Sirolimus

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine prevents the body's rejection after a kidney transplant. It is used in combination with other medicines to help the body accept the new organ.

How does it work?

• Sirolimus decreases the body's response to a transplanted kidney. It quiets the immune system.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food, but be consistent. Always take with food or always take on an empty stomach.
• Do not take with grapefruit juice.
• Take this medicine 4 hours after cyclosporine capsules (Neoral® soft gelatin capsules) or oral solution (Neoral® oral solution, SangCya® oral solution).

Oral solution:

• Put 1/4 cup of water or orange juice into a glass or plastic container.
• Measure the medicine in the oral dose syringe. Empty medicine from syringe into container. Mix well and drink now.
• Fill container again with 1/4 cup of water or orange juice. Mix well and drink now.

Medicine in the pouch:

• Put 1/4 cup of water or orange juice into a glass or plastic container.
• Empty medicine from the pouch into the container. Squeeze it all out.
• Mix well and drink now.
• Fill container again with 1/4 cup of water or orange juice. Mix well and drink now.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check all medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust. Start it before this medicine is started, while taking this medicine, and for 3 months after this medicine is stopped.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol and lipids.
• Rash.
• Swelling of legs.
• Anemia.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle aches.
• Risk of infection. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Check temperature. Watch for signs of infection.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Fever and/or chills.
• Severe headaches.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a refrigerator. Protect from light. Once the bottle is opened, it should be used in 1 month.
• You can store your medicine at room temperature for several days, but no longer than 1 month.
• Medicine drawn up in a syringe can be kept at room temperature for 24 hours. Throw the syringe away after use.
• The oral solution may look hazy when refrigerated. Bring up to room temperature and shake gently until haze goes away. Then take medicine.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved