Everolimus

Say it: eh-ver-OH-lih-mus · Brand names: Afinitor, Afinitor Disperz

Everolimus is a targeted therapy pill that blocks a protein called mTOR, which helps cancer cells grow.

What it is

mTOR is a protein that acts like a switch for cell growth and for making new blood vessels. Everolimus turns this switch down. This can slow the growth of some tumors.

Often used for

• hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer that has spread, given with exemestane
• neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, stomach, bowel, or lung
• advanced kidney cancer
• certain tumors in people with tuberous sclerosis complex

How you get it

Everolimus is a pill you take by mouth at home, once a day at the same time. Take it the same way every day, either always with food or always without. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Mouth sores, which are very common. Your team may give you a special mouthwash. Avoid mouthwash with alcohol or peroxide.
• Infections. Wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick.
• Rash. Use gentle soap and fragrance free lotion.
• Feeling tired or weak. Rest when you need to, and try short walks.
• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids. Tell your team early, since they may give you medicine to help.
• Swelling in your hands, feet, or face. Tell your team if it gets worse.
• Cough. Tell your team if it is new or gets worse.
• Higher blood sugar or cholesterol. You will have blood tests to check.

Call your care team right away if you have

• New or worse cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
• Signs of infection, such as a cough, burning when you pee, or a sore that will not heal
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing
• Signs of high blood sugar, such as feeling very thirsty, peeing a lot, or feeling confused
• Peeing much less than normal

Before you start, tell your team

• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you have an infection, or have had hepatitis B
• If you have diabetes or high cholesterol
• If you take a blood pressure medicine called an ACE inhibitor, since it raises the chance of face and throat swelling
• If you plan to get any vaccines, since live vaccines should be avoided
• If you have surgery or dental work planned, since this medicine can slow wound healing

Good to know

• It can cause inflammation of the lungs. Tell your team about any new cough or shortness of breath.
• It weakens the immune system, so infections can be more serious.
• You will have blood tests to check your blood sugar, cholesterol, kidneys, and blood counts.
• It can slow wound healing and can make radiation side effects worse.
• This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use birth control during treatment and for some time after. Ask your team how long.

At home

• Take it at the same time each day, the same way each day with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not chew or crush them.
• If you take the tablets for liquid (Afinitor Disperz), mix them only in water as your team showed you. Ask your team if the person helping you should wear gloves.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after taking it, ask your team what to do. Do not take extra pills to make up for it.
• Store the pills at room temperature in the original bottle, away from children and pets.

Questions to ask

• How long will I take this medicine?
• What can I do to prevent mouth sores?
• Which vaccines are safe for me?
• Which side effects should I call about right away, and which can wait until my next visit?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Low white blood cells and infection risk
• Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
• Cough

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.