Zortress (Everolimus)

What is Zortress?

Zortress belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressants.

What is Zortress used for?

Zortress is used, with other medicines, to keep the body from rejecting the transplanted organs such as liver, kidney or heart.

How does Zortress work?

Zortress works by weakening body’s immune system so as to allow the body to accept the new organ.

How to use Zortress

Zortress should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Do not use it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended.

Zortress is usually taken every 12 hours (with cyclosporine dose). It can be taken with or without food. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets, swallow a tablet whole. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis. You may also be required to get your kidney and liver functions tested often. Therefore, it is important not to miss any scheduled appointment to the doctor.

Zortress warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus, or temsirolimus. Also, the medication is not to be used if you have trouble digesting lactose or galactose.

Prior to taking Zortress, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, breathing disorder (like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/ COPD), high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, personal/ family history of skin cancer. You may need a dose adjustment.

Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Do not receive a LIVE vaccine while you are being treated with this medication. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial Ultraviolet rays as it can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Zortress can affect fertility (of both man and woman). Pregnant women should not take this medicine and lactating females should consult their doctors before taking this medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Zortress dose?

If you have missed your Zortress dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember - if you are less than six hours late for taking the medicine. Do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Zortress overdose?

If you have taken a Zortress overdose, you should seek medical attention right away.

Zortress interactions

Before taking Zortress, consult your doctor if you are taking isoniazid (for treatment of tuberculosis), rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, dexamethasone, aprepitant, St. John’s wort, antidepressants (like nefazodone), antifungal medications, drugs that weaken immune system, antibiotics, barbiturates, heart or blood pressure medicines, HIV medication, or seizure medications. These might interact with Zortress.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Zortress side effects

Zortress side effects include hives, breathing trouble, body ache, fever, chills, back ache, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, pain in stomach, groin or sides, pale skin, bruising, bleeding, swelling, weight gain, decreased urination, blood in urine, dark urine, pain/ burning sensation while urinating, light headedness, concentration troubles, increased heart rate, red or purple spots under the skin, oozing, sores or white patches in the mouth or on lips, sore throat, appetite loss or other signs of infection. If you get any of these side effects after using Zortress, contact your doctor.

Headache, diarrhea, fatigue, dry skin, insomnia, or pain in arms or legs are some less serious side effects of Zortress.