Everolimus

Available by prescription only, everolimus is used to treat certain types of cancers and tumors, and can also help prevent organ rejection following a kidney transplant. It comes as a tablet that is taken once or twice daily. Although this can be an effective medicine, it may not be suitable for some people who are taking certain medications or who have certain medical conditions.

Everolimus Drug Information

What Is Everolimus?

Everolimus (Afinitor^®, Zortress^®) is a prescription medication approved to treat certain types of cancers and tumors. Lower doses of the medicine are used after a kidney transplant to prevent transplant rejection (when the immune system attacks a transplanted organ).

Everolimus belongs to a group of drugs known as kinase inhibitors. It is an immunosuppressant, which means it lowers the activity of the immune system.

(Click What Is Everolimus Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, everolimus may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.

If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects of everolimus include but are not limited to:

Mouth ulcers
Swelling of the arms, hands, legs, ankles, or feet
A rash
Nausea
Diarrhea or constipation.

(Click Everolimus Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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