Sirolimus
About Sirolimus
Sirolimus is a prescription medicine used to prevent the body from rejecting a kidney transplant. It is also prescribed to treat a rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). This medicine belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants, which help control and calm your body's immune system response.
You will typically take Sirolimus once daily, and it is highly important to take it at the same time every day. You must choose to take it either consistently with food or consistently without food, as food changes how your body absorbs the medicine. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet low in cholesterol and staying hydrated, can support your body's recovery.
While taking this medicine, you may experience common side effects like swelling in your legs, high blood pressure, or slow wound healing. It is vital to contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an infection, such as a fever or sore throat, or if you develop a sudden cough or breathing difficulties.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have a history of high cholesterol, liver damage, skin cancer, or lung problems. Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to Sirolimus or any of its inactive ingredients.
This medicine interacts with several medications, including certain antibiotics, heart medicines, and anti-seizure drugs, as well as grapefruit juice. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider, as this medicine can harm an unborn baby.
Uses of Sirolimus
Medicinal Benefits
When taken as prescribed, Sirolimus may provide the following benefits:
- Supports Long-term Kidney Transplant Function: Helps protect your transplanted kidney by reducing the immune response, supporting its long-term function and helping you return to your daily activities.
- Helps Preserve Lung Function: In people with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), this medicine helps slow the decline in lung function, making it easier to manage symptoms such as shortness of breath and stay active.
- May Reduce the Need for Higher Doses of Other Immunosuppressants: In some cases, your doctor may reduce the dose of other immunosuppressive medicines, such as corticosteroids, which may help lower the risk of certain long-term side effects.
Directions for Use
- Sirolimus can be taken with or without food.
- It is recommended to take Sirolimus once daily at the same time each day or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow Sirolimus as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew, or crush it.
Storage
Side Effects of Sirolimus
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands (fluid retention)
- Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhoea
- Mouth sores or ulcers
- Slow healing of cuts or surgical wounds
- High blood pressure
- Increased cholesterol levels
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, or unusual tiredness
- Sudden shortness of breath, a dry cough, or chest discomfort
- Severe stomach pain, unusual bruising, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or a severe skin rash
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do not switch brands or formulations: Different brands or forms (tablets vs. solution) of Sirolimus may absorb differently in your body. Always check with your pharmacist to ensure you receive the exact formulation prescribed by your doctor.
- Monitor your wounds: Because this medicine slows down the body's natural healing process, pay close attention to any cuts, surgical wounds, or scrapes. Contact your doctor if you notice redness, swelling, or draining fluid.
- Get regular blood tests: Your doctor will need to perform regular blood tests to monitor the amount of Sirolimus in your system, as well as your kidney function, cholesterol, and blood cell counts.
- Avoid skin contact with the solution: If you are using the oral solution and it spills on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water immediately. If it gets in your eyes, rinse them with plain water.
Drug Interactions
- Certain Antibiotics and Antifungal Medicines: Medicines such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, and ketoconazole can increase the amount of Sirolimus in your body, which may increase the risk of side effects.
- Some Medicines for Seizures or Tuberculosis: Medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and rifampicin can reduce the amount of Sirolimus in your body, making it less effective.
- Other Medicines That Affect the Immune System: Medicines such as ciclosporin may interact with Sirolimus. Your doctor may adjust your treatment and monitor you closely if these medicines are used together.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to avoid alcohol intake since it may worsen the side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor, and there is no substantial research yet on the use of Sirolimus in pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor, and there is no substantial research yet on the use of Sirolimus in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness while using Sirolimus. Sirolimus can also sometimes cause dizziness/drowsiness; hence avoid driving in such situations. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding using Sirolimus in patients with liver impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding using Sirolimus in patients with kidney impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionThere is limited information available on the use of Sirolimus in children. Please consult your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit contains compounds that can dangerously increase the levels of Sirolimus in your blood, raising your risk of serious side effects.
- Protect yourself from the sun: This medicine can increase your risk of skin cancer. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF when outdoors.
- Avoid live vaccines: Because your immune system is suppressed, live vaccines (such as the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine) could cause a severe infection. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccinations.
- Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with people who have active infections like colds or the flu.
- Maintain consistent food habits: Decide whether you will take your medicine with food or on an empty stomach, and stick to that choice every single day to keep the medicine levels in your body steady.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Organ rejection occurs when a patient’s immune system recognizes the donor organ as foreign and tries to eliminate it.
FAQs
Sirolimus is used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant.
Sirolimus contains Sirolimus is an immunosuppressant. It works by weakening your body's defence system (immune system) to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own.
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician for preventing specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
Sirolimus is safe if used in the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed, and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's guidelines carefully and inform your doctor if any of the side effects disturb you.
No, you must never stop taking Sirolimus without your doctor's explicit instructions. If you are taking it to prevent transplant rejection, stopping it suddenly can cause your body to reject the new organ. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Your doctor needs to measure the amount of the medicine in your blood to make sure you are getting the correct dose. If the level is too low, the medicine may not work; if it is too high, it can cause harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor about your scheduled blood tests.
No, you should never take Sirolimus with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit interferes with the enzymes that break down this medicine in your body, which can lead to dangerously high levels of the drug in your bloodstream. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your diet.
Yes, because Sirolimus lowers your immune system's ability to fight off illnesses, you are more likely to catch infections. Avoid close contact with sick individuals and wash your hands frequently. If you develop a fever, chills, or sore throat, talk to your doctor immediately.
You should measure the oral solution using the provided syringe, mix it with water or orange juice in a glass, stir well, and drink it immediately. Never mix it with grapefruit juice or other liquids. Talk to your pharmacist if you need a demonstration on how to use the oral syringe.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next scheduled dose is less than 4 hours away, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Talk to your doctor if you miss multiple doses.
You should avoid receiving live vaccines, such as those for chickenpox, shingles, or MMR, while taking Sirolimus because your suppressed immune system may not be able to handle them. Non-live vaccines are generally safe but may be less effective. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines.
Yes, Sirolimus can increase the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Your doctor will monitor your lipid levels regularly and may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication or recommend dietary changes if needed. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your cholesterol.
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