Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using Rapamune?
Rapamune contains the active ingredient sirolimus. Rapamune belongs to a group of
medicines called immunosuppressants. It is used to prevent your body from rejecting
the transplanted kidney.
For more information, see Section
1. Why am I using Rapamune? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use Rapamune?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to sirolimus or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section
2. What should I know before I use Rapamune? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Rapamune and affect how it works. These include
ciclosporin, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, medicines for high blood pressure
or heart problems, epilepsy medicines, medicine for stomach ulcer or reflux, medicines
to prevent nausea and vomiting, danazol, bromocriptine, letermovir, protease inhibitors,
ACE inhibitors, cannabidiol or St. John's Wort.
4. How do I use Rapamune?
The usual starting dose is 6 mg after transplantation and then 2 mg once daily. You
will also need to take medicines such as ciclosporin and corticosteroids. After 2
to 4 months, your doctor will start reducing the dose of ciclosporin you take and
increasing your dose of Rapamune. Eventually your ciclosporin will be completely stopped.
Your doctor will determine how much Rapamune you need to take.
5. What should I know while using Rapamune?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Rapamune.
Attend all doctor's appointments to monitor your condition.
Take any antibiotic medication for as long as your doctor prescribes them.
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Things you should not do
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Do not give Rapamune to anyone else even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use Rapamune to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not stop taking Rapamune, or change the dosage, without checking with your doctor.
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Looking after your medicine
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Keep Rapamune tablets in their blister pack until it is time to take them.
Keep Rapamune tablets in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store Rapamune tablets in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave Rapamune
in the car or on windowsills.
Keep Rapamune where children cannot reach it.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Serious side effects may include signs of an allergy; signs of excessive fluid on
the lungs; swelling of hands, feet, limbs, abdomen, or eyes; constant 'flu-like' symptoms;
new or changes to lumps, spots or moles; signs of a blood disorder; signs that blood
clots may have formed; signs of a disorder which may cause headache, confusion, seizures
and visual loss or disturbance.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Active ingredient(s): sirolimus (sear-o-lime-us)
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Rapamune. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using Rapamune.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Rapamune?
Rapamune contains the active ingredient sirolimus.
Rapamune belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants. It helps to control
your body's immune system after you have received an organ transplant. It is used
to prevent your body from rejecting the transplanted kidney.
Rapamune is not recommended for patients who have received liver or lung transplants.
Your doctor may have prescribed Rapamune for another reason. Ask your doctor if you
have any questions about why Rapamune has been prescribed for you.
Rapamune is not recommended for use in children, as there is limited information available
on its effects in children.
Rapamune is not habit-forming.
2. What should I know before I use Rapamune?
Warnings
Do not take Rapamune if you have an allergy to sirolimus or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of this leaflet.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty
breathing, or a tight feeling in your chest, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or
other parts of the body, rash, itching, hives or flushed red skin, dizziness or light-headedness.
If you are not sure whether this applies to you, check with your doctor.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Check with your doctor if you:
have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
liver problems or a disease which may have affected your liver
high fat levels in the blood
a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which may cause a variety of symptoms including
muscle weakness and tenderness and temporary paralysis.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start
taking Rapamune.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Like most immunosuppressive medicines, Rapamune is not recommended for use during
pregnancy.
If you are a woman, before starting Rapamune you must be using effective contraception
methods and you must continue contraception for 12 weeks after treatment has stopped.
If you are unsure, or think you may have become pregnant, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Discuss contraceptive options with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Like most immunosuppressive medicines, Rapamune is not recommended while you are breastfeeding.
It is not known whether Rapamune passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for advice before breastfeeding your baby.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with Rapamune and affect how it works.
These include:
ciclosporin used to prevent transplant rejection
antibiotics such as rifampicin, clarithromycin, erythromycin and rifabutin
antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole, clotrimazole, fluconazole, voriconazole
and itraconazole
medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems such as diltiazem, and verapamil
epilepsy medicines such as carbamazepine, phenobarbitone and phenytoin
medicines for stomach ulcer or reflux such as cimetidine and cisapride
medicines to prevent nausea and vomiting such as metoclopramide
danazol which is used to treat endometriosis
bromocriptine which is used to treat Parkinson's disease
letermovir which is used to help prevent sickness from CMV (cytomegalovirus) in adults
who have recently had a bone marrow transplant
protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, boceprevir, telaprevir and indinavir, which
are used to treat HIV/AIDS
ACE inhibitors such as perindopril and ramipril which are used to treat high blood
pressure
cannabidiol which is used to treat epilepsy and chronic pain, and to improve symptoms
related to muscle stiffness and spasms in multiple sclerosis
St. John's wort.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect
Rapamune.
4. How do I use Rapamune?
Rapamune is for oral use only.
Always take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
How much to take
Your doctor will decide exactly what dose of Rapamune you must take and how often
to take it.
Follow your doctor's instructions exactly and never change the dose yourself. Do not
stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
The usual starting dose is 6 mg after transplantation and then 2 mg once daily. You
will also need to take medicines such as ciclosporin and corticosteroids.
After 2 to 4 months, your doctor will start reducing the dose of ciclosporin you take
and increasing your dose of Rapamune. Eventually your ciclosporin will be completely
stopped. Your doctor will determine how much Rapamune you need to take.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
These directions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist
for help.
How to take Rapamune
Swallow Rapamune tablets with a glass of water or orange juice. Do not take Rapamune
tablets with grapefruit juice.
Rapamune tablets must be taken whole.
If you crush, split or chew the tablets you may not get the correct dose.
If you have problems with swallowing the tablets whole discuss with your doctor whether
Rapamune Oral solution would be better for you.
