Rapamycin: Uses, Side Effects and How It Works
Rapamycin is an immunosuppressant medication used after organ transplants and for certain cancers. Learn how it works, common side effects, and what to expect.
What is Rapamycin?
Rapamycin is an immunosuppressant medication that slows the body's immune response. It's used primarily to prevent organ rejection after transplant surgery and to treat certain types of cancer.
How Rapamycin Works
Rapamycin works by inhibiting a protein called mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). This action reduces the proliferation of immune cells and slows cell growth, making it effective for both transplant rejection prevention and cancer treatment.
Common Uses
- Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung condition
- Certain advanced cancers
- Coronary stent placement (as a drug-eluting stent coating)
Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- High cholesterol levels
- Increased infection risk
- Mouth sores
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tremors
More serious side effects may include kidney problems, pneumonitis, and blood clotting issues.
Important Considerations
Rapamycin requires regular blood monitoring to maintain safe drug levels. It can interact with many medications, so inform your doctor of all supplements and prescriptions you take. Avoid grapefruit juice, which can increase rapamycin levels in your blood.
Getting Started
Discuss with your doctor whether rapamycin is appropriate for your condition, dosing schedule, and monitoring requirements.