Rapamune (Sirolimus) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Kidney Failure »

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolyte levels in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one on each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

The kidneys have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid, the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and the acid-base balance of the body. They filter waste products of body metabolism, like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. Two waste products in the blood can be measured: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ...

Read the Kidney Failure article »

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Rapamune Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking sirolimus (Rapamune)?

Sirolimus may increase your risk of developing lymphoma or other forms of cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific cancer risk.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sirolimus.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take sirolimus, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

high cholesterol or triglycerides;
cytomegalovirus (CMV);
liver disease; or
kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sirolimus is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication and for at least 12 weeks after your treatment ends.

It is not known whether sirolimus passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 13 years old.

How should I take sirolimus (Rapamune)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully.

Take the sirolimus tablet with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break a sirolimus tablet. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole.

You may take sirolimus with or without food, but take it the same way every time.

The oral liquid (solution) comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

The oral liquid must be mixed with at least 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of water or orange juice. Do not use any other liquids to mix this medicine.

Stir the mixture and drink all of it right away. Then add at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) more water or orange juice to the same glass, stir again and drink right away.

Sirolimus is usually taken once a day. If you also take cyclosporine, wait at least 4 hours after your cyclosporine dose before you take sirolimus.

Sirolimus can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Avoid getting sirolimus liquid on your skin or around your nose. If it does get onto any of these areas, wash with soap and water. If this medicine gets into your eyes, rinse them with plain water.

Store sirolimus tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.

Store sirolimus oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may notice a slight haze to the liquid after it has been refrigerated. This haze will not affect the medication, and should disappear when the medicine reaches room temperature.

If you are taking Rapamune oral liquid with a disposable syringe, you may store a loaded syringe in the carrying case provided. Keep the case at room temperature and use the medicine within 24 hours. Use a disposable syringe only once and then throw it away.

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