Rapamune Side Effects
Generic Name: sirolimus
Please note - some side effects for Rapamune may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.
Side Effects of Rapamune - for the Consumer
Rapamune
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rapamune:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Rapamune:Acne; constipation; diarrhea; headache; joint pain; nausea; stomach pain.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest or throat; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness; wheezing); calf or leg pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling; chest pain; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; muscle pain, cramps, or tenderness; new or worsening breathing problems (eg, shortness of breath); new or worsening cough; night sweats; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; skin growths or discoloration; swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or stomach; swelling or soreness of the mouth or tongue; swollen glands or veins; symptoms of infection (eg, chills, fever, frequent or painful urination, sore throat, unusual vaginal discharge or odor); symptoms of kidney problems (eg, change in the amount of urine, difficult or painful urination, blood in the urine); symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes); symptoms of PML (eg, changes in thinking, strength, or vision; confusion; depression; disorientation; loss of balance or coordination; one-sided weakness; trouble walking or talking); tremor; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual lumps; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual weight gain or loss; vision changes; wound healing problems.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Rapamune Solution
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rapamune Solution:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Rapamune Solution:Acne; constipation; diarrhea; headache; joint pain; nausea; stomach pain.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest or throat; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness; wheezing); calf or leg pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling; chest pain; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; muscle pain, cramps, or tenderness; new or worsening breathing problems (eg, shortness of breath); new or worsening cough; night sweats; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; skin growths or discoloration; swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or stomach; swelling or soreness of the mouth or tongue; swollen glands or veins; symptoms of infection (eg, chills, fever, frequent or painful urination, sore throat, unusual vaginal discharge or odor); symptoms of kidney problems (eg, blood in the urine, change in the amount of urine, difficult or painful urination); symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes); symptoms of PML (eg, changes in thinking, strength, or vision; confusion; depression; disorientation; loss of balance or coordination; one-sided weakness; trouble walking or talking); tremor; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual lumps; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual weight gain or loss; vision changes; wound healing problems.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
TopRapamune Side Effects - for the Professional
Rapamune
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label.
- Increased susceptibility to infection, lymphoma, and malignancy [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Excess mortality, graft loss, and hepatic artery thrombosis in liver transplant patients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- Bronchial anastomotic dehiscence in lung transplant patients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
- Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Exfoliative dermatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
- Fluid Accumulation and Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
- Hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
- Decline in renal function in long-term combination of cyclosporine with Rapamune [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
- Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
- Interstitial lung disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
- Increased risk of calcineurin inhibitor-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/thrombotic microangiopathy (HUS/TTP/TMA) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].
The most common (≥ 30%) adverse reactions observed with Rapamune in clinical studies are: peripheral edema, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, creatinine increased, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fever, urinary tract infection, anemia, nausea, arthralgia, pain, and thrombocytopenia.
The following adverse reactions resulted in a rate of discontinuation of > 5% in clinical trials: creatinine increased, hypertriglyceridemia, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Clinical Studies Experience in Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection Following Renal Transplantation
The safety and efficacy of Rapamune Oral Solution for the prevention of organ rejection following renal transplantation were assessed in two randomized, double-blind, multicenter, controlled trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. The safety profiles in the two studies were similar.
The incidence of adverse reactions in the randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial (Study 2) in which 219 renal transplant patients received Rapamune Oral Solution 2 mg/day, 208 received Rapamune Oral Solution 5 mg/day, and 124 received placebo is presented in the table below. The study population had a mean age of 46 years (range 15 to 71 years), the distribution was 67% male, and the composition by race was: White (78%), Black (11%), Asian (3%), Hispanic (2%), and Other (5%). All patients were treated with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. Data (≥ 12 months post-transplant) presented in the following table show the adverse reactions that occurred in at least one of the Rapamune treatment groups with an incidence of ≥ 20%.
The safety profile of the tablet did not differ from that of the oral solution formulation [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
In general, adverse reactions related to the administration of Rapamune were dependent on dose/concentration. Although a daily maintenance dose of 5 mg, with a loading dose of 15 mg, was shown to be safe and effective, no efficacy advantage over the 2 mg dose could be established for renal transplant patients. Patients receiving 2 mg of Rapamune Oral Solution per day demonstrated an overall better safety profile than did patients receiving 5 mg of Rapamune Oral Solution per day.
