What is this medicine?
SIROLIMUS (sir OH li mus) is used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-heart disease or heart failure
-high cholesterol or triglycerides
-infection
-liver disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to sirolimus, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you take the medicine with food, always take it with food. Do not take the medicine with grapefruit juice. If you are also taking cyclosporine, take this medicine at least 4 hours after taking your dose of cyclosporine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. You must take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, and call your doctor or health care professional. Call your doctor or health care professional if you vomit after a dose.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin
-grapefruit juice
-medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
-mifepristone, RU-486
-rifabutin, rifampin
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-boceprevir
-bromocriptine
-carbamazepine
-cimetidine
-cisapride
-clotrimazole
-cyclosporine
-danazol
-diltiazem
-fluconazole
-indinavir
-metoclopramide
-nicardipine
-phenobarbital
-phenytoin
-rifapentine
-ritonavir
-St. John's wort
-telaprevir
-troleandomycin
-vaccines
-verapamil
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks.
This medicine can cause your cholesterol or lipid levels to go up. You may need treatment for high cholesterol.
If you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself. The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections.
This medicine may increase your risk of getting some cancers. Talk with your doctor.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Women who are able to have children should use effective birth control before, during, and for 12 weeks after stopping this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-chills, fever, sore throat
-dark urine
-fast, irregular heart beat
-feeling faint or lightheaded
-high blood pressure
-pinpoint red spots on the skin
-swelling, water retention
-trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
-unusual bleeding or bruising
-unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-aches, pain
-acne
-diarrhea
-nausea, vomiting
-stomach upset
-tremor
-trouble sleeping
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Avoid - This drug is known to cause harm to infants when taken by nursing mothers.
