Key facts about Zortress
What is Zortress?
Zortress is the brand name for everolimus and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Zortress available in?
Zortress is available as a 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, and 1 mg oral tablets.
What is Zortress used for?
Zortress is an immunosuppressant that is used for the prevention of liver and kidney transplant rejection.
How does Zortress work?
Zortress is an immunosuppressant that lowers the activity of your immune system. You need a suppressed (lowered) immune system after receiving a transplant so your body doesn’t reject the new organ.
How do I take Zortress?
Zortress is dosed as follows:
Kidney transplant: The typical starting dose is 0.75 mg by mouth two times a day, starting as soon as possible after your transplant.
Liver transplant: The typical starting dose is 1 mg by mouth two times a day, starting 30 days after your transplant.
Is it safe for me to take Zortress?
Zortress is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Zortress Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Zortress:
- Swelling in the arms and legs
- Constipation
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Low blood count, anemia
- UTI, bladder infection
- Higher cholesterol and fat in the blood
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Changes in labs
- Trouble sleeping
Zortress Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Zortress. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Infection: Fever and chills, fatigue, muscle aches
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Zortress
The following medications may interact with Zortress:
- Strong-moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine, ketoconazole
- erythromycin, verapamil) and CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may affect
- everolimus concentrations. Consider Zortress dose adjustment .
- Therapeutic drug monitoring and dose reduction for Zortress should be
- considered when Zortress is coadministered with cannabidiol.
Who makes Zortress?
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Is Zortress safe in pregnancy?
Zortress may harm your unborn baby. If you are able to become
pregnant, you should use effective birth control during treatment and for 8 weeks after your last dose of
Zortress. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that may be right for you during this time. If you
become pregnant or think you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away. You should not become
pregnant during treatment with Zortress.