Take Rapamune consistently, either with or without food.
When to take Rapamune
Take Rapamune once a day at about the same time each day.
Taking Rapamune at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also
help you remember when to take it.
If you are also taking ciclosporin, then you must take Rapamune 4 hours after your
ciclosporin dose.
How long to take Rapamune
You will need to take Rapamune for the rest of your life, or until your doctor decides
to change your immunosuppressive medication.
If you forget to take Rapamune
If it is almost time for your next dose (within 4 hours), skip the dose you missed
and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine
as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed and always take
Rapamune and ciclosporin approximately 4 hours apart.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you take too much Rapamune
If you think that you have taken too much Rapamune, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you take too much Rapamune, your heart may start beating abnormally.
5. What should I know while using Rapamune?
Things you should do
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are
taking Rapamune.
Attend all doctor's appointments to monitor your condition.
Your doctor needs to closely monitor the level of Rapamune found in your blood to
make sure the dose you are taking is best for your condition.
Take any antibiotic medication for as long as your doctor prescribes them.
Taking antibiotics helps prevent getting an infection.
Tell your doctor you are taking Rapamune if you also want to be vaccinated.
Rapamune may affect your response to vaccination.
Things you should not do
Do not give Rapamune to anyone else even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use Rapamune to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not stop taking Rapamune, or change the dosage, without checking with your doctor.
Kidney transplant patients need to remain on immunosuppressive medication indefinitely.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Rapamune
affects you.
Things to be careful of
Limit your exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing protective clothing and using
a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Immunosuppressive medicines such as Rapamune may increase the risk of developing cancer
of the lymph glands and skin.
If you develop new lumps, spots or moles anywhere on your body, or you notice changes
in existing lumps, spots or moles, tell your doctor.
This may be a sign of cancer. Immunosuppressant medicines, including Rapamune, may
increase the risk of developing certain cancers, including skin cancer and lymphoma
(cancer of the lymphatic system).
Looking after your medicine
Keep Rapamune tablets in their blister pack until it is time to take them.
If you take the tablets out of their blister pack, they may not last as well.
Store it in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture,
heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on windowsills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
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Less serious side effects
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What to do
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burning sensation on urination or increased urgency to urinate
increased thirst and hunger
fluid filled swelling on the skin
abnormal wound healing
fast heartbeat
pain
diarrhoea
mouth ulcers and cold sores
nosebleed
pneumonia
acne
rash
fever
headache
constipation
nausea
symptoms of ovarian cyst, such as discomfort around the pelvis or abdomen or pain
or pressure upon urination or bowel movements
changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these side effects and they worry you.
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Serious side effects
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin; swelling of the face,
lips, tongue or other part of the body shortness of breath, wheezing or troubled breathing
signs of excessive fluid on the lungs such as coughing, difficulty breathing and wheezing
swelling of hands, feet, limbs or abdomen or puffiness or swelling around the eyes
due to fluid retention
constant 'flu-like' symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, aching joints, swollen
glands, cough, or any other signs of infection such as infection of a cut or scratch.
Immunosuppressive drugs may also increase the risk of getting an infection
new lumps, spots or moles, or changes to existing lumps, spots or moles, anywhere
on your body. It is important to have these checked by a doctor as soon as possible
signs of a blood disorder such as tiredness, headaches, being short of breath when
exercising, dizziness, paleness, nose bleeds, unusual bleeding or bruising
signs that blood clots may have formed, such as sudden severe headache, sudden loss
of coordination, blurred vision, slurred speech, numbness or tingling in an arm or
leg, painful swelling in the calves or thighs, chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing
blood
signs of a disorder which may cause headache, confusion, seizures and visual loss
or disturbances.
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Call your doctor straight away or go straight to the Emergency Department at your
nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
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Unwanted side effects that you may not be aware of whilst taking Rapamune include
an increase in blood pressure and changes in the levels of red or white blood cells
or substances carried in your blood (e.g. fat, cholesterol, protein, potassium or
liver enzymes). During treatment your doctor may do blood tests to measure these changes.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Rapamune contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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sirolimus
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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Lactose monohydrate
Macrogol 8000
Magnesium stearate
Purified talc
Macrogol 20000
Glyceryl mono-oleate
Shellac
Calcium sulfate
Microcrystalline cellulose
Sucrose
Titanium dioxide
dl-alpha-tocopherol
Poloxamer
Povidone
Carnauba wax
Opacode monogramming ink S-1-15095 RED
Rapamune 0.5 mg and Rapamune 2 mg tablets also contain the colouring agents iron oxide
yellow CI 77492, iron oxide black CI 77499 and iron oxide red CI 77491.
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Potential allergens
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Lactose
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
Rapamune does not contain gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
What Rapamune looks like
Rapamune 0.5 mg tablets are tan, triangular-shaped, sugar-coated tablets branded with
red ink.
Rapamune 0.5 mg tablets are supplied in cartons of 100 tablets (10 blisters x 10 tablets
each).
AUST R 169305
Rapamune 1 mg tablets are white, triangular-shaped, sugar-coated tablets branded with
red ink.
Rapamune 1 mg tablets are supplied in cartons of 100 tablets (10 blisters x 10 tablets
each).
AUST R 125629
Rapamune 2 mg tablets are yellow, triangular-shaped, sugar-coated tablets branded
with red ink.
Rapamune 2 mg tablets are supplied in cartons of 100 tablets (10 blisters x 10 tablets
each).
AUST R 125630
Who distributes Rapamune
Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Level 17, 151 Clarence Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Toll Free Number: 1800 675 229
This leaflet was prepared in December 2023.
®Registered Trademark 2023