Key points
- Everolimus is one 10 mg tablet a day [1].
- With exemestane, it kept advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer under control for longer [2].
- Mouth sores are the most common side effect; a dexamethasone mouthwash from day one helps.
What is this drug and how does it work?
Everolimus blocks a growth pathway in cancer cells (mTOR) and also reduces the growth of tumour blood vessels [1].
For physicians
An mTORC1 inhibitor (binds FKBP-12) [1].
Which cancers is it used for?
- Advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, with exemestane [1, 2]
- Advanced kidney cancer after previous treatment [1]
- Neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas, lung and gut [1]
For physicians
| Disease | Use | Key evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced HR+ breast cancer after a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor | With exemestane | BOLERO-2: median progression-free survival 6.9 vs 2.8 months (local assessment) [2] |
| Kidney cancer, neuroendocrine tumours | [1] | — |
How it is taken and dosing
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Take it once a day at the same time, either always with food or always without, swallowed whole with water [1]. Do not eat grapefruit.
For physicians
Standard dosing (FDA label)
Everolimus
Breast, kidney and neuroendocrine cancersCycle length: Daily
Breast, kidney and neuroendocrine cancers
| Drug | Dose | Route | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everolimus | 10 mg once daily | Oral | Daily |
Grade 2 stomatitis: hold until grade 0 or 1 and resume at the same dose; on recurrence: 50% of the dose; grade 3: hold and resume at 50%; grade 4: discontinue. Lower dose in hepatic impairment; avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [1].
Doses follow the trial protocol, guideline or official drug label (source given in the notes of each regimen). Before prescribing, check blood counts, renal and hepatic function, drug interactions and the patient’s condition, and adjust the dose according to the drug label.
Side effects
The most common side effects: mouth sores, infections, rash, tiredness, diarrhoea, swelling, nausea, poor appetite and raised blood sugar and blood fats [1].
For physicians
Stomatitis, infections, rash, fatigue, diarrhoea, oedema, nausea, anorexia; hyperglycaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, anaemia [1].
Serious side effects
Serious side effects: lung inflammation without infection (pneumonitis), serious infections, kidney damage, slow wound healing and a big rise in blood sugar [1].
For physicians
When should I call my doctor?
- A new cough or shortness of breath
- Fever
- Painful mouth sores that stop you eating
- Great thirst and passing a lot of urine
Interactions, pregnancy and precautions
- Mouth sores: an alcohol-free mouthwash and, if your doctor advises, a dexamethasone mouthwash from day one.
- Other medicines: antifungal drugs, clarithromycin and grapefruit raise the drug level; rifampicin and epilepsy medicines lower it [1].
- Pregnancy: this drug may harm an unborn baby; use effective contraception during treatment and tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant. Do not breastfeed during treatment [1].
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get mouth sores?
Mouth sores are the most common side effect of everolimus and usually appear in the first weeks; tell your doctor early so treatment or the dose can be adjusted [1].
Related cancer types
References
2 referencesShow all references, 1 with a study cardClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
- 1
- 2
This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 27 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
Printed from the website; the full and up-to-date version: https://drdabiri.com/en/drugs/everolimus/