Everolimus: Understanding the Differences Between Afinitor and Zortress

Everolimus: A Deeper Understanding

Key Differences at a Glance

Afinitor Zortress
Primarily treats cancer and tumors Used to prevent organ rejection in transplant
Used in advanced breast, kidney, pancreatic cancers, and TSC-related tumors Prescribed for kidney and liver transplant patients
Higher focus on oncology applications Focuses on immunosuppression post-transplant
Common side effects include mouth sores, fatigue, and diarrhea Common side effects include infections and kidney problems

 

While Afinitor and Zortress are both contain Everolimus, they have different uses which require them to be dispensed under dfferent brand names. “This is similar to how Semaglutide is called Wegovy when it is prescribed for weight loss and it is actually called Ozempic when prescribed for use in Diabetes.” said Lindsay Tarachowksi MSN APRN, FNP-BC.  When it comes to medications like Afinitor (everolimus) and Zortress (everolimus), many patients and caregivers might wonder why two different names are associated with the same active ingredient. While both medications contain everolimus, they are prescribed for different conditions and have distinct roles in treatment plans. Let’s explore the differences between Afinitor and Zortress, their uses, and what patients can expect.

What Is Everolimus?

Everolimus is a drug that works as an mTOR inhibitor (mammalian target of rapamycin). This means it interferes with a specific protein that controls cell growth, replication, and survival. By inhibiting mTOR, everolimus can slow down abnormal cell growth, which is why it has applications in cancer treatment as well as in organ transplantation.

Even though both Afinitor and Zortress contain everolimus, their uses are quite distinct.

Afinitor: Targeting Cancer and Non-Cancerous Tumors

Afinitor is primarily prescribed for cancer-related conditions and non-cancerous tumors. It is used to treat:

  • Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
  • Advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) after other treatments have failed.
  • Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) that are advanced or cannot be surgically removed.
  • Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), a type of brain tumor, in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
  • TSC-related renal angiomyolipoma, a type of kidney tumor.

Patients taking Afinitor are often dealing with aggressive cancers or tumors that cannot be treated with surgery alone. As part of a cancer treatment regimen, Afinitor helps slow the growth of these tumors and can improve the efficacy of other cancer therapies.

Common Side Effects of Afinitor:

  • Mouth sores
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Infections
  • Lung problems (pneumonitis)

Patients on Afinitor may also experience changes in blood sugar levels, which requires monitoring.

Zortress: Preventing Organ Rejection

Zortress, on the other hand, is used in organ transplantation to prevent the body from rejecting a new organ. It is prescribed for:

  • Kidney transplant recipients to prevent rejection in adult patients.
  • Liver transplant recipients to prevent rejection in adult patients.

When a person receives a new kidney or liver, their immune system naturally recognizes the new organ as foreign and may attack it. Zortress helps suppress this immune response, reducing the risk of organ rejection.

However, Zortress is not used alone. It is typically part of a combination therapy, often with other immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporine. The goal is to find a balance between preventing rejection and minimizing the side effects of long-term immunosuppression, such as increased risk of infections and certain cancers.

Common Side Effects of Zortress:

  • Increased risk of infections
  • High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Kidney problems

Due to its role in suppressing the immune system, patients on Zortress need to be closely monitored for signs of infection and changes in kidney function.

While Afinitor and Zortress share the same active ingredient, everolimus, their purposes in medical treatments are very different. Afinitor is primarily used in oncology to manage the growth of tumors and certain cancers, while Zortress plays a crucial role in preventing organ rejection following kidney or liver transplants.

Patients taking either medication should be aware of the potential side effects and regularly consult with their healthcare provider for ongoing monitoring. If you’re prescribed either Afinitor or Zortress, understanding their differences can help you navigate your treatment and manage expectations more effectively.

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