Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Sandimmune vs. Rapamune

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

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.

  • Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
    Sirolimus (Rapamune)
  • Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
    Sirolimus (Rapamune)

  • Summary of Sandimmune vs. Rapamune

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Unmodified cyclosporine (Sandimmune) belongs to a drug class called calcineurin inhibitors. It's used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant, usually along with corticosteroids. Typically, cyclosporine (Sandimmune) is taken by mouth once daily. Your provider will measure the level of cyclosporine (Sandimmune) in your blood to help determine your dose and minimize side effects. This medication is available as a brand-name version and lower-cost generic.

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Sirolimus (Rapamune) lowers the activity of your immune system to prevent rejection after a kidney transplant. It can also help with a condition that affects your lymphatic system, which is related to your immune system. Your provider will check the levels of sirolimus (Rapamune) in your blood, and this will help guide the dosing. Sirolimus (Rapamune) is available as tablets and as an oral solution, and it's usually only taken once a day. Common side effects include changes in your lab values (e.g., more cholesterol and fat in the blood, change in kidney labs), which is another reason to get your blood checked regularly while taking this medication.

  • Indications of Sandimmune vs. Rapamune

    Indications for
    •Prevention of heart, liver, and kidney transplant rejection
    •Treatment of chronic (long-term) rejection in heart, liver, and kidney transplant recipients previously treated with other immunosuppressive medications
    Indications for
    •Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
    •Treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

  • Pros and Cons of Sandimmune vs. Rapamune

    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Comes as a capsule, injection, and oral solution
    •Has been used safely in children age 6 months and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can raise blood pressure and blood sugar
    •Need to have regular lab draws to make sure this medication's levels are within a safe range
    •Interacts with grapefruit juice and a lot of medications
    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Comes as an oral solution for people who have a hard time swallowing pills
    •Available as a generic medication, which can be less expensive
    Cons
    •Not meant for children age 12 and younger
    •Not a good option during pregnancy
    •Can cause fertility problems
    •Must be used with other immunosuppressants

  • Common Side Effects of Sandimmune vs. Rapamune

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tremor (21-55%)
    •High blood pressure (13-53%)
    •Hair growth on face, chest, and back in females (21-45%)
    •Kidney problems (25-38%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in arms and legs (up to 58%)
    •More cholesterol and fat in the blood (up to 57%)
    •High blood pressure (up to 49%)
    •Change in kidney labs (up to 40%)
    •Constipation (up to 36%)
    •Headache (up to 34%)
    •Pain (up to 33%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 29%)
    •Urinary tract infection (up to 26%)

  • Warnings of Sandimmune vs. Rapamune

    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication absorption
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Side effects affecting brain function, nerves, and movement
    •High blood pressure
    •Vaccines
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk for cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Not recommended for liver and lung transplants
    •Slower wound healing
    •High lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
    •Serious medication interactions
    •Kidney damage
    •Harm to unborn babies and lower sperm count
    •Vaccines

  • Prices with our coupons for Sandimmune vs. Rapamune

    Learn more about Cyclosporine
    Learn more about Sirolimus

Compare other Organ Transplant drugs

Sandimmune vs CellceptSandimmune vs RapamuneCellcept vs MyforticCromolyn vs ImuranImuran vs AzulfidineImuran vs PrednisoneImuran vs PrografImuran vs RapamuneImuran vs RemicadeImuran vs TrexallMyfortic vs ImuranMyfortic vs PrografMyfortic vs RapamuneOrtikos vs ImuranPrograf vs Rapamune
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.