Everolimus

Everolimus is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of patients who have undergone solid organ transplants, including kidney and heart transplants. It may be given alongside other immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus or ciclosporin, or other anti-neoplastic drugs such as Exemestane in breast cancer. Due to the narrow therapeutic index and potential for adverse side effects, blood concentrations of everolimus must be routinely monitored. This is especially important in the first few months after transplant, as the dose needs to be high enough to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ, but not so high that it causes serious adverse effects such as blood abnormalities, or severe infection.

Due to the narrow therapeutic index and potential adverse side effects, blood concentrations of Everolimus must be routinely monitored, usually on a pre-dose (trough) sample. This is especially important in the first few months after transplant, as the dose needs to be high enough to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ, but not so high that it causes serious adverse effects such as kidney failure and severe infection.