Certican
Everolimus (Certican) is a medicine that weakens your immune system to help prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted organ (kidney, heart, or liver).
Form
tabletti
Strength
0.5 mg
Active Ingredient
Everolimus
Manufacturer
Novartis Finland Oy
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose is 1.5 mg per day for kidney and heart transplants, and 2.0 mg per day for liver transplants.
Method
Take the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush them. Always take with food or always on an empty stomach to keep levels consistent.
Important
The daily dose is usually split into two, one in the morning and one in the evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
- •lower or upper respiratory tract infections, like pneumonia, sore throat, or common cold
- •urinary tract infections
- •anemia (lack of red blood cells)
- •low white blood cells or platelets, which can increase infection risk or cause bruising and bleeding
- •high blood fat levels (cholesterol, triglycerides) or high blood sugar (diabetes)
- •low potassium in blood
- •anxiety or difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- •headache
- •fluid around the heart or in the lungs/chest, which can cause shortness of breath or weaken the heart's pumping ability
- •high blood pressure
- •venous thrombosis (blood clot in a large vein)
- •cough or shortness of breath
- •diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- •generalized pain
- •fever
- •fluid retention in tissues or abnormal wound healing
- •blood poisoning (sepsis)
- •wound infection
- •cancers or benign tumors, including skin cancer
- •kidney damage or blood clots in kidney blood vessels that can lead to loss of the transplant
- •red blood cell breakdown
- •fast heart rate
- •nosebleeds
- •bleeding disorders
- •lymph cysts
- •mouth or throat pain, mouth ulcers
- •pancreatitis
- •acne
- •hives or allergic swelling in the face or throat
- •rashes
- •joint or muscle pain
- •protein in urine
- •impotence
- •incisional hernia
- •abnormal liver function tests
- •menstrual problems, including absent or heavy periods
RARE
- •lymphoma (lymphoproliferative disorder after transplant)
- •low testosterone levels
- •lung or liver inflammation
- •jaundice
- •ovarian cysts
- •abnormal protein buildup in lungs (dry cough, fatigue, breathing difficulties)
- •inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
- •swelling, heaviness or tightness, pain, or limited movement due to lymph fluid buildup (lymphoedema)
- •severe rashes with swelling
- •low iron in blood
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to everolimus, sirolimus, or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- This medicine weakens your immune system, increasing your risk of infections. Tell your doctor right away if you get a fever, feel unwell, or have signs of an infection.
- Seek immediate medical help if you experience confusion, speech problems, memory loss, headache, vision changes, or seizures, as these can be signs of a rare but serious brain condition (PML).
- This medicine may increase your risk of cancer, especially skin and lymphoma cancer. Protect yourself from the sun and use sunscreen.
- If you recently had surgery or have a wound that isn't healing, Certican may slow down wound healing.
Show 3 more warnings
- Certican can affect male fertility. Discuss with your doctor if you plan to have children.
- Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women who can get pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for 8 weeks after stopping.
- Do not consume grapefruit juice or grapefruit during treatment, as they can affect how the medicine works.