Sirolimus



Rapamune®







Sirolimus

(sir OH li mus)

U.S. Brand Names
Rapamune®
Canadian Brand Names
Rapamune®
Pharmacologic Category
Immunosuppressant Agent
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • You will have an increased risk of getting infections. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to sirolimus or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent rejection after organ transplant.
How does it work?
  • Sirolimus helps the body accept a transplanted organ.
  • It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • This medicine is used in combination with other medicine to help the body accept the new organ.
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take this medicine with or without food, but be consistent. Always take with food or always take on an empty stomach.
  • Oral solution:
  • Put cup of water or orange juice into a cup.
  • Measure the medicine in the oral dose syringe. Empty medicine from syringe into cup. Mix well and drink.
  • Fill container again with cup of water or orange juice. Mix well and drink.
  • Medicine in the pouch:
  • Put cup of water or orange juice into a cup.
  • Empty the pouch into the container. Mix well and drink.
  • Fill container again with cup of water or orange juice. Mix well and drink.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take cyclosporine capsules (Neoral®) or oral solution (Neoral®) within 4 hours of this medicine.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Use birth control that you can trust before treatment begins, during treatment, and for 3 months after treatment ends.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol level.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Anemia.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Swelling.
  • Muscle pain.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store tablets at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store liquid (solution) in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 1 month.
  • Liquid (solution) may look hazy when refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and shake gently until haze goes away.
  • Store liquid (solution) in a syringe at room temperature for 24 hours.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: