Rapamycin or Rapacan (Sirolimus)
Rapamycin (Rapacan) is an immunosuppressant with antifungal and antitumor effects. It has a suppressive effect on the immune system. It is effective in cases where it is necessary to suppress its activity to avoid some diseases or rejection of donor organs.
According to some data, the drug's active ingredient, Sirolimus, and the rapamycin supplement may positively affect older people's health, helping prolong life, but confirming this requires additional studies.
Rapamycin
Drug Info
- Brand Names: Rapamune, Rapamycin, Rapacan;
- Active Ingredient: Sirolimus;
- Manufacturer: Pfizer, Biocon.
Rapamycin (Rapacan) and its active substance Sirolimus
Rapamycin (or Rapacan) is a pill containing the active ingredient Sirolimus. For treatment with the drug to be effective, you should follow the instructions or doctor's recommendations.
After you take the tablet, the active substance Sirolimus gets into the blood and has these effects:
- Blocking cell growth;
- Blocking cell reproduction;
- Suppressing the immune system.
ATTENTION! Overdosing on Rapamycin may lead to hazardous results. Don't take the drug without a doctor's prescription.
Indications for use
The main indications of Rapamycin (Rapacan) are tumor treatment and elimination of possible donor organ rejection. The EMA approved the use of the drug in the following cases:
- Preventing donor organ rejection after kidney transplantation in adults;
- Treating sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis with moderate lung damage.
Treatment regimens and dosages
The treatment regimens and dosages of Rapamycin depend on the purpose of its use. The drug is available in a dosage of 1 mg. A doctor may prescribe more than one tablet at a time.
- After transplantation, a single dosage of 6 mg is usually prescribed. After that, you switch to a daily dosage of 2 mg until the required therapeutic level of the active substance in the blood is achieved. Next, the dosage is calculated individually, and the treatment duration is 2–3 months.
- For the treatment of sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis, the usual starting dosage is 2 mg per day. After 10 - 20 days, when the therapeutic level of the active substance is reached in the blood, the dosage should be adjusted depending on individual characteristics.
Before adjusting the drug dosage, you should have special tests to determine the level of the active substance in the blood. Dosage adjustments are also necessary for:
- Black people due to high immunological risk;
- People with liver dysfunction.
Currently, there is not enough data to confirm that the response of people over 65 years to the drug may differ from that of younger people. The drug's safety for children and people under 18 has also yet to be proven. So, a doctor should decide on dosage adjustments based on individual characteristics and the advisability of using Rapamycin in each particular case.
Recommendations for use
Rapamycin (Rapacan) 1 mg is available as tablets. To get the most out of Rapamycin treatment, follow these rules:
- Take the medication at the same time every day;
- Take the pill with plenty of water;
- Take the drug before or after meals;
- Avoid grapefruit juice.
Although the data on combining alcohol and Rapamycin are insufficient, to prevent adverse effects, we recommend avoiding alcohol for the entire period of treatment with the drug.
Also, when using the Rapamycin supplement, you should avoid fatty foods. This is because fats reduce the absorption rate of the drug's active ingredient. St. John's wort can lower the blood concentration of the active substance. Avoid medicines containing St. John's wort during treatment.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Rapamycin, take it as soon as possible. If it is near time for your next dose, skip the previous dose and continue treatment as scheduled.
Precautions
In some cases, using Rapamycin may have a higher risk and be contraindicated. A doctor will not prescribe the drug in the following cases:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- You have an increased sensitivity to the active ingredient;
- You had a liver or lung transplantation.
Considering the immunosuppressive effect of Rapamycin, the risk of contracting various types of infections increases during its use. Avoid contact with sick people to protect yourself. The immunosuppressive effect of the drug can persist for 6 months after the end of treatment.
Rapamycin (Rapacan) may increase the risk of bleeding and slow wound healing. Be careful when using sharp objects and seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms such as:
- Bruises;
- Black stool;
- Blood in urine.
According to some data, people with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 may have an increased risk of impaired wound healing when taking Rapamycin.
The medication reduces the effect of vaccinations. Moreover, Sirolimus may increase skin sensitivity to the sun. So, always use sunscreen during treatment.
Use of Rapamycin (Rapacan) during pregnancy
Usually, doctors don't prescribe the drug to pregnant women because there is no data on its safety for them. Animal studies confirm fetal toxicity of Rapamycin. A doctor should decide on the possible use of the medicine during pregnancy if it is absolutely necessary.
There is also no evidence that Sirolimus gets into women's breast milk due to the lack of relevant studies. However, according to some studies, the drug gets into the milk of animals. So, its use by breastfeeding women can be dangerous for the child. If you are breastfeeding, avoid using Rapamycin and consult a doctor.
Possible side effects
Like any other drug, Rapamycin may cause side effects. To reduce the likelihood of side effects, follow the doctor’s instructions and don't exceed the prescribed dosage. The most common (in 10% of cases) side effects of the medicine are as follows:
- Anemia;
- High pressure;
- Urinary tract infections;
- Hypokalemia;
- Abdominal pain;
- Swelling;
- Headache;
- Diarrhea;
- Constipation;
- Nausea.
