Sirolimus (By Mouth)

Sirolimus (sir-OH-li-mus)

Given after a kidney transplant to keep your body from rejecting the new kidney. Usually given in combination with other medicines, including steroids.

Brand Name(s):

Rapamune
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sirolimus.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food, but take it the same way each time.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• The oral liquid medicine may be mixed with water or orange juice only.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may leave the medicine out at room temperature for a short while, but avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures. If you see a slight haze in the bottle, leave it out at room temperature and shake it until the haze disappears. Then prepare the medicine as usual.
• Store the tablets at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• If you are also taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), take it at least 4 hours before taking sirolimus.
• There are many other medicines that can interact with sirolimus. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using while you are taking sirolimus.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving sirolimus. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant, and keep using it for at least 12 weeks after you stop taking sirolimus. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have a history of skin cancer, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels in your blood, cytomegalovirus (CMV), or liver disease.
• This medicine may increase your chances of getting an infection or of developing certain types of cancer, especially skin cancer. Avoid people who are sick or have infections.
• Limit your exposure to sunlight. Always wear protective clothing and sunscreen with a high SPF number. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, pale skin
• Unusual weakness or tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Rash or acne
• Shakiness or tremors

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.