Rapamune tablets are a powerful and effective immunosuppressant drug containing the active ingredient sirolimus at a concentration of 1 mg per tablet. Sirolimus selectively inhibits the activity of T lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the body's immune response and rejection of foreign organs. Rapamune is primarily used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs in patients who have undergone kidney, liver, heart, lung, and other transplants, significantly contributing to the success of the transplant and the prolonged survival of the transplanted organ. Rapamune is also used to treat certain autoimmune diseases characterized by an overactive immune system, such as tuberous sclerosis and multicentric Castanelmann's disease, helping to control symptoms and reduce complications.
The active ingredient in Rapamune tablets
The therapeutic efficacy of Rapamune tablets depends primarily on the following active ingredient:
Sirolimus: 1 mg per tablet. Sirolimus works by inhibiting a protein signaling pathway within T cells known as the mTOR pathway. This inhibition prevents the T cell response to interleukin-2, a cytokine essential for T cell proliferation and activity, thereby reducing the immune system's ability to attack a transplanted organ or self-tissue in cases of autoimmune diseases. Sirolimus has a relatively selective immunosuppressive effect, reducing the risk of some of the side effects associated with other immunosuppressants.
Available Strengths
Rapamune tablets are typically available in a variety of strengths to meet different patient treatment needs, including:
Sirolimus: 0.5 mg
Sirolimus: 1 mg
Sirolimus: 2 mg
Other dosage forms of sirolimus, such as an oral solution, may also be available, especially for children or patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets. The specialist physician determines the appropriate dosage and dosage form based on the type of transplanted organ, the nature of the autoimmune disease, the patient's age, weight, general health, and response to treatment. Blood levels are also monitored periodically to ensure the optimal balance between efficacy and safety.
Indications for Use of Rapamune Tablets
Rapamune tablets are primarily used in the following cases:
Organ Transplant Rejection Prophylaxis (OTP): It is used to prevent rejection of kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, and other transplanted organs in adult patients after transplantation. It is often used as part of an immunosuppressive regimen that includes other medications.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): It is used to treat renal angiosarcomas associated with tuberous sclerosis in adults and children aged 6 years or older who do not require immediate surgery. Treatment of multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD): It is used to treat multicentric Castleman's disease in adults with or without HIV.
Rapamune may also be used for other medical conditions at the discretion of the specialist.