Most often, the severity of side effects depends on the individual characteristics and dosage of the medication. If you have severe side effects or if they get worse over time, consult a doctor.
As a rule, overdosing on the drug causes increased side effects. See a doctor if you exceed the prescribed dosage, and your condition worsens.
Rapamycin (Rapacan): interaction with other drugs
Rapamycin may interact with other medicines. So, you should inform a doctor about all the drugs you take. When combined with CYP3A4 inhibitors, the medication may increase the active substance in the blood and cause side effects. At the same time, CYP3A4 inhibitors reduce Sirolimus levels. Don't use Rapamycin with these drugs:
- Rifampicin;
- Ketoconazole;
- Voriconazole;
- Diltiazem;
- Erythromycin;
- Cyclosporine.
Grapefruit juice affects CYP3A4-mediated metabolism. So, avoid it in any form. For more information about possible Rapamycin interactions, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Storage
Store Rapamycin at room temperature 20 - 25°C in a dark place out of the reach of children and animals. Don't use the drug if the expiration date has passed or the packaging is damaged.
The best offer for Rapamycin online on the market
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Rudi Ulph
I take Rapamycin to prevent kidney rejection and tumors, and it's the only drug I have a normal response to.
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Taylor Vitch
Male, 50 years old. I take the drug after surgery on my kidney. During therapy, I was also diagnosed with arthritis for the first time. I'm not sure it has anything to do with the medication. But I decided to write about it and warn others.
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Jake Shylan
Rapacan was the best way to prevent my kidney from being rejected. The medication works, but once in a while, I have rather strong headaches, so I have to take painkillers. Otherwise, no complaints.
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Alyssa McGowan
Diagnosis: sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. The drug had significantly improved my lung function. SO it did its job. I had really low immunity while being on Rapamycin. Use with caution.
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Nancy May
Can't recommend this drug; got urinary tract infections, hypokalemia, and high pressure after taking it.
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Joe Macey
Since starting the med, I experienced a lot of new symptoms, not pleasant ones… but I kinda have no choice and should take the drug for my kidney not to reject. The only advice I can give is don't expect the treatment to be easy.
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Nicole Lodes
It's not a harmless drug, so I didn't expect the treatment to be a walk in the park. I advise others to look at things realistically, too. After the operation, I will have to take Rapamycin for a long time. I have resigned myself with blurred vision and digestive problems and just hope I won't experience any more side effects.
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Linda Langly
In general, I like the medication. It is easy to take (once a day). But you should always be alert, take tests on time, and check your condition with the doctor.
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Kevin Davis
Took Sirolimus for organ transplant and rejection prophylaxis. I had somewhat minimal side effects, feel OK, and won't try anything else.
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Christopher Darwood
Overall, my treatment after transplantation is going well. I am glad that I was prescribed this drug. But the med is really rough on my stomach. First, I had experienced constipation and then diarrhea. Anyway, I'm sure the results are worth it.
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Naomi Caves
I have a rather weak immune system by nature, and this med has made me even more sensitive to viruses. However, there is no claim to direct action of the drug. It did its j job well.
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Luka Carswall
For the first month, I felt all the "delights" of side effects. I have had headaches and digestive problems, including nausea and constipation. Now my health is OK. It looks like the body is used to Rapacan, and the treatment is going according to the plan.
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Sandy Krasser
I am completely satisfied with the effect of Sirolimus. The recovery period after the transplant was successful due to the drug. 10 out of 10.
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Amanda Knight
I'm very lucky that I was diagnosed with sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis in time... and it was not too late to take the pills. Thanks to the drug, my condition has stabilized, and I am recovering. I like the tendency. And I hope it will only get better
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Karen McCarragher
The pills work well, but you need to be very careful about the rules. I love fatty foods, and I had to give up my fav dishes cause fat slows down the drug's action.
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Sudney Pulker
Used a drug after kidney transplant. After three months of taking Sirolimus, I accidentally cut myself with a knife. My wound did not heal after a week. I reported it to the doctor, and unfortunately, I had to stop taking the drug. The side effects were too bad for me.
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Nick Ayton
My experience with a Rapacan started 2 years ago. The drug helps me recover from a kidney transplant. But the price is my immunity. I catch a cold very easily.
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Rick Geller
My doctor prescribed me Rapamycin to prevent rejection of the donor kidney. In my case, the drug works 100% well. I feel good. The only thing to keep in mind is that this med lowers your immune system. So I'm really looking out for myself. Take care and good luck with your treatment.
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Victoria Garner
Unfortunately, the drug did not suit me. Because of it, my anemia intensified. Such a pity.
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Dave Cooper
I've been taking Rapacan for two weeks now. My condition (sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis) has improved, and cough attacks have become less frequent. I have not noticed any side effects yet. Soon, I have to get tested and find out the level of active substance in my blood to find a perfect dose.
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Tony J
This drug was prescribed to me after surgery on the kidney. It has been a month since I've been taking the drug. Now, my dosage is 2 mg. So far, so good. I have nothing to complain. My new kidney is fine. The only side effect I felt was increased sensitivity to the sun. Sunscreen helps a lot.