What is Afinitor? Learn about its FDA-approved uses, dosage, how to take it, who should avoid it, and everything patients need to know.
If your doctor has mentioned Afinitor, you probably have a lot of questions. What does it treat? How do you take it? How much does it cost? This guide covers everything you need to know about Afinitor in plain language — from its FDA-approved uses and dosing to costs and practical tips for 2026.
Afinitor is the brand name for Everolimus, a prescription medication classified as an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) kinase inhibitor. It's manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
In simpler terms, Afinitor is a targeted therapy — it zeroes in on a specific protein (called mTOR) inside cells that drives growth. By blocking this protein, Afinitor slows or stops the growth of cancer cells and abnormal tissue. For a deeper explanation of how this works, see our article on how Afinitor works.
Afinitor is not a controlled substance and comes in two forms:
Related brand names include Zortress (Everolimus for organ transplant rejection prevention) and Certican (used outside the U.S.).
Afinitor has seven FDA-approved uses, covering a range of cancers and rare diseases:
Afinitor is also sometimes used off-label for conditions like advanced thyroid cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and certain types of lymphoma, though these uses are less common.
Afinitor is taken by mouth, once daily. Here are the key dosing details:
Important: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Afinitor. Grapefruit interferes with the way your body processes the drug and can increase the risk of side effects. For a full list of drug interactions to avoid, see our dedicated guide.
Your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor liver function, kidney function, blood counts, blood sugar, and cholesterol while you're on Afinitor.
Afinitor is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Afinitor if you have:
Additionally, Afinitor requires caution or dose adjustments in these situations:
Always share your complete medical history and medication list with your doctor before starting Afinitor. This includes over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products.
Afinitor is an expensive medication. Here's what you need to know about pricing in 2026:
Most commercial insurance and Medicare Part D plans cover Afinitor or generic Everolimus, but it's typically placed on a specialty tier with 25–50% coinsurance. Nearly all plans require prior authorization, and some require step therapy (trying other treatments first). A specialty pharmacy is usually required for dispensing.
For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Afinitor.
Afinitor is a targeted therapy with a wide range of FDA-approved uses — from advanced breast cancer to tuberous sclerosis complex. Understanding what it is, how to take it, and what it costs puts you in a better position to manage your treatment.
If you have a prescription and need help finding Afinitor at a pharmacy, Medfinder can show you which pharmacies near you have it in stock. And if you're concerned about side effects, we've got a detailed guide for that too.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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