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CHEMICAL NAME
SIROLIMUS.
INDICATIONS
Rapamune(SIROLIMUS) is an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
DIRECTIONS
Follow the directions for using Rapamune(SIROLIMUS) provided by your doctor. Rapamune(SIROLIMUS) Solution may come with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Always take it the same way, either always with food or always on an empty stomach. Dilute each dose of this medicine immediately before taking the dose. Use at least 2 ounces (60ml) of water or orange juice only. Take this medicine at the same time each day. if you are also taking cyclosporine, take this medicine 4 hours after your cyclosporine dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Do not dilute this medicine with grapefruit juice. Store this medicine in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees f (2 and 8 degrees c). Do not freeze. Protect from light. If necessary, this medicine may be stored at room temperature below 77 degrees f (25 degrees c) for up to 30 days.
MISSED DOSE:If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: signs of infection such as fever or persistent sore throat, unexplained weight loss, unusual lumps or swollen glands, severe headache, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, muscle/joint/back pain, unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse, dizziness. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: a change in the amount of urine, calf pain/swelling. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Do not stop using Rapamune(SIROLIMUS) without first checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor that you are using this medicine. This medicine may lower your resistance to infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Do not drives, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or on the inside of your nose or mouth. If this medicine gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with water. If this medicine gets on your skin, wash the area with soap and water. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines which contain ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. Do not take hismanal (astemizole) or seldane (terfenadine) while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor before having immunizations (vaccinations) while you are using this medicine. For women: Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control before starting and while taking this medicine. Continue to use effective birth control for at least 12 weeks after stopping this medicine. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: drugs for high cholesterol or triglycerides (e.g., lovastatin, atorvastatin, gemfibrozil), calcium-channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil, nicardipine), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin), antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole, amphotericin B), St John's wort, seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine), stomach or ulcer medications (e.g., metoclopramide, cisapride, cimetidine), bromocriptine, danazol, HIV-protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, indinavir). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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