Sirolimus is a drug to prevent rejection reactions of newly transplanted organs. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
After an organ transplant procedure, the immune system may perceive the newly transplanted organ as foreign. As a result, the immune system will attack the new organ, resulting in an organ rejection reaction.
Sirolimus works by suppressing the work of the immune system, so that the rejection reaction of the newly transplanted organ can be prevented. Sirolimus can also be used to treat lymphangioleiomyomatosis, which is a type of lung tumor.
Sirolimus trademark:-
What is Sirolimus
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Immunosuppressants |
| Benefit | Prevent rejection of newly transplanted organs and treat lymphangioleiomyomatosis |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Sirolimus for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Sirolimus is absorbed into breast milk or not. When you are |
| Drug form | Tablets, oral solution |
Warning Before Consuming Sirolimus
Sirolimus should not be used carelessly. There are several things you should pay attention to before taking sirolimus:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Sirolimus should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- This medicine is not intended for someone who has recently had or has had a liver or lung transplant.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hyperlipidemia, infection cytomegalovirus (CMV), liver disease, lymphoma, melanoma, heart disease, infectious disease, lung disease, edema, ascites, or proteinuria.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception while on treatment with sirolimus.
- Consult your doctor if you plan to vaccinate while on treatment with sirolimus.
- Avoid consuming foods high in fat and fruitgrapefruit during treatment with sirolimus, because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking sirolimus.
Dosage and Rules for Use Sirolimus
Sirolimus should be used as prescribed by a doctor. The following are the doses of sirolimus based on the goals of treatment and the age of the patient:
Condition: Prevent organ rejection after transplant
- Mature: In low to medium risk patients, the initial dose of 6 mg on the first day is given immediately after transplantation. The maintenance dose is 2 mg, once a day. High-risk patients, the initial dose is 15 mg. The maintenance dose is 5 mg per day. The dose is adjusted according to the patient's response and condition.
- Children aged 13 years and weighing over 40 kg: The initial dose is 3 mg/m2 of body area. The maintenance dose is 1 mg/m2 of body area. The dose can be adjusted according to the patient's response and condition.
Condition: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
- Mature: Initial dose 2 mg, once daily. The dose can be adjusted according to the patient's response and condition.
How to Consume Sirolimus Correctly
Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking sirolimus.
Sirolimus can be taken before or after meals. If you take sirolimus before meals, make sure you always take this medication before eating, and vice versa.
Swallow the sirolimus tablets whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not split, chew, or crush sirolimus tablets.
Measure sirolimus syrup, using the measuring spoon provided in the package. Do not use a tablespoon or other measuring device because the dosage can be different.
If you forget to take sirolimus, take it immediately if the interval between the next consumption is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose. Tell your doctor if you frequently forget to take sirolimus.
Do regular consultations while using sirolimus. Do not stop taking the drug or increase or decrease the dose of sirolimus without consulting your doctor first.
Store sirolimus in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and at room temperature. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Sirolimus Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur if sirolimus is used with other medicines:
- Increased blood levels of sirolimus when used with ciclosporin, verapamil, diltiazem, ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, telithromycin, clarithromycin, nicardipine, fluconazole, troleandomycin, cisapride, metoclopramide, bromocriptine, cimetidine, or danazolcimetidine
- Decreased blood levels of sirolimus when used with rifampicin, rifapentine, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
- Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as polio vaccine, BCG vaccine, varicella vaccine, or typhoid vaccine
In addition, the use of sirolimus with grapefruit can increase sirolimus levels in the blood, while the use of sirolimus with St. John's wort can lower sirolimus levels in the blood.
Sirolimus Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that may occur after taking sirolimus, including:
- Fever, stuffy nose, sneezing, thrush, or sore throat
- Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, or even constipation
- Dizzy
- Muscle ache
- Pimple
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Red, watery, and difficult to heal wounds appear
- Changes in the size and color of moles
- Easy bruising
- Fast, slower, or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden chest pain accompanied by coughing or difficulty breathing
- Pain at the site of the transplanted organ
- Symptoms of an infectious disease that can be characterized by symptoms, such as fever, chills, flu symptoms
- Anemia which can be characterized by symptoms, such as pale skin, weakness, fatigue, or lethargy
- Impaired kidney function that can be characterized by symptoms, such as infrequent urination or urine that comes out when urinating very little
