Sirolimus is used on its own or together with other medicines to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant.
Sirolimus can also be used to treat a condition known as lymphangioleiomyomatosis, a rare lung disease that affects young women.
Take Sirolimus exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as tablet or oral solution.
If you are taking the tablets, swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break or chew the tablet.
If you are taking the oral solution, follow these instructions:
- Remove the safety cap of the bottle and insert the syringe adapter in the bottle.
- Use a new oral syringe for each dose, with the plunger fully depressed, insert the syringe into the opening of the adapter.
- Pull the plunger to withdraw the exact amount of Sirolimus as prescribed. If bubbles form, empty the syringe back into the bottle and repeat the withdrawal procedure.
- Empty the contents of the syringe into a plastic or glass cup containing at least 60 mL of water or orange juice. Stir well and drink immediately at once.
Different preparation of this medicine cannot be substituted for each other. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Sirolimus must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Sirolimus and similar medicines such as everolimus, pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus or zotarolimus.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hyperlipidaemia (excessive amount of fats in the blood)
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- lung disease
- liver disease
as Sirolimus may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing when going outdoors. Avoid direct or prolonged exposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) lamps like tanning beds.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. For as long as you are taking Sirolimus, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine and the health of your kidney and liver. Your doctor will advise you how often you need to have them.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, stomach pain, sore throat, high blood pressure, chest pain, fast heartbeat, skin rash, acne, and joint pain.
This medicine will cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue or throat.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole
- medicines to treat TB (an infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. verapamil, diltiazem, nicardipine
- stomach medicines e.g. cimetidine, metoclopramide
- medicines for Hepatitis C infection e.g. boceprevir, telaprevir
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
- herbal medicine e.g. St. John’s wort
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sirolimus.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and excessive consumption (more than 1 litre a day) of grapefruit juice.
Store the tablets in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Keep tablets in their original package to protect from light.
Refrigerate the oral solution (between 2-8°C). Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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