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The safety and warnings outlined below are crucial for understanding the potential risks associated with using this medication. It's essential to review them carefully and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

• Lung Issues: Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you experience coughing or difficulty breathing while taking everolimus (Afinitor), as it can cause lung inflammation. Your provider will assess whether the symptoms are due to the medication or an infection and provide appropriate treatment. If symptoms are mild, treatment may continue with a corticosteroid to reduce lung inflammation. However, if symptoms are severe, discontinuation of the medication may be necessary.

• Blood Cell Counts and Infections: Using other medications that suppress the immune system can increase the risk of low blood cell counts and serious infections.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Everolimus (Afinitor) may cause allergic reactions, including severe cases such as anaphylaxis. Individuals taking ACE inhibitors like lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) are at a heightened risk for angioedema, characterized by swelling of the face and tongue. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience throat tightness, breathing difficulties, flushing, chest pain, or swelling of the face, airways, or tongue.

• Mouth Sores: This medication can lead to painful mouth ulcers or sores, particularly within the first two months of treatment. If you experience these, consult your provider for possible remedies such as mouthwashes or ice chips to alleviate discomfort.

• Kidney Concerns: Everolimus (Afinitor) can negatively impact kidney function, possibly leading to kidney failure. Regular lab tests will be performed to monitor kidney health before and during treatment. Contact your provider immediately if you notice blood in the urine, urinary difficulties, or changes in urine color or cloudiness, as these may indicate serious kidney issues.

• Elevated Blood Sugar and Lipid Levels: This medication can increase blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Your provider will ensure these levels are managed before and during treatment. Individuals with diabetes will require more frequent monitoring. If these levels become unmanageable, discontinuation of the medication may be recommended.

• Radiation Therapy Sensitivity: Everolimus (Afinitor) can cause inflammation and increased sensitivity in areas exposed to radiation therapy, potentially leading to additional side effects. This risk applies to radiation received before, during, or after treatment with everolimus (Afinitor).

• Risk to Unborn Babies and Fertility: Animal studies suggest that everolimus (Afinitor) can harm an unborn baby. Therefore, contraception is advised during treatment, continuing for 8 weeks post-treatment for females and 4 weeks for males. Inform your provider immediately if pregnancy occurs during this period.

Contraindications: This medication should not be used if you have an allergy to everolimus (Afinitor) or other rapamycins such as sirolimus (Rapamune) and temsirolimus (Torisel). Consult your healthcare provider if this applies to you.

Everolimus can cause several common side effects that, while typically mild, should be monitored. These include diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss, changes in taste, dry skin, dizziness, headache, and temporary hair loss. Some people may experience nosebleeds, mouth ulcers, or inflammation, and fluid buildup in the arms or legs. It's also common for individuals to have abnormal blood cell counts, higher cholesterol levels, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal liver or kidney lab values. Rash, stomach pain, fever, cough, and extreme tiredness are also possible.

In terms of serious side effects, everolimus requires close attention due to risks such as infections that can manifest as persistent fever, chills, or cough. There is also a potential for serious bleeding issues, lung problems, and allergic reactions. Symptoms of these conditions include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and significant or unusual bleeding. Rarely, everolimus may lead to severe kidney or liver problems, signified by changes in urine output or jaundice, and a serious brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) that can cause confusion, coordination issues, or vision changes.

Patients should be aware that this medication could exacerbate side effects from radiation treatments and may increase cholesterol or triglycerides. Furthermore, it can affect blood sugar levels, necessitating regular monitoring, especially for those with diabetes. While the drug can impact hair and nail health, these effects are usually temporary. If any unusual or bothersome symptoms occur, contacting a healthcare professional for guidance is advised.

Everolimus (Afinitor) may interact with a variety of medications and supplements. It's important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products.

Certain medications can interfere with how everolimus is processed in your body, potentially altering its effectiveness. For instance, azole antifungals such as Itraconazole and Ketoconazole, as well as macrolide antibiotics like Clarithromycin and Erythromycin, can affect its removal. Other interacting drugs include cobicistat, Nefazodone, HIV protease inhibitors like Ritonavir and Atazanavir, and the herbal supplement St. John's wort.

Some live vaccines, such as those for adenovirus, cholera, and influenza, may also interact with everolimus, so their use should be discussed with your doctor. Additionally, certain blood pressure medications, including ACE inhibitors like Captopril, Lisinopril, and Enalapril, may not be recommended. Your doctor might need to adjust your treatment plan if you're using these medications alongside everolimus.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the safe use of everolimus with other treatments you may be receiving.