Afinitor (everolimus) is a chemotherapeutic (chemo) drug used to treat renal cell cancer patients who have not responded to treatment with sunitinib and sorafenib, two commonly utilized chemo drugs. This chemo treatment works by blocking the activity of a specific component within cells--called mTOR--that is involved in tumor growth. Afinitor helps prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells throughout the body and may cause side effects in certain patients.
Stomach Upset
Renal cell carcinoma patients taking Afinitor can experience mild to severe stomach upset as a side effect of treatment. In clinical trials for this medication, at least 30 percent of treated patients experienced diarrhea or stomatitis, explains Novartis, the pharmaceutical company that manufacturers Afinitor. Stomtitis is a side effect characterized by inflammation of the lips, mouth, throat or stomach lining, which can cause affected patients to develop uncomfortable ulcers along these body regions. Certain patients may also experience nausea or begin to vomit during treatment with Afinitor. In combination, these stomach-related side effects can lead to a decreased appetite or weight loss in patients.
Flu-like Symptoms
During treatment with Afinitor, patients can develop flu-like side effects. Fever; muscle pain or weakness; cough; headache; fatigue and stomach upset can occur, which can become uncomfortable for patients. These side effects can arise shortly after beginning Afinitor therapy and may persist for the duration of treatment.
Skin Rash or Irritation
Patients taking Afinitor can develop skin rash symptoms as a side effect of treatment. Red, dry or irritated patches of skin can develop across the body and may begin to itch or flake. These skin rash symptoms can cause patients to frequently scratch at the affected skin region.
Infection
Renal cell carcinoma patients are at an increased risk of developing an infection during treatment with Afinitor. Nearly 40 percent of treated patients developed an infection during clinical trials for this medication, reports the Afinitor prescribing label. Certain patients may also develop pneumonitis--a lung infection--that can lead to side effects of fever, cough, chest discomfort and fatigue. Patients taking Afinitor should contact a doctor immediately if symptoms of infection, such as fever, fatigue, body aches or cough, arise during treatment.
Swelling or Weight Gain
Afinitor can cause unusual body swelling in certain patients as a side effect of treatment, warns Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. Affected patients can develop enlarged or puffy feet, ankles, legs, hands or arms. This fluid retention can also contribute to minor weight gain in certain patients. These side effects of Afinitor are temporary and will resolve once treatment has ended.
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