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Sirolimus
Available by prescription only, sirolimus is an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant. It is taken once a day, and is designed to be combined with other medications. The medication comes in the form of a tablet and an oral solution (liquid). High blood pressure and swelling of the hands are some of the common side effects.
Sirolimus (Rapamune®) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressants. It is approved for use in combination with other medicines to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant.
(Click What Is Sirolimus Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, sirolimus can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well.
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of sirolimus include but are not limited to:
- Swelling (edema) of the hands, feet, ankles, and legs
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Increased lipids (high cholesterol or high triglycerides)
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Headache.
(Click Sirolimus Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD