Rapamune (Sirolimus)

Name: Rapamune
Brand: Pfizer
SKU: 2555
Availability: InStock

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Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Rapamune

Manufacturer: Pfizer

Country: Australia

Dosage: 0.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Rapamune

Manufacturer: Pfizer

Country: Canada

Dosage: 1 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Rapamune

Manufacturer: Pfizer

Country: New Zealand

Dosage: 1 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Rapamune

Manufacturer: Pfizer

Country: New Zealand

Dosage: 2 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Rapamune

Type

Product

Manufacturer

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Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Sirolimus

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 1 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Rapamune Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on July 17, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Rapamune and Sirolimus at CanadaPharmacyOnline

Rapamune (sirolimus) is manufactured by Pfizer in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Generic sirolimus is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Sirolimus:

Generic sirolimus contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name Rapamune, and meets the same effectiveness and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Rapamune. While specific bioequivalence studies are conducted to ensure generic medications have comparable absorption rates and overall effects, individual responses to any medication can vary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about using generic sirolimus.

For information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit Access to Generic Drugs in Canada | Canada.ca.

Dosage

Rapamune is available in strengths of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg oral tablets.

Generic sirolimus is only available in the 1 mg oral tablets (at this pharmacy).

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage

Rapamune is a prescription medication primarily used to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant patients aged 13 years or older. It is typically used in combination with other immunosuppressants. Sirolimus is also approved for the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare, progressive lung disease.

Mechanism of Action
Rapamune (sirolimus) is an immunosuppressant that works by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes. It binds to the immunophilin FK Binding Protein-12 (FKBP-12) to form an immunosuppressive complex. This complex then binds to and inhibits the activation of the mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR), a key regulatory kinase. Inhibition of mTOR suppresses cytokine-driven T-cell proliferation by blocking the progression from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle. This mechanism differs from other immunosuppressants and helps prevent the immune system from attacking transplanted organs. In LAM, the inhibition of the mTOR pathway suppresses the growth of abnormal LAM cells.

Use Rapamune exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dosage or stop taking the medication without first consulting your doctor. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Rapamune, it's essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before starting Rapamune, it's crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects – The following are examples of some common side effects of Rapamune; others may occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects persist, worsen, or concern you, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Abdominal pain
• Acne
• Anemia
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Excess hair growth
• Headache
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol and triglycerides (hyperlipidemia)
• Infections
• Joint pain
• Mouth sores
• Nausea
• Peripheral edema (swelling of ankles/feet)
• Tremors
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Serious or rare side effects – Stop taking Rapamune and seek immediate medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, hoarseness, difficulty breathing)
• Bronchial anastomotic dehiscence (separation of airways in lung transplant patients)
• Chest pain
• Fluid accumulation and problems with wound healing after surgery (especially if obese)
• Increased risk of infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, white patches in the mouth)
• Increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., skin cancer, lymphoma)
• Unusual skin changes, changes in appearance/size of moles, unusual growths/lumps
• Swollen glands
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Interstitial lung disease (e.g., shortness of breath, cough)
• Kidney problems (e.g., change in amount of urine, frothy urine)
• Low white blood cell count (leukopenia) or platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
• Mental/mood changes
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but severe brain infection (e.g., clumsiness, loss of coordination/balance, weakness, sudden change in thinking, difficulty talking/walking, seizure, vision changes)
• Proteinuria (protein in urine)
• Rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Severe headache
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Contraindications

This isn't an exhaustive list of contraindications. It's crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you're taking with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Rapamune.

Rapamune shouldn't be used if:
• You're allergic to sirolimus or any of its ingredients.
• It's generally not recommended for the prevention of rejection in liver or lung transplant patients due to the increased risk of serious complications, including liver/lung problems and bronchial anastomotic dehiscence.

Tell your doctor about your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Rapamune. This is crucial because certain conditions can affect whether Rapamune is right for you. These conditions may include, but aren't limited to:
• Diabetes or high blood sugar
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• History of cancer
• History of liver disease
• History of lung disease
• Infections (current or recurrent)
• Kidney problems
• Poor wound healing
• Proteinuria

Dizziness and Tremors
Rapamune may cause dizziness or tremors. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities that require alertness until you understand how it affects you.

Drug Interactions

Before taking Rapamune, it's essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the product monograph from Canada: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00042609.PDF

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Rapamune can interact with several medications, including (but not limited to):
• Alcohol: Can increase adverse effects.
• Antiarrhythmics (medications for irregular heartbeat): (e.g., amiodarone)
• Antibiotics (certain types, especially macrolides and rifamycins): (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin, rifabutin)
• Antifungals (certain azoles): (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole)
• Antivirals (certain types, especially protease inhibitors): (e.g., atazanavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir)
• Bosentan
• Carbamazepine
• Cimetidine
• Cisapride
• Cyclosporine: It's recommended to take sirolimus 4 hours after cyclosporine to minimize interaction.
• Diltiazem
• Everolimus (another mTOR inhibitor)
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice, Pomegranate and pomegranate juice: Can significantly increase sirolimus levels and should be avoided.
• HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins) and Fibrates may increase the risk of muscle problems.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil) may increase the risk of side effects, such as kidney problems or blood disorders.
• Live vaccines should be avoided due to immunosuppression.
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• St. John's Wort: This can significantly decrease sirolimus levels and should be avoided.
• Verapamil

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Sirolimus may harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception must be used during treatment and for 12 weeks after discontinuing therapy for women of childbearing potential. Sirolimus is excreted in breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breastfeeding isn't recommended during treatment with sirolimus. Women who are breastfeeding should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor.

Use in Older Adults

Clinical studies with Rapamune included sufficient patients 65 years and older to determine if they respond differently from younger patients. While the overall efficacy and safety profiles are similar, older patients may be more susceptible to specific side effects or have more complex medical conditions that require careful monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rapamune at Canada Pharmacy Online

Why is Rapamune more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Rapamune, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs than the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

Can I take Rapamune with food?

Rapamune can be taken with or without food. However, consistency is crucial: always take it with food or on an empty stomach to ensure consistent absorption. Please do NOT take it with grapefruit or pomegranate products.

Can I crush or chew Rapamune tablets?

Rapamune tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or break them. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. The oral solution is an alternative formulation.

Will Rapamune cure my condition?

For organ transplant recipients, Rapamune helps to prevent organ rejection. For LAM, it helps to manage the symptoms and stabilize lung function decline. It is not a cure, and long-term treatment is often necessary for both conditions.

How quickly does Rapamune start working?

The immunosuppressive effects begin relatively quickly, but maintaining stable blood levels is crucial for optimal efficacy. For LAM, stabilization of lung function decline was observed over months in clinical trials. Your doctor will monitor your blood levels to ensure appropriate dosing.

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 if it is within 14 hours of the usual time. If more than 14 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you vomit within 30 minutes of taking a dose, take another dose. If you vomit more than 30 minutes later, it's not necessary to take another dose.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is committed to providing you with the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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