FDA Warns of Dangers of Sirolimus (Rapamune) for Liver Transplant Patients | DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Recently, MedPage Today reported that “The FDA issued an alert regarding the risk of increased mortality in stable liver transplant patients who switch from a calcineurin inhibitor-based (CNI) immunosuppressive regimen to sirolimus (Rapamune).”  It was noted, however, “that a causal relationship has not been established” and that the FDA “is not recommending discontinuation of the drug, which is indicated for prevention of organ rejection in kidney transplant recipients older than 12.”

The label for the drug “already carries a boxed warning of excess mortality and graft loss associated with the use of sirolimus in combination with tacrolimus (Prograf) in de novo liver and lung transplant recipients.”  And it also warns that it is not clear that the drug is safe for liver or lung transplant patients.  Doctors, therefore, should heed those warnings, comments the FDA.  Prescribing medication in a way that is contrary to the labeling may lead to serious permanent injury or death.

Our firm has experience pursing cases for patients that involve tragic medication errors,  pharmacy mix ups and unsafe medications.  If you think you have been injured by a defective product, we encourage you to or contact Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at (202) 463-3030.

About the Author

Patrick M. Regan, Esq.

Patrick Regan is a board certified personal injury lawyer and a founding partner at Regan Zambri Long. His practice is devoted to helping those who suffered catastrophic injuries in car accidents, truck accidents, Metro accidents, and medical malpractice. Over his nearly 40-year career, Patrick has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in the history of Washington, DC on behalf of injured victims. Patrick is licensed to practice law in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. He received his B.A. at Hamilton College and his J.D. at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.