Sirolimus
Sirolimus is an immunosuppressant of the mTOR inhibitor class. It is used to stop the immune system from attacking a transplanted organ. It comes as a tablet and is taken long-term, with blood levels checked along the way.
Medicine containing Sirolimus
Key points
- Sirolimus blocks the activation of T-cells and B-cells, the immune cells behind organ rejection.
- Regular blood level monitoring is required throughout treatment.
- It must not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What sirolimus is used for
Sirolimus is taken to prevent transplant rejection. After a transplant, the immune system treats the new organ as foreign and starts a response against it. Suppressing that response allows the graft to keep working. The effect builds over roughly 3 to 5 days, and treatment continues long-term.
How it works
Sirolimus inhibits mTOR. When cytokines stimulate T-cells and B-cells, this inhibition stops them from becoming activated. Blocking that cell cycle progression interrupts the immunological chain that leads to rejection.
Forms and brands on MayChemist
Sirolimus is supplied as a tablet. Rapamycin 1mg tablets contain sirolimus and are listed for transplant rejection. Orders are prepared by licensed pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety
Sirolimus must not be given to anyone with a hypersensitivity to it. It must not be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding. Live vaccines should be avoided, effective contraception is needed, and blood levels are monitored regularly.
Nausea, diarrhoea and acne are common. Hyperlipidaemia, thrombocytopenia and peripheral oedema can also occur. Pneumonitis, lymphoma and renal impairment are serious and require immediate medical attention.
Sirolimus interacts with cyclosporin, rifampicin and grapefruit. Paediatric use should be discussed with a specialist.
Further reading
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