Key takeaways
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) and sirolimus (Rapamune) are both immunosuppressants used to prevent organ rejection, but they have some key differences. Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor, while sirolimus is a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor. Cyclosporine is used for heart, liver, and kidney transplants, whereas sirolimus is only approved for kidney transplants and a condition called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Cyclosporine can be taken as a capsule, injection, or oral solution, while sirolimus is available as tablets and an oral solution. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor levels and are typically taken once daily. Sirolimus is not recommended for children under 12 and can cause fertility problems, while cyclosporine has been used safely in children as young as 6 months. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable.
