A Patient's Guide to Taking Rapamycin (Sirolimus)

What is Rapamycin?

Rapamycin, also known by its generic name Sirolimus, is a medication traditionally used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. More recently, it has gained attention for its potential role in promoting longevity and healthy aging. It works by inhibiting a key cellular pathway called mTOR, which is involved in cell growth and metabolism.

For longevity purposes, Rapamycin is taken in a much different way than for transplant patients—typically in a low, once-weekly dose to maximize potential benefits while minimizing side effects.

Your Dosing and Titration Schedule

Your Rapamycin protocol is designed to start with a low dose and gradually increase over time. This allows your body to adapt to the medication. It is crucial to follow this schedule unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

How to Take Rapamycin Correctly

Consistency is key when taking Rapamycin for longevity.

1. Once-Weekly Dosing: Take your prescribed dose only once per week.

2. Choose a Day: Pick one day of the week (e.g., every Sunday) and stick to it. This helps maintain stable levels of the medication in your body.

3. Be Consistent with Food: You can take Rapamycin with or without food, but you should be consistent. If you take it with a meal one week, you should take it with a meal every week. If you take it on an empty stomach, do so consistently.

4. Swallow Whole: Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole with a glass of water.

Potential Side Effects and Management

While once-weekly low-dose Rapamycin is generally better tolerated than daily high-dose regimens, side effects can still occur. Common side effects may include:

• Mouth sores (aphthous ulcers)

• Nausea or diarrhea

• Headache

• Minor skin irritations

If you experience side effects, especially mouth sores, contact your provider. They may advise you to pause your dose for a week or reduce the dose to a more manageable level.