What is Rapamune: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Rapamune

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Take this medicine the same way every day. This means take it at the same time and take it consistently, either with or without food.

• Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow the tablet.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Oral liquid: Use the syringe that comes with the package to measure the dose. Empty the medicine from the syringe into a cup and mix it with at least 2 ounces (¼ cup or 60 mL) water or orange juice. Do not use any other liquids. Drink it right away. Add another 4 ounces (½ cup or 120 mL) of water or orange juice to the cup, stir again, and then drink it right away to make sure you have taken all the medicine.If you get any of the oral liquid on your skin, wash the area with soap and water. If you get it in your eyes, rinse them with water.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If the medicine becomes cloudy, leave it out until it is at room temperature then shake it until the haze disappears. You may store the oral liquid at room temperature for no longer than 15 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 30 days.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Oral liquid: Use the syringe that comes with the package to measure the dose. Empty the medicine from the syringe into a cup and mix it with at least 2 ounces (¼ cup or 60 mL) water or orange juice. Do not use any other liquids. Drink it right away. Add another 4 ounces (½ cup or 120 mL) of water or orange juice to the cup, stir again, and then drink it right away to make sure you have taken all the medicine.If you get any of the oral liquid on your skin, wash the area with soap and water. If you get it in your eyes, rinse them with water.

• Take this medicine the same way every day. This means take it at the same time and take it consistently, either with or without food.

• Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If the medicine becomes cloudy, leave it out until it is at room temperature then shake it until the haze disappears. You may store the oral liquid at room temperature for no longer than 15 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 30 days.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow the tablet.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Rapamune

Rapamune contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sirolimus.

Rapamune warnings

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 12 weeks after you stop taking sirolimus.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, lung disease, high cholesterol, or any type of infection.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of infection Increased risk of cancer, including skin cancer and lymphomaPoor wound healingKidney problemsLung or breathing problemsBlood clotting problems

• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Skin changes or growths

• Swollen glands in your neck, armpits, or groin

• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

• Unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, pale skin

Rapamune interactions

• Some foods and medicines can affect how sirolimus works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Amphotericin B, boceprevir, bromocriptine, carbamazepine, cimetidine, cisapride, clarithromycin, clotrimazole, cyclosporine, danazol, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, metoclopramide, nicardipine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, ritonavir, St John wort, telaprevir, telithromycin, troleandomycin, verapamil, voriconazole Blood pressure medicines

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.