AFINITOR, 5MG, TABLET

Common uses

This medication is typically used as part of chemotherapy.

How to use this medication

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects.

Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. You should take this medication at approximately the same time each day.

It is not advisable to split, chew or crush this medication since it may irritate your mouth and gastrointestinal tract. If you remember missing a dose within 6 hours of the time it is usually taken, take the missed dose as soon as possible, then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. If the dose is missed by more than 6 hours, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.

This medication may be taken with or without food, but always the same way (always with or always without food). Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your treatment. Grapefruit can seriously affect how this medication works.

Possible side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

• it may cause anemia (low red blood cells);
• it may cause difficulty breathing;
• it may cause a general feeling of weakness;
• it may increase the amount of cholesterol in your blood;
• it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting.

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage information

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely. To remain effective, this product must be kept in its original packaging. Do not transfer it to another container.

Additional information

Taking this medication during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential and men who are taking the medication should use an effective contraceptive method during treatment and for several weeks after the end of it. Ask your health care professional for details.

Although the drugs you are taking are intended to help you, they can be harmful to those around you. Make sure that a professional who oversees your treatment has given you all the necessary precautions.

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

Blood donation is usually refused during this treatment.

A treatment with this medication requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.

This agent may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. It is recommended that you contact your doctor if you experience signs of infections like fever and chills since some users have developed serious infections. Many vaccines must be avoided during your treatment - be sure to mention it to your health professionals.

This information handout only provides an overview of your treatment. Given the complex nature of your treatment, you will receive information that is much more comprehensive and that deals specifically with your needs. Make sure that you have all the relevant information regarding your medication.

General information

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

• Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
• If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
• If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
• The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.

It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.