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Printable Version Rapamune

Active Ingredients: Sirolimus
Other Names: Rapamune Tablets
Drug Class: Biologic Response Modifiers
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Rapamune?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Rapamune? (Back to top)
SIROLIMUS is used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • heart disease or heart failure
  • high cholesterol or triglycerides
  • infection
  • liver disease
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to sirolimus, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you take the medicine with food, always take it with food. Do not take the medicine with grapefruit juice. If you are also taking cyclosporine, take this medicine at least 4 hours after taking your dose of cyclosporine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. You must take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, and call your doctor or health care professional. Call your doctor or health care professional if you vomit after a dose.



What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin
  • grapefruit juice
  • medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
  • rifabutin, rifampin

This medicine may also interact with the following:
  • bromocriptine
  • carbamazepine
  • cimetidine
  • cisapride
  • clotrimazole
  • cyclosporine
  • danazol
  • diltiazem
  • fluconazole
  • metoclopramide
  • nicardipine
  • phenobarbital
  • phenytoin
  • rifapentine
  • some medicines for HIV
  • St. John's wort
  • vaccines
  • verapamil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing problems
  • chills, fever, sore throat
  • dark urine
  • fast, irregular heart beat
  • feeling faint or lightheaded
  • high blood pressure
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • swelling, water retention
  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • aches, pain
  • acne
  • diarrhea
  • nausea, vomiting
  • stomach upset
  • tremor
  • trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks.

This medicine can cause your cholesterol or lipid levels to go up. You may need treatment for high cholesterol.

If you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself. The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting some cancers. Talk with your doctor.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Women who are able to have children should use effective birth control before, during, and for 12 weeks after stopping this medicine.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:March 10, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Rapamune

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Rapamune, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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