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in one clinical trial of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of the same or another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
| –––Rapamune Oral Solution––– | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg/day | 5 mg/day | Placebo | |
| Adverse Reaction | (n = 218) | (n = 208) | (n = 124) |
| a: Patients received cyclosporine and corticosteroids. | |||
| Peripheral edema | 54 | 58 | 48 |
| Hypertriglyceridemia | 45 | 57 | 23 |
| Hypertension | 45 | 49 | 48 |
| Hypercholesterolemia | 43 | 46 | 23 |
| Creatinine increased | 39 | 40 | 38 |
| Constipation | 36 | 38 | 31 |
| Abdominal pain | 29 | 36 | 30 |
| Diarrhea | 25 | 35 | 27 |
| Headache | 34 | 34 | 31 |
| Fever | 23 | 34 | 35 |
| Urinary tract infection | 26 | 33 | 26 |
| Anemia | 23 | 33 | 21 |
| Nausea | 25 | 31 | 29 |
| Arthralgia | 25 | 31 | 18 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 14 | 30 | 9 |
| Pain | 33 | 29 | 25 |
| Acne | 22 | 22 | 19 |
| Rash | 10 | 20 | 6 |
| Edema | 20 | 18 | 15 |
The following adverse reactions were reported less frequently (≥ 3%, but < 20%)
- Body as a Whole – Sepsis, lymphocele, herpes zoster, herpes simplex.
- Cardiovascular – Venous thromboembolism (including pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis), tachycardia.
- Digestive System – Stomatitis.
- Hematologic and Lymphatic System – Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS), leukopenia.
- Metabolic/Nutritional – Abnormal healing, increased lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), hypokalemia.
- Musculoskeletal System – Bone necrosis.
- Respiratory System – Pneumonia, epistaxis.
- Skin – Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma.
- Urogenital System – Pyelonephritis, decline in renal function (creatinine increased) in long-term combination of cyclosporine with Rapamune [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Less frequently (< 3%) occurring adverse reactions included: lymphoma/post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, mycobacterial infections (including M. tuberculosis), pancreatitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus.
Increased Serum Cholesterol and TriglyceridesThe use of Rapamune in renal transplant patients was associated with increased serum cholesterol and triglycerides that may require treatment.
In Studies 1 and 2, in de novo renal transplant patients who began the study with fasting, total serum cholesterol < 200 mg/dL or fasting, total serum triglycerides < 200 mg/dL, there was an increased incidence of hypercholesterolemia (fasting serum cholesterol > 240 mg/dL) or hypertriglyceridemia (fasting serum triglycerides > 500 mg/dL), respectively, in patients receiving both Rapamune 2 mg and Rapamune 5 mg compared with azathioprine and placebo controls.
Treatment of new-onset hypercholesterolemia with lipid-lowering agents was required in 42‑52% of patients enrolled in the Rapamune arms of Studies 1 and 2 compared with 16% of patients in the placebo arm and 22% of patients in the azathioprine arm. In other Rapamune renal transplant studies, up to 90% of patients required treatment for hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia with anti-lipid therapy (e.g., statins, fibrates). Despite anti-lipid management, up to 50% of patients had fasting serum cholesterol levels >240 mg/dL and triglycerides above recommended target levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Abnormal HealingAbnormal healing events following transplant surgery include fascial dehiscence, incisional hernia, and anastomosis disruption (e.g., wound, vascular, airway, ureteral, biliary).
MalignanciesThe table below summarizes the incidence of malignancies in the two controlled trials (Studies 1 and 2) for the prevention of acute rejection [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
At 24 months (Study 1) and 36 months (Study 2), there were no significant differences among treatment groups.
Rapamune Following Cyclosporine Withdrawal
The incidence of adverse reactions was determined through 36 months in a randomized, multicenter, controlled trial (Study 3) in which 215 renal transplant patients received Rapamune as a maintenance regimen following cyclosporine withdrawal, and 215 patients received Rapamune with cyclosporine therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. All patients were treated with corticosteroids. The safety profile prior to randomization (start of cyclosporine withdrawal) was similar to that of the 2 mg Rapamune groups in Studies 1 and 2.
