You should not use Rapamune if you have ever had a lung transplant or liver transplant.
Rapamune may cause your body to overproduce white blood cells. This can lead to cancer, severe brain infection causing disability or death, or a viral infection causing kidney transplant failure.
Call your doctor right away if you have: fever, flu symptoms, burning when you urinate, a new skin lesion, any change in your mental state, decreased vision, weakness on one side of your body, problems with speech or walking, or pain around your transplant.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Rapamune if you are allergic to sirolimus, or if you have ever had a lung transplant or liver transplant.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Rapamune can affect your immune system, and may cause overproduction of certain white blood cells. This can lead to cancer, severe brain infection causing disability or death, or a viral infection causing kidney transplant failure.
To make sure Rapamune is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
cytomegalovirus (CMV);
liver disease; or
a family history of skin cancer (melanoma).
Do not use Rapamune if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine, and for at least 12 weeks after your last dose.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Rapamune should not be given to a child younger than 13 years old.
How should I take Rapamune?
Take Rapamune exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Rapamune is usually taken once a day. If you also take cyclosporine, take it at least 4 hours before you take this medicine.
You may take Rapamune with or without food, but take it the same way every time.
Do not crush, chew, or break a Rapamune tablet. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Rapamune oral liquid must be mixed only with water or orange juice, no other juices or liquids. Measure the liquid carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Sirolimus can increase your risk of infection by changing the way your immune system works. You will need frequent medical tests. Your dosing schedule may be delayed based on the results of these tests.
You should not stop using Rapamune without your doctor's advice. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.
Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may notice a slight haze to the liquid. This haze should disappear when the liquid reaches room temperature.
If you are using Rapamune oral liquid with a disposable syringe, you may store a loaded syringe in the carrying case provided. Keep the case at room temperature and use the medicine within 24 hours. Use a disposable syringe only once and then throw it away.
