Compare cyclosporine vs. Rapamune

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

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Neoral (cyclosporine)

Prescription only

Rapamune (sirolimus)

Prescription only
Suppresses the immune system.

Neoral (cyclosporine) is good at preventing rejection of a transplanted organ, and is also used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Prevents rejection of a transplanted organ.

Rapamune (sirolimus) is a reliable medicine that prevents rejection of an organ transplant but requires consistent monitoring.

Upsides
  • Neoral (cyclosporine) is safe for pregnant women to use.
  • Neoral (cyclosporine) does not affect blood sugar levels as much as others in the same drug class.
  • Rapamune (sirolimus) is good at preventing organ rejection.
  • Causes less harm to the kidneys with long-term use than similar medicines.
  • Fewer effects on blood sugar and blood pressure compared to other immunosuppressants.
  • Conveniently taken once daily.
Downsides
  • You'll need regular blood tests to make sure Neoral (cyclosporine) isn't affecting your body negatively.
  • Neoral (cyclosporine) can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage, especially with lifelong use.
  • You might need to take other medications to control your blood pressure while on Neoral (cyclosporine).
  • You’ll need regular blood tests while taking Rapamune (sirolimus), especially when you first start the medicine.
  • Can cause high lipids (fats like cholesterol and triglycerides), especially with lifelong use. You might need to take other medicines to control your lipids while on Rapamune (sirolimus).
  • Raises your risk of infection and certain cancers.
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Used for
  • Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$34.10
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Lowest price
$125.63
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Reviews
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Side effects
17possible side effects
  • High blood pressure
    53%
  • Abnormal kidney function
    38%
  • Tremor
    31%
  • Abnormal hair growth
    28%
  • Acne
    20%
  • Headache
    15%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    10%
  • Liver damage
    7%
  • Stomach discomfort
    7%
  • Low white blood cells
    6%
  • Blood cell tumor
    6%
  • Gum swelling
    5%
  • Uncontrolled shaking
    4%
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Swelling of breasts
    4%
  • Common cold symptoms
    3%
  • Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet
    2%
See more detailed side effects
17possible side effects
  • Swelling in arms and legs
    54%
  • High triglycerides
    45%
  • High blood pressure
    45%
  • High cholesterol
    43%
  • Higher blood creatinine (marker of poorer kidney function)
    39%
  • Constipation
    36%
  • Headache
    34%
  • Stomach pain
    28%
  • Urinary tract infection
    26%
  • Diarrhea
    25%
  • Nausea
    25%
  • Joint pain
    25%
  • Fever
    23%
  • Low red blood cells
    23%
  • Acne
    22%
  • Low white blood cells
    14%
  • Rash
    10%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Cancer
    • Taking Neoral (cyclosporine) for a long time
    • Prolonged exposure to sunlight
    • UV light
  • Serious infections
    • Taking other immunosuppressants
    • Age 60 or older
    • Weak immune system
  • High blood pressure
    • High blood pressure
    • Taking other medicines that can raise blood pressure
  • Kidney damage
    • Taking Neoral (cyclosporine) for a long time
    • Taking high doses of Neoral (cyclosporine)
    • Poor kidney function
    • Donor age 50 or older
    • Taking other medicines that can damage the kidneys
    • Taking medicines that interact with Neoral (cyclosporine)
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking multiple medicines
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Health problems in people with liver and lung transplants
  • Cancer
    • Taking Rapamune (sirolimus) for a long time
    • Long exposure to sunlight
    • UV light
  • Serious infections
    • Taking other immunosuppressants
    • Age 60 or older
    • Weak immune system
  • High blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
    • History of high cholesterol
    • History of high triglycerides
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking multiple medicines
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Neoral (cyclosporine)
Learn more about Rapamune (sirolimus)