Following randomization (at 3 months), patients who had cyclosporine eliminated from their therapy experienced higher incidences of the following adverse reactions: abnormal liver function tests (including increased AST/SGOT and increased ALT/SGPT), hypokalemia, thrombocytopenia, and abnormal healing. Conversely, the incidence of the following adverse events was higher in patients who remained on cyclosporine than those who had cyclosporine withdrawn from therapy: hypertension, cyclosporine toxicity, increased creatinine, abnormal kidney function, toxic nephropathy, edema, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, and gum hyperplasia. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure improved significantly following cyclosporine withdrawal.
MalignanciesThe incidence of malignancies in Study 3 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] is presented in the table following.
In Study 3, the incidence of lymphoma/lymphoproliferative disease was similar in all treatment groups. The overall incidence of malignancy was higher in patients receiving Rapamune plus cyclosporine compared with patients who had cyclosporine withdrawn. Conclusions regarding these differences in the incidence of malignancy could not be made because Study 3 was not designed to consider malignancy risk factors or systematically screen subjects for malignancy. In addition, more patients in the Rapamune with cyclosporine group had a pretransplantation history of skin carcinoma.
High-Immunologic Risk Patients
Safety was assessed in 224 patients who received at least one dose of sirolimus with cyclosporine [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]. Overall, the incidence and nature of adverse events was similar to those seen in previous combination studies with Rapamune. The incidence of malignancy was 1.3% at 12 months.
Conversion from Calcineurin Inhibitors to Rapamune in Maintenance Renal Transplant Population
The safety and efficacy of conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to Rapamune in maintenance renal transplant population have not been established [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. In a study evaluating the safety and efficacy of conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to Rapamune (initial target sirolimus concentrations of 12-20 ng/mL, and then 8-20 ng/mL, by chromatographic assay) in maintenance renal transplant patients, enrollment was stopped in the subset of patients (n = 87) with a baseline glomerular filtration rate of less than 40 mL/min. There was a higher rate of serious adverse events, including pneumonia, acute rejection, graft loss and death, in this stratum of the Rapamune treatment arm.
The subset of patients with a baseline glomerular filtration rate of less than 40 mL/min had 2 years of follow-up after randomization. In this population, the rate of pneumonia was 15/58 vs. 4/29, graft loss (excluding death with functioning graft loss) was 13/58 vs. 9/29, and death was 9/58 vs. 1/29 in the sirolimus conversion group and CNI continuation group, respectively.
In the subset of patients with a baseline glomerular filtration rate of greater than 40 mL/min, there was no benefit associated with conversion with regard to improvement in renal function and a greater incidence of proteinuria in the Rapamune conversion arm.
Overall in this study, a 5-fold increase in the reports of tuberculosis among sirolimus (11/551) and comparator (1/273) treatment groups was observed with 2:1 randomization scheme.
Pediatrics
Safety was assessed in a controlled clinical trial in pediatric (< 18 years of age) renal transplant patients considered at high-immunologic risk, defined as a history of one or more acute allograft rejection episodes and/or the presence of chronic allograft nephropathy on a renal biopsy [see Clinical Studies (14.6)]. The use of Rapamune in combination with calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids was associated with a higher incidence of deterioration of renal function (creatinine increased) compared to calcineurin inhibitor-based therapy, serum lipid abnormalities (including, but not limited to, increased serum triglycerides and cholesterol), and urinary tract infections.
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Rapamune. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
- Body as a Whole – Lymphedema.
- Cardiovascular – Pericardial effusion (including hemodynamically significant effusions and tamponade requiring intervention in children and adults) and fluid accumulation.
- Digestive System – Ascites.
- Hematological/Lymphatic – The concomitant use of Rapamune with a calcineurin inhibitor may increase the risk of calcineurin inhibitor-induced HUS/TTP/TMA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)]; pancytopenia, neutropenia.
- Hepatobiliary Disorders – Hepatotoxicity, including fatal hepatic necrosis, with elevated sirolimus trough concentrations.
- Immune System – Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, and hypersensitivity vasculitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
- Infections – Tuberculosis. BK virus associated nephropathy has been observed in patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Rapamune. This infection may be associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss. Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), sometimes fatal, have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including Rapamune [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]. Clostridium difficile enterocolitis.
- Metabolic/Nutritional – Liver function test abnormal, AST/SGOT increased, ALT/SGPT increased, hypophosphatemia, hyperglycemia.
- Respiratory – Cases of interstitial lung disease (including pneumonitis, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia [BOOP], and pulmonary fibrosis), some fatal, with no identified infectious etiology have occurred in patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens including Rapamune. In some cases, the interstitial lung disease has resolved upon discontinuation or dose reduction of Rapamune. The risk may be increased as the sirolimus trough concentration increases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]; pulmonary hemorrhage; pleural effusion; alveolar proteinosis.
