Im just looking for some common sense advice. I had developed a funhal infection prior to starting Rapamiacin, but thought it was cleared up prior to taking my first anf only dose. I had been taking Clotrimazol and was pretty sure it was gone but apparently not, unless the Rapamiacin exarbated the problem. I have only taken one dose but am due to take the second. I know those two meds are contraindicated, so the rational thing to me is to stop the Rapamiacin for a few weeks, or however long it takes to be assured the infection is cleared up before starting the Rapamiacin again. Does anybody have any concerns or might disagree with that plan of action. Please advise.
Hello Draus, this is Brandon from the Healthspan Clinical Team. I am so sorry to hear the infection appears to be exacerbated by the introduction of rapamycin. The short answer - you’re applying good common sense, and you’re right to be cautious about resuming rapamycin while a fungal infection may still be present.
Rapamycin primarily inhibits mTORC1 (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1), especially when used in low, intermittent doses as our Healthspan rapamycin protocol suggests. mTORC1 is involved in cell growth, immune activation, and metabolism. Inhibiting mTORC1 can support anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects and may enhance immune surveillance, particularly of senescent cells and cancer cells.
However, with continuous or high-dose rapamycin, inhibition of mTORC2 can occur. mTORC2 is more involved in metabolic regulation and immune cell survival, and prolonged suppression may impact glucose metabolism and immune resilience, including potentially increasing susceptibility to infections. At low doses and once-weekly regimens, mTORC2 is generally spared.
Rapamycin, while immunomodulatory, is not broadly immunosuppressive in low, intermittent doses—but it can blunt certain immune responses, especially if there’s an active or unresolved infection. Clotrimazole is an antifungal that works locally (often used for skin or mucosal infections), and while it’s not a systemic antifungal, using both together is cautioned due to potential interactions if the infection is not fully resolved.
Holding off on the next rapamycin dose until you’re confident the fungal infection is fully cleared is a reasonable and conservative approach. This gives your immune system time to fully resolve the infection without any added immunomodulatory effects from rapamycin.
Recommended Steps:
- Confirm resolution of the fungal infection (visually or with your clinician if needed).
- Consider spacing at least 1–2 weeks of being symptom-free before resuming rapamycin.
- When you resume, stay at your initial dose and monitor closely for any signs of recurrence.
Please let us know if symptoms persist, or if you need help deciding when to safely resume. Hopeful for a swift recovery for you!