Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Rapamune (Sirolimus).
Cancer: Rapamune (Sirolimus) increases the risk of Skin Cancer. You should limit your exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when outside.
Rapamune (Sirolimus) has also been associated with lymphoma, cancer of the lymphatic cells of the immune system. Lymphatic cells are responsible for producing the body's defenses against bacteria, viruses and other infections.
Report any unusual infections, swelling or persistent pain, or unintentional weight loss to your doctor as soon as possible.
Delayed wound healing: Rapamune (Sirolimus) may affect the speed with which your body heals. If you notice that wounds are taking longer than usual to heal or signs of infection, such as redness and warmth of an injured area, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes: Rapamune (Sirolimus) may cause a loss of control of diabetes by increasing blood glucose (sugar). It may also cause the onset of diabetes for people who are at risk.
If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Rapamune (Sirolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rapamune (Sirolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to check your blood glucose levels more often.
If you experience signs of uncontrolled blood sugar, such as increased thirst, the need to urinate more often at night, a fruity odour on your breath or poor wound healing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Rapamune (Sirolimus) may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium in the blood to change while taking Rapamune (Sirolimus). If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; Dry Mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the levels of these electrolytes in your blood while you are taking Rapamune (Sirolimus).
Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice interferes with how the Rapamune (Sirolimus) is processed and removed from the body. The combination may cause an increase in the amount of Rapamune (Sirolimus) in the body, and increase the severity and frequency of side effects.
High Cholesterol: Rapamune (Sirolimus) may cause an increase in serum cholesterol and triglycerides. If you have high cholesterol or are at risk for developing high cholesterol, discuss with your doctor how Rapamune (Sirolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rapamune (Sirolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hypersensitivity syndrome: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of Rapamune (Sirolimus). Although not common, angioedema (a serious allergic reaction that causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) can occur. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Infection: Rapamune (Sirolimus) reduces the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people who have contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood. Other medications may be prescribed to reduce the risk of developing severe, life-threatening infections.
Kidney Disease: Rapamune (Sirolimus) may cause or worsen kidney problems. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Rapamune (Sirolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rapamune (Sirolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: Rapamune (Sirolimus) is removed from the body by the liver and may cause liver problems. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause a build-up of Rapamune (Sirolimus) in the body and cause side effects. You may need to take a lower dose.
If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Rapamune (Sirolimus) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rapamune (Sirolimus), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine), contact your doctor immediately.
Lung inflammation: Lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), causing difficulty breathing has occurred rarely in some people taking Rapamune (Sirolimus). This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking Rapamune (Sirolimus) contact your doctor immediately.
Oral hygiene: Rapamune (Sirolimus) can cause an increased growth of the gum tissue. While taking Rapamune (Sirolimus), it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit a dentist regularly for teeth cleaning.
Vaccination: If you are taking immunosuppressants you should not receive live or live-attenuated (modified) vaccines, as there is a risk of infection and poor immune response to the vaccine.
Pregnancy: There are no adequate studies on the use of Rapamune (Sirolimus) by pregnant women, but some studies suggest that it increases the risk for toxicity in the unborn child. Rapamune (Sirolimus) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Rapamune (Sirolimus), contact your doctor immediately.
Effective birth control should be used before starting Rapamune (Sirolimus), during treatment with it, and for 12 weeks after the medication has been stopped.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Rapamune (Sirolimus) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Rapamune (Sirolimus), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Rapamune (Sirolimus) have not been established for children less than 13 years old.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 may require lower doses of Rapamune (Sirolimus) due to age-related decreases in kidney function.
