Where is Everolimus used?
Everolimus is a prescription medicine used to treat a certain type of benign or non-cancerous brain tumor. This happens in people with a certain genetic disorder or tuberous sclerosis complex. This medication can also be used for the treatment of certain types of seizures in people with tuberous sclerosis complex. This helps lessen the number of seizures you have.
This belongs to the class of medicines called antineoplastics. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication.
How does Everolimus work?
The mode that cells in the body function and development are controlled by several enzymes called protein kinases. Protein kinases can be found on the surface of cells that are involved in the progression and spread of cancer cells. In tumorous cells, the kinases make the cells develop and increase unusually. Also, they stimulate near blood vessels to grow into the tumor. The new blood vessels let the cancer cells develop and increase by providing them with nutrients and oxygen. They also permit the cancerous cells to spread into other areas of the body through blood circulation.
Everolimus works by attaching to a certain protein inside the cancer cells and blocks the action of the mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR). This stops the signals that tell the cancer cells to develop and increase. It also stops blood vessels from developing into the tumor. This decreases the tumor’s blood supply and with it, its supply of nutrients and oxygen. Both these effects stop the tumor from developing.
How is Everolimus taken?
The recommended dosage for this treatment will depend on your;
- Medical condition
- Age
- Weight
- Response to the treatment
- Medical history
This is usually taken once a day and taken by mouth. You may take each dose with or without food. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. It is important to choose one way and take the medicine the same way each daily dose. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Take this medication regularly to get the best benefit from it.
Do not use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed as well as increasing your dosage. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while using this medicine unless your doctor says you may do so safely. Ask your doctor for more details.
What are the possible side effects of Everolimus?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Changes in taste
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Temporary hair loss
- Unusual tiredness
What are the precautions in taking Everolimus?
- Do not share this with others who have the same condition as yours.
- Consult your doctor first if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies or current medications (herbal supplements or vitamins)
- This may make you feel dizzy. Avoid driving or using machinery.
- Do not receive any vaccinations/immunizations while having this treatment.
- Avoid having too much alcohol intake.
- Keep this away from the heat and away from the reach of children or pets.
