English | Spanish
Sirolimus ( sir-OH-li-mus ) (Rapamune®) What is this medication used for? Sirolimus prevents and treats graft versus host disease (GVHD) by interfering with the growth cycle of white blood cells, making them inactive and unable to reproduce.
What does it look like? • Tablet • Liquid How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) What are the common side effects? • Diarrhea or constipation • low red blood cell counts (low hemoglobin, anemia) • low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) • low white blood cell counts (neutropenia)High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) • Nausea • Mouth sores • Headache • Acne • Lack of appetite (anorexia) • High blood pressure (hypertension) • Trouble breathing • Swelling of arms, legs, hands, or feet (peripheral edema) • Weakness and muscle pain • Increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels • Stomach (abdominal) pain • Change to kidney function tests What are the less common side effects? • Abnormal levels of electrolytes like potassium in the blood • Development of another type of cancer (secondary malignancy) • Severe infection
Special instructions: • Do not crush, chew, or cut tablets. • Solution can be mixed with 2 oz. water or orange juice only; stir well and drink right after mixing. • Take this medicine with or without food, but take it the same way every day. • Store tablets at room temperature and protect from light. • Refrigerate the liquid solution, protect it from light, store it in its original container, and use the contents within 1 month of opening. The amber syringe containing the solution may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours. Shake the solution well before taking. • This medication increases the risk of getting an infection. Avoid crowds and people with an infection, a cold, or the flu. • Call your healthcare provider if fever or signs of infection develop. • Do not receive any vaccinations while taking this medication. • Do not become pregnant, father a child, or breastfeed while taking this medication. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for at least 3 months after treatment is completed.
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
Powered by FlippingBook