What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Rapamune (Sirolimus)
Prescription Required
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Related Products & Conditions
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Product Details
Description
Rapamune is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in people who have received kidney transplants. It is indicated for patients who are 13 years of age or older.
Fact Table
Formula
C51H79NO13
License
US FDA, EU EMA
Bioavailability
14%
Legal status
Rx-only
Chemical Name
Sirolimus
Elimination half-life
57–63 hours
Dosage (Strength)
1mg, 2mg
Pregnancy
Consult Doctor
Brands
Rapamune, Fyarro
Protein binding
92%
PubChem CID
5284616
MedlinePlus
a602026
ChEBI
9168
ATC code
L04AA10
DrugBank
DB00877
KEGG
D00753
Routes of administration
By mouth
Directions
Take Rapamune exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Rapamune is sirolimus.
Interactions
Tell your transplant team and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking. If you start a start medication without telling your healthcare providers, you may be at risk of transplant rejection.
Drug-drug interactions include:
- Amiodarone
- Apalutamide
- Aprepitant
- Atazanavir
- Berotralstat
- Bexarotene
- Bosentan
- Carbamazepine
- Cenobamate
- Ceritinib
- Cimetidine
- Clarithromycin
- Cobicistat and cobicistat-containing coformulations
- Conivaptan
- Crizotinib
- Cyclosporine
- Dabrafenib
- Darunavir
- Dexamethasone
- Diltiazem
- Dronedarone
- Duvelisib
- Efavirenz
- Enzalutamide
- Erythromycin
- Eslicarbazepine
- Etravirine
- Fedratinib
- Fluconazole
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosaprepitant
- Fosphenytoin
- Grapefruit juice
- Idelalisib
- Imatinib
- Indinavir
- Isavuconazole (isavuconazonium sulfate)
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Lefamulin
- Letermovir
- Lonafarnib
- Lopinavir
- Lorlatinib
- Lumacaftor
- Mifepristone
- Mitotane
- Modafinil
- Nafcillin
- Nefazodone
- Nelfinavir
- Netupitant
- Nilotinib
- Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir
- Pexidartinib
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Posaconazole
- Primidone
- Ribociclib
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin (rifampicin)
- Rifapentine
- Ritonavir and ritonavir-containing coformulations
- Saquinavir
- Schisandra
- St. John's wort
- Telithromycin
- Tucatinib
- Verapamil
- Voriconazole
Cautions
Sirolimus must be dosed carefully by trained healthcare professionals. Do not ever change the formulation that you are using without consulting your physician.
People who take Rapamune have an increased risk of infection and possible development of lymphoma.
You must have the drug level of Rapamune monitored while taking this drug.
Side Effects
Rapamune has many possible side effects, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Acne
- Anemia
- Arthralgia
- Chest pain
- Creatinine increase
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Headache
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypertension
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Myalgia
- Nasopharyngitis
- Nausea
- Pain
- Peripheral edema
- Stomatitis
- Thrombocytopenia
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
References
Rapamune [package insert]. Philadelphia, PA: Pfizer; 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rapamune
What is Rapamune?
Rapamune is the brand name for the medication sirolimus. It belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants and is primarily used to prevent the rejection of organ transplants, such as kidney transplants.
How does Rapamune work?
Rapamune works by suppressing the immune system's response to the transplanted organ. It inhibits certain cells and proteins that would otherwise attack and reject the foreign organ.
Is Rapamune used for any other medical conditions?
Rapamune is primarily used as an immunosuppressant for organ transplant recipients. However, it may also be used in the treatment of certain rare lung conditions and for coating coronary stents.
Who should not take Rapamune?
Rapamune should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to sirolimus or its ingredients. It may also be contraindicated for people with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
What are the common side effects of Rapamune?
Common side effects of Rapamune may include mouth sores, stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, and skin rash. It may also lead to more serious side effects, so it's important to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.
Can Rapamune be taken with other medications?
Rapamune can interact with various medications, including other immunosuppressants and drugs that affect the liver. It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Is Rapamune safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Rapamune can harm an unborn baby, so it is not recommended during pregnancy. It may also pass into breast milk and potentially harm a nursing infant. Discuss family planning and breastfeeding considerations with your healthcare provider.
Is Rapamune an addictive medication?
No, Rapamune is not considered an addictive medication. It is prescribed to manage immune responses in specific medical conditions and should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider.
How is Rapamune typically administered?
Rapamune is usually taken orally in the form of tablets or liquid, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The dosage and administration schedule will depend on the specific transplant and individual factors.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Rapamune?
If you miss a dose of Rapamune, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 9740
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