Certican
Certican is an immunosuppressant medicine used in adults to prevent the body's immune system from rejecting transplanted kidney, heart, or liver organs.
Form
dispergoituva tabletti
Strength
0.1 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. This is typically divided into two doses, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Method
Take Certican dispersible tablets by mouth. Place the tablet(s) in about 25 ml of water in a plastic cup. Allow the tablet(s) to dissolve for about 2 minutes, then gently stir and drink the mixture. Rinse the cup with another 25 ml of water and drink completely.
Important
The maximum daily dose is determined by your doctor based on your specific condition and blood levels, typically starting at up to 2.0 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
- •Lower respiratory infections, including pneumonia
- •Upper respiratory infections, like pharyngitis and common cold
- •Urinary tract infections
- •Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- •Low white blood cell count (increased infection risk)
- •Low platelet count (subcutaneous bleeding/bruising)
- •High blood fat levels (lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides)
- •Onset of diabetes (high blood sugar levels)
- •Low blood potassium levels
- •Anxiety
- •Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- •Headache
- •Fluid accumulation around the heart (pericardial effusion)
- •High blood pressure
- •Venous thrombosis (blood clot in a large vein)
- •Fluid accumulation in lungs/chest cavity (breathlessness)
- •Cough
- •Shortness of breath
- •Diarrhea
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Abdominal pain
- •Generalized pain
- •Fever
- •Fluid retention in tissues
- •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
- •Red blood cell breakdown
- •Low red blood cell and platelet counts
- •Rapid heart rate
- •Nosebleeds
- •Decreased blood cell counts (weakness, bruising, frequent infections)
- •Blood clots in kidney blood vessels (graft loss risk)
- •Bleeding disorders
- •Lymphatic fluid cysts
- •Mouth or throat pain
- •Pancreatitis
- •Mouth ulcers
- •Acne
- •Hives and other allergic symptoms like facial or throat swelling
- •Rashes
- •Joint pain
- •Muscle pain
- •Protein in urine
- •Kidney disorders
- •Impotence
- •Incisional hernia
- •Abnormal liver function tests
- •Menstrual disorders (absent or heavy periods)
RARE
- •Lymphatic tissue cancer (lymphoma/post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder)
- •Low testosterone levels
- •Lung inflammation (pneumonitis)
- •Liver inflammation
- •Jaundice
- •Ovarian cysts
- •Abnormal protein accumulation in lungs (persistent dry cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing)
- •Vasculitis (inflammation in blood vessels)
- •Swelling, heaviness/tightness, pain, limited mobility (lymphedema)
- •Severe rashes with swelling
- •Low blood iron levels
- •Confusion, impaired speech, memory loss, headache, impaired vision or seizures (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, PML)
Important Warnings
- Do not use Certican if you are allergic to everolimus or sirolimus.
- This medicine can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections; contact your doctor if you have fever, general illness, persistent cough, or burning urination.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience confusion, speech problems, memory loss, headache, vision problems, or seizures, as these can be signs of a rare but very serious condition (PML).
- If you've recently had major surgery or have unhealed wounds, Certican may increase the risk of wound healing problems.
- Immunosuppressants like Certican can increase the risk of cancer, especially skin and lymphatic tissue cancer, so limit sun exposure and use high SPF sunscreen.
Show 3 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
- Report any respiratory symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing to your doctor.
- Certican can temporarily affect male fertility by reducing sperm production; discuss treatment with your doctor if you plan to have children.