- Skin – Exfoliative dermatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
- Urogenital – Nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Azoospermia has been reported with the use of Rapamune and has been reversible upon discontinuation of Rapamune in most cases.
Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects including dyspnea (22% to 30%), upper respiratory infection (20% to 26%), pharyngitis (16% to 21%), pleural effusion, and alveolar proteinosis have been reported. Cases of interstitial lung disease (including pneumonitis, and infrequently bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis) with no identified infectious etiology and sometimes ending up being fatal have been reported. Bronchial anastomotic dehiscence has also been reported, including fatal cases in lung transplant patients treated with a combination of sirolimus, tacrolimus, and corticosteroids. Three cases of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage have been reported.
It has been recommended that pulmonary toxicity due to sirolimus be included as a part of the differential diagnosis of kidney transplant patients who display signs of interstitial pneumonia.
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects including peripheral edema (54% to 64%), hyperlipidemia (38% to 57%), hypercholesterolemia (35% to 46%), increased creatinine (35% to 40%), edema (16% to 24%), hypophosphatemia (15% to 23%), hypokalemia (11% to 21%), weight gain (8% to 21%), and hyperkalemia (12% to 17%) have been reported. High triglycerides have also been reported.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects including hypertension (39% to 49%) and chest pain (16% to 24%) have been reported. There have been reports of pericardial effusion (including hemodynamically significant effusions and tamponade requiring intervention in children and adults). A case of life-threatening coronary artery spasm following sirolimus-eluting stent deployment has also been reported.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects including diarrhea (25% to 42%), constipation (28% to 38%), abdominal pain (28% to 36%), nausea (25% to 36%), vomiting (19% to 25%), dyspepsia (17% to 25%), and ascites have been reported. A case of sirolimus-induced intractable chronic diarrhea and a case of delayed gastric ulcer healing have also been reported.
General
General side effects including asthenia (22% to 38%), fever (23% to 34%), headache (23% to 34%), and pain (24% to 33%) have been reported.
Hematologic
Hematologic side effects including anemia (23% to 37%), thrombocytopenia (13% to 20%), leukopenia (9% to 15%), capillary leak syndrome, and lymphedema have been reported.
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects including urinary tract infection (20% to 26%), proteinuria, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis have been reported. Azoospermia has also been reported and has been reversible upon discontinuation of in most cases.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects including arthralgia (25% to 31%) have been reported. A case of premature osteonecrosis and a case of myopathy have also been reported.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects including tremor (21% to 31%), insomnia (13% to 22%), and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have been reported. A case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has also been reported.
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects including acne (20% to 31%), rash (10% to 20%), and exfoliative dermatitis have been reported. A case of chronic pyogenic periungual infection and a case of chylous ascites have also been reported.
Renal
BK virus associated nephropathy has been associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss.
Patients treated with cyclosporine and sirolimus were reported to have higher serum creatinine levels and lower glomerular filtration rates when compared to patients treated with cyclosporine and placebo or azathioprine controls. The rate of decline in renal function in these studies was greater in patients receiving sirolimus and cyclosporine compared with control therapies.
In patients with delayed graft function, sirolimus may delay recovery of renal function.
Renal side effects have included BK virus associated nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, higher serum creatinine levels, and lower glomerular filtration rates.
Ocular
The underlying mechanism for severe eyelid edema is unknown.
Ocular side effects including severe eyelid edema have been reported.
Hepatic
Hepatic side effects including hepatotoxicity and hepatic artery thrombosis have been reported. Abnormal liver function tests including increased AST/SGOT, increased ALT/SGPT, hypophosphatemia and hyperglycemia have also been reported.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects including anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, and hypersensitivity vasculitis, have been reported.
Other
Other side effects including lymphedema, tuberculosis, and incisional hernia have been reported. A case of unilateral upper extremity edema has also been reported.
Oncologic
Oncologic side effects have been reported in animal studies including lymphoma, hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma, and testicular adenoma.
Endocrine
Endocrine side effects have included increased basal and stimulated insulin levels in vitro and insulin content in vitro regardless of culture duration.
TopMore Rapamune resources
- Rapamune Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Rapamune Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Rapamune Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Rapamune MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Rapamune Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Sirolimus Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
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