Sirolimus: how to take it safely
Rapamune, Sirolimus
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Prevents organ rejection after a kidney transplant, and treats some rare lung and vascular conditions.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew.
- You will need regular blood level checks.
When to take it
Take it once a day, at the same time, about 4 hours after ciclosporin if you take both.
Take it with
Always the same way: always with food, or always without food.
What to avoid
- Grapefruit juice and St John's wort.
- Live vaccines.
- Missing blood level checks.
- Strong sunlight. Use sunscreen.
- Pregnancy.
Possible side effects
Mouth ulcers, high blood fats, swelling, acne, infections, slow wound healing.
Get help if
Breathlessness or cough, fever, signs of infection, severe mouth ulcers, swelling of the face or reduced urine: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.