Certican
Certican contains everolimus, a medicine that stops your body's immune system from rejecting transplanted kidneys, hearts, or livers.
Form
tabletti
Strength
1 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 Certican by mouth, swallowing the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush them. Doses are usually split into two, one in the morning and one in the evening. Take with or without food, always the same way.
Important
Your doctor will determine your maximum daily dose based on your blood levels and condition.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Infections (viral, bacterial, and fungal)
- •Lower and upper respiratory infections, including lung infections, throat inflammation, and flu
- •Urinary tract infections
- •Anemia (lack of red blood cells)
- •Low white blood cell count (increases infection risk); low platelet count (can cause bleeding or bruising under the skin)
- •High blood fat levels (lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides)
- •Onset of diabetes (high blood sugar)
- •Low blood potassium levels
- •Anxiety
- •Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- •Headache
- •Fluid buildup around the heart, which can weaken the heart's pumping ability if severe
- •High blood pressure
- •Venous thrombosis (blood clot in a large vein)
- •Fluid buildup in the lungs or chest cavity, which can cause shortness of breath if severe
- •Cough
- •Shortness of breath
- •Diarrhea
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Abdominal pain
- •Generalized pain
- •Fever
- •Fluid retention in tissues (edema)
- •Abnormal wound healing
- •Blood poisoning (sepsis)
- •Wound infections
- •Cancer and benign tumors
- •Skin cancer
- •Kidney damage with low platelet and red blood cell counts, possibly with rash (thrombocytopenic purpura / hemolytic uremic syndrome)
- •Breakdown of red blood cells
- •Low red blood cell and platelet counts
- •Rapid heart rate
- •Nosebleeds
- •Low blood cell counts (symptoms may include weakness, bruising, and frequent infections)
- •Blood clots in kidney blood vessels that can lead to transplant loss, often within 30 days after kidney transplant surgery
- •Bleeding disorders
- •Lymph fluid cysts
- •Mouth or throat pain
- •Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- •Mouth sores
- •Acne
- •Hives (urticaria) and other allergic symptoms, such as swelling of the face or throat (angioedema)
- •Rashes
- •Joint pain
- •Muscle pain
- •Protein in urine
- •Kidney-related disorders
- •Impotence
- •Surgical scar hernia
- •Abnormal liver function tests
- •Menstrual disorders (including missed or heavy periods)
RARE
- •Lymphoma (lymphoproliferative disorder after transplant)
- •Low testosterone levels
- •Lung inflammation (pneumonitis)
- •Liver inflammation
- •Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- •Ovarian cysts
- •Abnormal protein buildup in the lungs (symptoms: persistent dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty breathing)
- •Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
- •Swelling, feeling of heaviness or tightness, pain, limited movement in body parts due to fluid buildup in soft tissues (lymphedema)
- •Severe rashes with swelling
- •Low blood iron levels
Important Warnings
- Do not use Certican if you are allergic to everolimus or sirolimus.
- Certican weakens your immune system, increasing your risk of infections. Contact your doctor if you have fever or other signs of infection.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience confusion, speech problems, memory loss, headaches, vision problems, or seizures, as these could be symptoms of a rare but very serious brain condition (PML).
- Certican may slow down wound healing after surgery or if you have an unhealed wound.
- Certican can increase your risk of cancer, especially skin cancer. Protect yourself from the sun and UV light by wearing protective clothing and high SPF sunscreen.
Show 5 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, as your Certican dose may need to be adjusted.
- If you experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing, tell your doctor immediately.
- Certican may affect male fertility, potentially reducing the ability to father children. This effect is usually reversible. Discuss with your doctor if you are planning to have children.
- Do not consume grapefruit juice or grapefruit during Certican treatment, as they can affect how the medicine works.
- Do not take Certican if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised by your doctor. Women who can become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for 8 weeks after.