Afinitor 5mg Tablets

Afinitor 5 mg Tablets are anti-cancer medicines. The primary uses of Afinitor 5 mg tablets are to treat breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and lung cancer. This medicine is also used in various other hormone receptor-positive cancers or neuroendocrine tumours.

It can be given to adults and children over the age of 3. The effectiveness of this medicine depends on the duration for which it is used and the severity of cancer. This tablet contains Everolimus as its single main ingredient.

The mode of action of Afinitor 5 mg tablets is to lower the growth and development of the cancer cells by multiple pathways. This medicine is also used to lower immunity in case of a transplant and to prevent organ rejection. Drowsiness, weakness, infection, sinus inflammation, cough, diarrhoea, fever, and fatigue are some common side effects of Afinitor 5 mg tablets.

Try to follow your doctor’s directions for using Afinitor 5 mg tablets. The duration of this treatment depends on the severity of the Consult the doctor if these side effects do not subside and continue for a long duration or if there is an increase in severity of the conditions. Notify the doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.

Avoid consuming alcohol or driving after taking Afinitor tablets. Elderly people are more sensitive to Afinitor, so the doctors may adjust the dosage according to the condition.

Dosage

Overdose

An overdose of Afinitor 5 mg tablets can cause side effects such as a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing, wheezing, etc. In cases of an overdose of Afinitor 5 mg tablets, consult your doctor and seek medical treatment.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed a single dose of Afinitor 5 mg tablet, take it as soon as possible. If it is time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose of the Afinitor tablet and take the next one. Consult the doctor if you have any confusion regarding this or missed more than a few doses. Do not take both doses together, as it can result in various overdose symptoms.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

The Afinitor 5 mg tablets have only one main ingredient: Everolimus. Everolimus is an anti-cancer medicine. It works by inhibiting a certain enzyme (MTOR), which is known to be upregulated in various human cancers. This medicine binds a protein in the cells to form a complex that stops the action of that particular enzyme (MTOR). It results in stopping the pathway that forms the proteins required for the cell cycles and cell growth. This medicine also lowers various growth factors required for the development of cancer cells. Everolimus is a potent inhibitor of the growth and multiplication of tumour cells, endothelial cells of blood vessels, fibroblasts, and blood-vessel-associated smooth muscle cells.

Directions for Use

• Use the Afinitor 5 mg tablets precisely as directed by your doctor.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dosage, which can lead to side effects.
• Do not crush, break, or chew Afinitor 5 mg tablets.
• It is better to swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water as soon as it is opened.
• Take this medicine at the same time each day to maintain the optimal dose in the body.
• Afinitor 5 mg tablets should be taken with or without consuming the food.
• Do not use this medicine with other medication without asking your doctor first.
• Do not suddenly stop using Afinitor 5 mg tablets without informing your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take the Afinitor 5 mg tablets during pregnancy?

No, Afinitor 5 mg tablets can be unsafe if taken during pregnancy. There is no adequate data on the use of this medicine in pregnant women. A few studies have shown some toxic effects on the embryo and the foetus. Please consult your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take the Afinitor 5 mg tablets while breastfeeding?

No, Afinitor 5 mg tablets are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. This medicine transfers to the breast milk and reaches the infant. It can lead to various disorders in breastfed babies. Either breastfeeding should be discontinued, or the medication should be changed. Please consult your doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Afinitor 5 mg tablets?

No, do not drive after using an Afinitor 5 mg tablet may lower the general alertness, which can affect the vision or make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Do not drive if you start noticing these symptoms.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with the Afinitor 5 mg tablets?

No, alcohol can increase the side effects of Afinitor 5 mg tablets, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty focusing. Some people may also have impairment in thinking or judgement. Avoid or limit the use of alcohol while using these tablets.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have kidney dysfunction and changes in creatinine levels.
• You are an elderly person over the age of 65. The clearance of this medicine should be monitored.
• You have mouth ulcers.
• You have a previous history of heart failure
• You are trying to conceive a baby.
• You notice any changes in your weight.
• You have changes in blood cell count such as neutrophils, platelets, etc.
• You are using any herbal or ayurvedic medicines and supplements while using Afinitor tablets.

Contraindications

• If you have a known hypersensitive reaction to Piracetam or any ingredient of Afinitor 5 mg tablet.
• If you are diagnosed with Non-infectious pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue).
• If you have any systemic infections. This medicine reduces immunity, so the infection can get worse after using this medicine.
• If you have significant or serious kidney dysfunction. The levels of creatine should be checked regularly.
• If you are taking any live vaccinations while using Afinitor tablets. Avoid close contact with others who took live vaccines.
• If you are currently expecting or planning to conceive, this medicine can harm the foetus.

Side effects

• diarrhoea
• constipation
• weight loss
• change in the ability to taste any food
• dry mouth
• weakness
• headache

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Using certain medications that are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, etc., along with Afinitor 5 mg tablets, should be avoided. The combinations of these medicines will lower the metabolism of Afinitor 5 mg tablets, which results in high levels of this medicine in the body and increased side effects.
• If you are using certain types of medicines that are moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin, verapamil, cyclosporin, etc., along with Afinitor 5 mg tablets, inform your doctor. These medicines will also increase the levels of Afinitor tablets. However, the dose can be adjusted to prevent any toxic levels of this medicine and side effects.
• Do not use different types of medicines that are strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampicin, dexamethasone, carbamazepine, etc., along with Afinitor 5 mg tablets. These medicines can decrease the levels of Afinitor tablets which lowers its effectiveness and worsen cancer.

Interactions with food items

• Try to avoid having grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with Afinitor 5 mg tablets unless specifically directed otherwise by the doctor. Grapefruit can increase the levels of Afinitor medicine in the body, which can increase toxicity and side effects.

Storage and disposal

Store Afinitor 5 mg tablets in dry conditions at room temperature, away from wet surfaces, direct sunlight, and humidity. Keep Afinitor 5 mg tablets far away from pets and children. Dispose of the packaging of these tablets carefully after use. Check the expiration date before taking the tablet. Do not use it if it's past the expiration date and dispose of it as biomedical waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Afinitor 5 mg tablets cause any fertility problems if I use them daily?

The potential of Afinitor tablets to cause infertility in male and female patients is not known. However, some women have had menstrual problems such as amenorrhoea (secondary amenorrhoea and other menstrual irregularities) and associated hormonal imbalance. Based on non-clinical studies, this medicine has caused problems with both male and female fertility. Consult your doctor.

Are ​​Afinitor 5 mg tablets safe for children

Afinitor 5 mg tablets are used in children for the treatment of various cancers. However, there are not many studies that have established this medicine’s safety in children.

Can Afinitor 5 mg tablets cause weight gain if I use them every day?

Afinitor 5 mg tablets can cause weight gain as a side effect. The amount of weight gained varies from one person to another. Your doctor may warn you about the risk of weight gain at the initiation of the treatment. Try to exercise regularly and eat healthy food to counter the weight gain from this medicine.