What is the most important information I should know about sirolimus?
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use an effective form of
birth control while you are using
this medication and for at least 12 weeks after your treatment ends.
The oral liquid form of sirolimus must be mixed with water or orange juice only. Do not
use any other liquids to mix this medicine.
Do not mix this medicine with grapefruit juice or potentially dangerous effects may result.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking sirolimus.
If you also take cyclosporine, take the sirolimus at least 4 hours after taking cyclosporine.
You may take sirolimus with or without food, but take it the same way every time.
Sirolimus can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid contact
with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Do not receive any vaccines
without your doctor's advice. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid getting this medication on your skin, or around your nose and mouth. If it does
get onto any of these areas, wash with soap and water. If this medicine gets into your eyes, rinse
them with plain water.
Sirolimus may increase your risk of developing lymphoma or other forms of cancer. Talk
with your doctor about your specific cancer risk.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Sirolimus may increase your risk of
skin cancer. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear
protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
What is sirolimus?
Sirolimus lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight
infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject" a transplanted organ such as a liver or
kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.
Sirolimus is used to prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted kidney. Sirolimus is
sometimes used in a combination treatment with cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) and a
steroid medicine such as prednisone.
Sirolimus may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.