MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL
Background and Date of Approval
Mycophenolate Mofetil is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant approved for medical use on 3 May 1995.
Uses
Mycophenolate Mofetil has been developed to prevent organ rejection in adult and paediatric patients older than 3 months of age. It is indicated along with other immunosuppressants to prevent rejection of allogenic kidney, liver or heart transplants.
How is it administered?
Mycophenolate Mofetil is available as 250mg capsule, 500mg tablet and oral suspension. Your healthcare provider will prescribe Mycophenolate Mofetil Injection within 24 hours of organ transplant if you are unable to tolerate the oral dose. The recommended dose for adults who underwent kidney transplant is 1g twice a day orally or intravenously over 2 hours and 600mg/m2 with a maximum dose of 2g/day for paediatric patients. For adults who underwent heart and liver transplant, the preferred oral dose is 1.5g twice daily and 600mg/m2 with a maximum dose of 900mg/m2 for paediatric patient.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Mycophenolate Mofetil are diarrhoea, leukopenia, infection, vomiting, fever, sore throat, pain, rash, constipation, headache, dizziness, tremor. Some of the serious side effects of this medication include swelling of lower legs, ankles and feet, infections, sepsis, fast heartbeat, stomach problems, joint stiffness, joint pain, high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Warnings
People taking high doses of Mycophenolate Mofetil can experience a drop in their blood cell count. During the Mycophenolate Mofetil injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood cell counts (RBC, WBC), platelets, blood sugar, blood pressure, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, immune system disorders, heart, liver or kidney problems. Get immediate medical attention if you experience fever, infection, sudden and severe stomach pain.
Precautions
Mycophenolate Mofetil is not recommended during pregnancy due to its ability to cause fetal harm and high possibility of miscarriage during first trimester. Discuss effective contraceptive options with your healthcare provider to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is not known whether Mycophenolate Mofetil passes into the breast milk. Hence, it is advisable to tell your healthcare provider if you are a breastfeeding mother or planning to breastfeed your baby.
Word of Advice
Mycophenolate Mofetil may impair your ability to drive and operate heavy machinery. If you experience drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, tremor, or low blood pressure after taking this medicine, exercise caution while driving and operating heavy machinery.
References
Genentech, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Aug 2022] [Accessed on 1st Sep 2022], https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/cellcept_prescribing.pdf Ahmed A. Negm & Daniel E. Furst, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioid Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout, Langeâs Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 642-666.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not take Mycophenolate Mofetil?
People who are allergic to Mycophenolate Mofetil, mycophenolic acid aur any other component of this medicine should avoid taking Mycophenolate Mofetil.
Is it safe to use Mycophenolate Mofetil during pregnancy?
Mycophenolate Mofetil is not recommended during pregnancy due to its ability to cause fetal harm and high possibility of miscarriage during first trimester.
What should you not take with Mycophenolate Mofetil?
Antacids containing magnesium or aluminium hydroxide, Proton pump inhibitors like pantoprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, oral contraceptives, telmisartan reduce the efficacy of Mycophenolate Mofetil. Tell your healthcare provider before taking this medicine if you are taking any of the above drugs.
What are the side effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil?
Diarrhoea, leukopenia, infection, vomiting, fever, sore throat, pain, rash, constipation, headache, dizziness, tremor are the most common side effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil.
When should you report to your healthcare provider?
Reach out to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience sudden stomach pain, diarrhoea, inflammatory reactions such as fever, joint pain, joint stiffness, and muscle pain.
How to store Mycophenolate Mofetil?
Store Mycophenolate Mofetil tablets and capsules at room temperature in its original container. If it is an oral suspension, you can store them at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
How do you know if Mycophenolate Mofetil is working?
Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, blood count to monitor how your body is responding to Mycophenolate Mofetil.