Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Afinitor. It helps treat several types of cancer. 

Afinitor is often taken once a day at the same time each day. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. You should swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. You should use scissors to open the blister pack. Do not take any tablet that is broken or crushed. Your doctor may prescribe a special mouthwash that does not contain alcohol to help reduce mouth sores.

Many people will have side effects. Common side effects include a headache, dry mouth, nausea and either diarrhea or constipation. You could also feel a little tired or dizzy. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving.

As with any medicine, more serious side effects could occur. With Afinitor, these include allergic reactions, breathing problems, kidney failure and infections. You should read the Patient Information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and will order blood tests.

Afinitor can interact with other medicines. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, especially before taking ACE inhibitors. You should check before getting vaccines. Also, do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.

Afinitor is not safe for unborn babies. Both men AND women must check with their doctors about which birth control to use and for how long. Women should not breastfeed.

For best results with Afinitor, work closely with your doctor to manage side effects.