Sirolimus: An Alternative Treatment for Kidney Transplant

 WHAT IS SIROLIMUS?

Sirolimus (rapamune) specifically belongs to the class of drugs named immunosuppressants. As the word immunosuppressant specified, the action of this class of drugs is to suppress the individual's immune system. The motive behind the sirolimus uses is to dampen down the immune system enough to stop it rejecting the transplant kidney while still keeping it active enough in order to fight infections. 

TAKING YOUR SIROLIMUS:

The tablets should be consumed with food or on an empty stomach at about the same time every day. In case you forget to consume your dose, or consumed excess dose, inform your doctor.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided for 1 hour prior to consuming sirolimus 2 mg tablet, because it may affect the amount of sirolimus on the body.

Tablets should be consumed as your healthcare provider instructed, avoid changing the sirolimus doses yourself. 

Sirolimus comes in the tablet form and also in the form of liquid. If you are consuming the tablets, the different strengths are not interchangeable i.e. a sirolimus 1 mg tablet is not exactly the same as 2 x 0.5mg tablets.

UNWANTED SIDE EFFECTS:

Sirolimus may cause adverse reactions on some people. The most commonly reported sirolimus side effects may include:

• headaches
• feeling sick
• rash
• high cholesterol
• anaemia
• taking longer to heal wounds

You need to report your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects. The rapamune drug may also be responsible for causing anaemia.

Patients are more likely to get infections while taking immunosuppressant therapy. 

There are some other medications which may cause problems with sirolimus, these include:

• erythromycin
• clarithromycin
• fluconazole
• rifampicin
• miconazole
• St. John’s Wort. 

Patients need to avoid sunbathing and are recommended to use a sunblock in sunny weather. Always visit your healthcare provider for the regular skin checkups. 

STORING YOUR SIROLIMUS:

Sirolimus tablets should always be stored in the original container in a cool, dry place, and away from the children. 

Always consume your rapamune 1mg tablets as instructed by your healthcare professional and only interrupt taking them on the instructions of your healthcare provider.

SIROLIMUS COST: 

The sirolimus cost may vary from non-branded (generic) to brand drugs. In order to get the best sirolimus price contact any WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company. 

OTHER MEDICINES FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT:

There are several other medication, which can also be used in kidney transplant, are as follows:

• Mycophenolate mofetil 500 mg
• Tacrolimus
• Co-trimoxazole
• Isoniazid
• Azathioprine
• Prednisolone
• Cyclophosphamide
• Ciclosporin

Note: Before starting any treatment, consult a physician. In order to know more about sirolimus, read full prescribing information. 

FAQ's

What is sirolimus used for?

Sirolimus prescribed together with other medicines in order to prevent rejection of the kidney transplants. 

Is Sirolimus the same as Rapamune?

Sirolimus, also can be addressed as rapamycin. The drug has immunosuppressant functions and is useful in order to prevent the rejection of kidney transplant.

How does sirolimus work?

Sirolimus belongs to a family of medicines named immunosuppressants. It acts by suppressing the body's immune system.

Foscavir: An antiviral medication

 What is Drug Foscavir? 

Foscavir specifically is a composition of a drug named foscarnet. It belongs to a family of medication known as antivirals. Foscarnet sodium hexahydrate is a foscavir's generic name. The drug acts by blocking viruses from multiplying in number. 

What is foscavir used for? 

Foscavir is recommended for the treatment of following infections, caused by viruses: 

• An eye infection caused by a virus in people with AIDS, named cytomegalovirus (CMV) and the infection is called CMV retinitis.

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): The drug is given for HSV for those who have a weakened immune system. It is recommended to patients following failed treatment with the drug called aciclovir. 

How Foscavir should be administered? 

Foscavir should be administered by a doctor or nurse. It should be administered as an infusion (drip) into a vein. It is administered into a central line in the chest in case you already have one in place. Every single infusion usually takes at least one hour. Avoid interference with the drip while on the infusion.

The foscarnet dose that you are recommended mainly depends on how functioning of your kidneys. In addition it also depends on an individual's weight. It is crucial to have sufficient fluid with the infusion.

Possible side effects: Like other medications, it may cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Most common: The most commonly reported foscarnet side effects may include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhoea
• Feeling sick
• Feeling tired
• High temperature or chills
• Feeling dizzy
• Headache
• Pins and needles
• Skin rash
• Decreased white blood cells

Common: The commonly reported side effects of foscavir injection may include:

• Abdomen pain
• Constipation
• Inflamed pancreas
• Feeling anxious
• Fits (convulsions)
• Itchy skin
• Generally feeling unwell
• Swelling of the feet and legs
• Pounding heart beat
• High blood pressure
• Low blood pressure
• Shaking (tremors)
• Genital sores
• Infection of the blood
• Pain in your chest

Uncommon: The uncommon side effects of foscavir fda approved medication may include:

• An itchy rash (urticaria).
• Excess acid in the blood. 

