Let's learn about the medicine Sirolimus? (Sirolimus oral solution)

Maybe you or someone in your family has just received an organ transplant, like a kidney. Or maybe you're being treated for a very rare lung condition. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication called Sirolimus to help control the activity of your immune system. So since this is a bit of a complicated medication, let's talk about it simply and clearly, shall we?

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, Sirolimus is a drug that reduces or suppresses the activity of your body's immune system. Think of it this way: when someone receives a new organ transplant, our body sees it as "foreign." So the body's natural defense system tries to attack the new organ, or reject it. Sirolimus stops that rejection. It also helps control the abnormal growth of cells in the lungs, a rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

Before starting this medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health status. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Increased levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood
• Any current infectious condition
• Liver diseases
• If you have an allergic reaction to sirolimus or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding

How exactly do I use this medicine?

This is a medicine that comes in a liquid form, so you need to follow these steps exactly when using it.

1. Use the correct syringe: Use only the amber syringe that comes with the medicine. Do not measure with kitchen spoons, as they will not give you an accurate dose. Use a new syringe for each dose and throw it away after use.

2. Mixing the medicine: Place the measured amount of medicine in a glass or plastic cup. Add 60 milliliters (about 2 ounces) of water or orange juice to it. Never mix with grapefruit juice or any other liquid.

3. Drinking: Stir well and drink immediately . Then, add another 120 milliliters (about 4 ounces) of water or orange juice to the same cup, stir again, and drink that amount. This will allow any remaining medicine in the cup to be absorbed into the body.

4. Take it at the right time: Get in the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food, but stick to one way. For example, if you take it after a meal every day, do it that way.

5. If taken with Cyclosporine: If you are also taking Cyclosporine, you should take Sirolimus 4 hours after taking it.

What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Medicines that should not be used with Sirolimus and which you should be careful with

Sirolimus is a drug that can interact with other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

Important: This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the things you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications.

Things to be especially careful about when taking medication

• Regular medical checkups: Continue to attend clinics as prescribed by your doctor. You may need to have regular blood tests to monitor your condition.
• Protection from infections: This medicine lowers your immunity, so you can easily get infections like colds and flu. Therefore, stay away from crowded places and people who are sick. If you develop any symptoms of infection (fever, sore throat), do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
• Cholesterol and sugar levels: This medicine may increase your blood cholesterol and sugar levels. Your doctor will monitor this and prescribe separate treatment if necessary.
• Sun protection: Your skin will be very sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive) while taking this medication. Therefore, if you are going out in the sun, wear long clothing and use a good sunscreen.
• Cancer risk: Due to long-term immune suppression, there may be a slightly increased risk of some types of cancer (especially skin cancer). Don't worry about this, but talk to your doctor about it.
• Pregnancy prevention: If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must use a highly effective form of birth control while taking this medication and for 12 weeks after stopping the medication .

Possible side effects

Like any medicine, Sirolimus can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

How to store the medicine correctly?

• Store the medicine bottle in the fridge (between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius). Do not store in the freezer. Protect from light.
• Discard any remaining medication within 30 days of opening the bottle.
• If an opened bottle is needed, it can be kept at room temperature (below 25 Celsius) for up to 15 days.
• Use a dose drawn into the syringe within 24 hours. It can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw it away if not used within 24 hours.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Sirolimus Sinhala, immune control, organ transplant, Rapamune, medication details, side effects, organ transplant medication