Rapamycin
Developed to target the immune response and indicated to support transplant success, this agent is utilized to alleviate the risk of organ rejection.
- Category
- Autoimmune Support
- Active ingredient
- Sirolimus
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 1mg
Rapamycin details
- Condition
- Transplant Rejection
- Alternative names
- Rapamune
- Therapeutic class
- Immunosuppressant
- Pharmacological class
- mTOR inhibitor
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to sirolimus; pregnancy; breastfeeding
- Minor side effects
- nausea; diarrhoea; acne
- Moderate side effects
- hyperlipidaemia; thrombocytopenia; peripheral oedema
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- Pfizer
- Onset Time
- 3–5 days
- Duration
- long-term
- Storage instructions
- Store in refrigerator (2°C–8°C), protected from light.
- Drug interactions
- cyclosporin; grapefruit; rifampicin
- Age restrictions
- Consult specialist for paediatric usage.
Precautions and warnings
regular blood level monitoring required; avoid live vaccines; use effective contraception
Serious side effects
pneumonitis, requires immediate medical attention; lymphoma, requires immediate medical attention; renal impairment, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Developed to target the immune response and indicated to support transplant success, this agent is utilized to alleviate the risk of organ rejection.
Mechanism of action
Sirolimus acts as an mTOR inhibitor that prevents the activation of T-cells and B-cells in response to cytokine stimulation. By blocking this cell cycle progression, it effectively prevents the immunological mechanisms that cause organ rejection.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Must not be used in pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Must not be used while breastfeeding.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Rapamycin
Rapamycin contains Sirolimus, an active ingredient used to assist in the management of transplant rejection. The same active ingredient is also sold as Rapamune, supplied as a tablet in 1mg strength. Produced by Pfizer, this treatment helps support patients requiring consistent immune management following transplant procedures.
Rapamycin availability in Asia
This medication is registered across 14 markets including Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, with availability also in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. Generic Sirolimus is often more affordable than the original brand, offering an accessible treatment option for expats and patients located in areas that may have limited specialized pharmacy stock. This medicine is intended for use under a doctor’s care, supporting consistent long-term health management.