Often used for:
Prevention or treatment of GVHD after stem cell transplant; preventing organ transplant rejection
What is sirolimus?
Sirolimus suppresses the immune system to prevent graft rejection or treat GVHD. Patients undergo regular blood tests for sirolimus levels, blood counts, cholesterol, triglycerides, and organ function.
Possible long-term effects
- Chronic infections
- Second cancers
Possible side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea or abdominal pain
- Fever
- Swelling of the extremities
- Joint pain
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Urinary tract infections
- Anemia
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Increased infection risk
- Constipation
- Tremors
- Acne
- Nose or throat irritation
- Delayed wound healing
- Menstrual changes
- High blood sugar
- Lung problems
- Not all patients experience these effects. Report all symptoms.
Tips for families
- Discuss all instructions with the care team.
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date before starting therapy and avoid live vaccines for 3 months after treatment.
- Use additional birth control during treatment since hormone-based methods may be less effective.
- Inform the doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