Warnings & Precautions: Discuss with your doctor prior to you have foscarnet. Check with your healthcare professional before taking this injection if:

• You have problems with your kidneys. 
• You have problems with your heart.
• You are pregnant. 
• You are breast-feeding. 

In case you're unsure if it may apply to you, discuss with your healthcare team prior to taking Foscavir.

What If you have been given too much Foscavir? 

In case you think you have taken excess dose, discuss with your healthcare team straight away.

What If you forget to have Foscavir? 

In case you have forgotten/missed a dose, talk to your healthcare team straight away.

How much does foscavir cost? 

The foscavir price in india is absolutely reasonable. Prices may vary depending upon the pharmacy or wholesaler company you choose. 

Where can I get foscavir (foscarnet) at the best price? 

In order to buy foscarnet at the best price, one can choose any WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company. 

How to store Foscavir? 

Foscavir should be kept out of the sight as well as reach of children. Avoid using it following the expiry date which is printed on the label. Never store the unopened foscavir bottles above 25°C. Also avoid placing this medication in the fridge.

Note: Prior to starting treatment with foscavir, consult a physician. In order to know more about this medication, please read full prescription information. 

Read - Cytarabine: A Chemotherapy Drug

Cytarabine: A Chemotherapy Drug

What is cytarabine?

Cytarabine is a chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 

What form(s) does Cytarabine come in?

Cytarabine specifically comes in injectable form for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. 

What are Common Cytarabine doses?

• Vial 5mL of 20 mg/mL
• Vial 20mL of 100 mg/mL

How often is cytarabine administered?

Cytarabine may be administered as intermittent intravenous doses of 3 to 5 mg/kg daily, for 5 consecutive days. This course of treatment can be repeated following an interval of 2-9 days and repeated until the therapeutic toxicity is exhibited.

How long do cytarabine side effects last?

Excessive sleepiness, dizziness, headache, confusion, loss of balance may occur in 10 out of 100 patients receiving high dose therapy. Onset is usually five days following treatment and could last up to seven days. These toxicities often are mild and reversible.

How does cytarabine treat cancer?

As a chemotherapy medicine, cytarabine is used to treat cancer known as a cytotoxic antimetabolite. Cancers develop when some cells within the body multiply in an out of control way. These cells spread, killing nearby tissues. Cytarabine acts in order to inhibit the cancerous cells from multiplying. 

What's the usage of Cytarabine?

Cytarabine Injection is prescribed in order to treat patients with cancer of the blood (leukemia) or cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma). The cytarabine injection is recommended alone or in combination with other medications.

How does Cytarabine work?

Cytarabine 100 mg is a type of chemotherapy drug. It kills the cancer cells by preventing them from making as well as repairing the DNA that they require to grow as well as multiply.

What are the side effects of cytarabine: Side effects of Cytarabine Injection may include:

• Feeling tired
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy
• Fainting
• Feeling of pins and needles
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Eye infection
• Blurred vision
• Hair loss
• Skin rash or open sores
• Peeling of the skin
• Itching or increased freckles 
• Swelling of the throat
• Heartburn
• Feeling hot and feverish
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Bone pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Cytarabine syndrome

If any of these affects you severely, inform your healthcare provider.

Does cytarabine cause fever?

Fever may occur when cytarabine injection is given and within 24 hours afterward. Fever due to the cytarabine was detected in about 43% cycles.

What type of drug is cytarabine?

This medication belongs to the class of medications called antimetabolites. It specifically acts by slowing or blocking the growth of cancer cells.

This medication belongs to the class of medications called antimetabolites. It specifically acts by slowing or blocking the growth of cancer cells.

How does cytarabine Injection be given? 

This injection is recommended to be given to you or the child in your care as an injection or an infusion. It may be given: 

• Into the spinal cord
• Into a vein (through a “drip”) 
• Under the skin

Usual dose: The dose of Cytosar Injection you or the child in your care will be given will be calculated by your healthcare provider based on your/the child’s weight and height. 

Overdose: In an event of drug overdose, immediately call your healthcare practitioner, go to the hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs and symptoms.

Missed dose: Call your healthcare provider for instructions if you/the child in your care miss an appointment for your Cytosar 100mg Injection. 

How to store it?

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Retain in the standard carton until time of application. 

What is the price of cytarabine injection in India? 

The cytarabine injection price in india is absolutely reasonable. It is recommended to buy this medication from any WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company. 

The cytarabine cost may vary from branded to non-branded (generic) drugs. 

Note: This is just an informative article, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider prior to initiating treatment with any medication.