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Home > Drug Category > Immunosuppressive Agents > Rapamune and Equivalent

Rapamune Information:

Rapamune (Sirolimus) is a macrolide medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection, and to treat lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a lung disease. Primarily, it acts as an immunosuppressant for transplants by inhibiting T lymphocyte activation that typically occurs when antigenic and cytokine are stimulated. It weakens the body’s defense system to help the body accept the new organ as its own. Rapamune also inhibits antibody production by binding to the immunophilin FK Binding Protein-12, which in turn creates an immunosuppressive complex. For the treatment of LAM, Rapamune blocks the mTOR pathway, which is responsible for lymphangiogenic growth. Before taking Rapamune, tell your doctor if you have ever had high cholesterol or triglycerides, cytomegalovirus, liver disease, or a family history of skin cancer. Do not use Rapamune if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication, and for at least 12 weeks after your last dose. Rapamune affects your immune system, and may cause overproduction of white blood cells, which can lead to many complications. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Common side effects of Rapamune include fever or cold symptoms, mouth sores, nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea, headaches or muscle aches, chest pain, dizziness, or acne. Call your doctor immediately if you experience redness, oozing, or slow healing of a skin wound, a new skin lesion or a mole that has changed size or colour, unusual bruising or bleeding, sudden chest pain or discomfort, or feeling short of breath. Call your doctor if you notice signs of an infection, which includes fever, chills, painful mouth sores, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, or pain or burning when you urinate. Also, call your doctor if you experience signs of low red blood cells, or anemia, which includes pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, or cold hands and feet. Rapamune can cause a brain infection. Contact your doctor right away if you have any chance in your mental state, decreased vision, weakness on one side of your body, or problems with speech or walking. If you experience side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.

Rapamune Availability

Big Mountain Drug currently offers Rapamune from United Kingdom and Canada manufactured by Pfizer in the dosages of 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg tablets. The generic Sirolimus is available from India also called Rapacan by Biocon Pharma in the strength of 1 mg tablets.

Do I need a prescription to order Rapamune?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Rapamune.