Description 

Rapamune is an immunosuppressant drug prescribed to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant recipients. This medication inhibits your immune system in order to prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted organ like a kidney. When the immune system perceives the new organ as an enemy and assaults it, it is called organ rejection. 

What is Rapamune used for?  

• This is a prescription drug used to prevent rejection (anti-rejection therapy) in persons 13 years old or older, who have had a kidney transplant.  
• This is used to aid in weakening the body’s defense system (immune system) to help the body accept the new organ as if it were it’s own. 
• Another cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) and corticosteroid drugs are used with this one. 

Rapamune Dosage  

Rapamune Adult Dose for Organ Transplantation — Rejection Prophylaxis: 

IMMUNOLOGIC RISK IN LOW TO MODERATE PATIENTS: 

Dosing based on weight: 

• Weight of less than 40 kg: 
• Day 1 loading dose: 3 mg/m2. 
• 1 mg/m2 once a day for maintenance 
• With a weight of more than or equal to 40 kg: 
• On the first day, take 6 mg orally as a loading dosage. 
• 2 mg orally once a day for maintenance 

This is not a complete list of dosing information for this medication, ask your doctor what is the right dose for you.  

Direction 

• This is often used only once daily. If you’re using cyclosporine, wait at least 4 hours before taking this medication. 
• This medication can be taken with or without meals but must be taken the same way each time. 
• Crushing, chewing, or breaking these pills is not recommended. If you have difficulties swallowing the pill whole, tell your doctor. 
• This should only be combined with water or orange juice and not with any other juices or beverages. 

Rapamune Side Effects  

The following are some of the most common Rapamune adverse effects: 

• Fever, cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat; 
• Mouth ulcers; 
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; 
• Muscle pains and headaches; 
• Chest pain; 
• Vertigo;  
• Acne.

Caution:  

• This medication should not be used if you have undergone a lung or liver transplant. 
• This medication may cause your body to create an excessive amount of white blood cells. Cancer, serious brain infection that causes paralysis or death, or a viral infection causing kidney transplant failure are all possible outcomes. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

-What is the right Rapamune level?  

On any given day, the maximum Rapamune dose should not exceed 40 mg. If a loading dosage is added to an expected daily dose that exceeds 40 mg, the loading dose should be spread out over two days. After a loading dosage, sirolimus trough concentrations should be monitored for at least 3 to 4 days. 

-How does this medication work on your immune system?  

When your immune system detects a foreign material that isn’t a match for your tissue, its mission is to eliminate the threat.