Everolimus tablets

About everolimus

Everolimus is a medicine which is given for the treatment of some types of cancer. It is prescribed for kidney cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, some lung cancers, advanced breast cancer, and cancer which has spread from the pancreas.

In cancer, certain cells in the body grow and multiply in a way that is 'out of control'. Chemotherapy (anti-cancer) medicines work by inhibiting the way cells grow and increase in number. Everolimus works by blocking the action of a certain protein inside cells. This protein controls the signals to the cell to make it grow, so by stopping it from working properly, this stops cancer cells from growing and increasing in number.

Everolimus can also be used alongside other medicines to help prevent your body from rejecting an organ transplant. It works by suppressing your body's immune, or defence, system.

Before taking everolimus

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking everolimus it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have an infection or feel particularly unwell.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have ever had a bleeding disorder.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take everolimus tablets

• Before you start the treatment, read any printed information you have been given by your doctor and the printed manufacturer's leaflet from inside the pack of tablets. These will give you more information about everolimus and will provide a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Everolimus will be prescribed for you by a specialist doctor who is experienced in treating your condition. There are three brands of everolimus and several strengths of tablet available - your doctor will tell you which brand and which strength of tablet are right for you.

• It is important that you take the tablets exactly as you are told to. The directions for taking the tablets will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you, but if you are still unsure about what to do, or if you have any other concerns, you should contact your doctor or hospital clinic for advice.

• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not crush or break the tablets - they should be swallowed whole.

• If you have difficulty swallowing tablets you may be able to take Votubia® dispersible tablets. These can be dispersed in water. To do this, gently stir the tablets into a small glass containing about 25 ml of water. The tablets must be completely dispersed - this will take at least three minutes. A total of 10 mg or a maximum of five tablets can be dispersed in one glass. Drink the contents of the glass as soon as the tablets have dispersed, and then add some more water to your glass and drink this too.

• Take everolimus at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses regularly. You can choose whether to take the tablets before or after meals, but you should continue to take all your doses in the same way. So, either always take your doses before meals, or always afterwards.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case do not take the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

• Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are on everolimus. This is because a chemical in grapefruit juice can interfere with the amount of everolimus in your bloodstream.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You must try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have regular check-ups during treatment. If at any time you feel short of breath or develop a dry cough, you must let your doctor know about it straightaway so that it can be investigated.

• Everolimus lowers the number of white cells in your blood and this increases the chance that you may get an infection. You should take precautions to reduce the risk of infection whenever you can. So, if possible, avoid other people with infections and let your doctor know straightaway if you think you are getting a sore throat or if you have a high temperature.

• While you are taking everolimus, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Everolimus lowers your body's resistance so there is a chance that you may get an infection from some vaccines.

• If you buy or take any other medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take alongside everolimus. You should not take any preparations which contain St John's wort (a herbal remedy used for low moods), as these can reduce the effectiveness of everolimus.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, always tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

• It is important that you do not get pregnant while you are taking everolimus. If relevant, make sure you discuss with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.

Can everolimus cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with everolimus. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store everolimus

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Please return any unused or unwanted tablets to your clinic or pharmacy to destroy.

Important information about all medicines