Afinitor

Afinitor (everolimus) is a targeted cancer therapy that works by blocking a protein called mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) that helps cancer cells grow and multiply. Unlike traditional chemotherapy that attacks all rapidly dividing cells, Afinitor specifically targets the pathway cancer cells use to survive and spread. This makes it effective against several types of cancer including breast cancer, kidney cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and brain tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis. When you buy Afinitor through online pharmacy delivery services, you’re getting a precision medicine that has helped thousands of cancer patients.

Manufactured by Novartis in Switzerland, Afinitor comes as tablets in 5mg and 10mg strengths. The medication is taken once daily, usually at the same time each day with or without food. Your oncologist will determine the right dose based on your specific cancer type, overall health, and how well you tolerate the medication.

How Afinitor Works

Cancer cells need nutrients and signals to grow. Inside cells, mTOR acts like a control center that regulates cell growth, division, and survival. When mTOR is overactive, it sends constant “grow and multiply” signals to cancer cells, helping tumors expand and spread. Many cancers have abnormally high mTOR activity, which is why they grow so aggressively.

Afinitor blocks mTOR, essentially cutting off these growth signals. Without mTOR activity, cancer cells can’t grow as quickly, divide as rapidly, or form new blood vessels to feed the tumor. The medication also affects the tumor’s ability to get nutrients and oxygen by reducing blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). This multi-pronged approach slows tumor growth and can even shrink some tumors.

The drug doesnt cure cancer but helps control it—often for extended periods. It works as part of your overall treatment plan, sometimes alone and sometimes combined with other cancer therapies. Response varies between individuals, with some people experiencing significant tumor shrinkage while others see stable disease where the cancer stops growing.

Cancer Types Afinitor Treats

For hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has spread (advanced), Afinitor is combined with exemestane (a hormone therapy) after other treatments have stopped working. This combination helps postmenopausal women whose cancer progressed on letrozole or anastrozole. The medication helps hormone therapy work better by blocking pathways cancer cells use to resist treatment.

Advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) that has spread is another major use. Afinitor helps when other treatments like sunitinib or sorafenib havent worked. It slows disease progression and can extend survival time. Many kidney cancer patients take it as second or third-line therapy after other cancer medications stop working.

For neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic, gastrointestinal, or lung origin that cant be surgically removed, Afinitor slows progression. These rare tumors often grow slowly, but Afinitor can keep them stable for months or years. It’s approved for progressive, well-differentiated tumors that have spread or can’t be removed with surgery.

Renal angiomyolipoma—benign kidney tumors that can cause serious bleeding—shrink with Afinitor treatment in people who don’t need immediate surgery. This is especially helpful for patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) who develop these tumors.

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a brain tumor occurring in people with tuberous sclerosis. Afinitor can shrink these tumors when surgery isnt an option, improving symptoms like seizures and hydrocephalus. It’s the only FDA-approved medication for this condition.

Taking Afinitor Properly

Take tablets at the same time daily with a full glass of water. Swallow them whole—dont crush, chew, or break them. You can take them with or without food, but be consistent. If you take them with food one day, always take them with food. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase drug levels and cause more side effects, so avoid them completely.

If you miss a dose and its more than 6 hours until your next scheduled dose, take it right away. If less than 6 hours remain, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never double up to make up for missed doses.

Monitoring and Management

Regular blood tests are essential while taking Afinitor. Your doctor will check blood counts, kidney function, liver function, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels before starting treatment and regularly during treatment. The medication can cause low blood counts, high blood sugar, elevated cholesterol, and liver problems.

Watch for infection signs since Afinitor suppresses your immune system. Report fever, persistent cough, painful urination, or unusual fatigue immediately. Mouth sores are common—use soft toothbrushes, avoid spicy or acidic foods, and ask about special mouthwashes to prevent them.

Lung problems can develop including inflammation (pneumonitis). Report new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing immediately. These symptoms require prompt evaluation and may require stopping the medication temporarily or permanently.

Important Safety Considerations

Afinitor increases infection risk because it weakens your immune system. Avoid contact with people who have contagious illnesses. Wash hands frequently. You cant receive live vaccines while taking Afinitor—this includes MMR, chickenpox, shingles, and yellow fever vaccines. Inactivated vaccines like flu shots are safe.

The medication can affect wound healing. Tell your doctor about any planned surgeries—you may need to stop Afinitor temporarily before and after procedures. Dont start taking it right after major surgery until wounds have healed.

Blood sugar levels can rise, especially in people with diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar closely if diabetic. Some people develop diabetes while taking Afinitor. High cholesterol and triglycerides are common—your doctor may prescribe medications to manage these.

Who Should Avoid Afinitor

Dont use Afinitor if youre allergic to everolimus, sirolimus, or any ingredients. People with severe liver disease need dose adjustments or may not be able to take it. Tell your doctor about all health conditions including lung or breathing problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, infections, or recent surgeries.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant shouldnt take Afinitor—it can harm the developing baby. Use effective birth control during treatment and for 8 weeks after the last dose. Men with partners who could become pregnant should also use contraception. Dont breastfeed while taking Afinitor.

When managing cancer treatment through an electronic pharmacy, coordinate all medications with your oncology team. Proper management ensures safe, effective treatment throughout your cancer journey.