years of age
Afinitor Dispersible: The initial dose is 6 mg/m2 once daily. Continue until seizure progresses or it cannot be tolerated. The maintenance dose is based on the concentration of Everolimus in blood, body response and tolerability.
Common side effects of Everolimus include peripheral oedema, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, constipation, anemia, infection and fever.
Common dosing schedule:
Everolimus is taken once daily. It does not differ much whether you take it with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Everolimus may interact with:
Everolimus may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Everolimus is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Everolimus in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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