Mycophenolate Mofetil
Molecule Description
Mycophenolate Mofetil is a drug to suppress the immunity of the body. Because t
he immunity of the body treats the new organ as a foreign body, an immunosuppressant has to be given after transplant that prevents your body from rejecting an organ like the liver, heart or kidney.
Uses of Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Mycophenolate Mofetil is used in cases of organ transplants where there is a risk of the body rejecting the new organ considering it to be a foreign body. The transplant organs include the following:
- Liver
- Kidney
- Heart
- Bone marrow
- Limb
- Intestine
- Pancreatic cells
- Its use is being extended to certain serious condition in which the body attacks own cells (autoimmune diseases)
Contraindications of Mycophenolate Mofetil
When should one not use Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Progressive disease associated with white matter of the brain
- Skin cancer
- Shingles without a normal immune system
- Herpes simplex infection
- Stomach or intestinal ulcer
- Disease caused by cytomegalovirus infection or BK virus
- Liver problem
- Bleeding of the stomach or intestines
- Severe renal impairment
- Opportunistic fungal infection
- Severe infection
- Malignant lymphoma
- Malignant tumor or cancer
- A rupture in the wall of the stomach or intestine
- Constitutional aplastic anemia
- Decreased function of bone marrow
- Severely decreased levels of white blood cells in the blood
- Reduced neutrophils (a type of white blood cell)
Side effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Mycophenolate Mofetil can decrease the immune response of the body and can trigger certain infections like herpes, hepatitis and brain infections
- It can also reactivate certain infections which were earlier under control, for example, hepatitis B, C and HIV
- Allergic reaction: difficulty in breathing, rash, swelling of the face, mouth lips, tongue
- Fever, weakness, flu-like symptoms, mouth ulcers
- Sore throat or pain, runny or blocked nose, headache, earache
- Confusion, unable to think clearly, disinterest in work
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, stomach pain, mouth dryness
- Muscle weakness to body
- New bump on the skin that has changed color or size
- Swelling, pain, redness, discharge from skin or wound
- Painful stools or bloody
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Bleeding through the nose or gums
- Serious side effects includes:
- Chest pain, irregular pulse
- Blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, dizziness
- Pain, burning or bloody urine
Precautions and Warnings of Mycophenolate Mofetil
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Mycophenolate Mofetil during pregnancy?
A:
Mycophenolate Mofetil can cause birth defects or miscarriage if taken during pregnancy, especially during the first three months. It is necessary to avoid pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for at least six weeks of discontinuation.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Mycophenolate Mofetil while breastfeeding?
A:
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding as a small amount of the medicine can pass into the mother’s milk.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Mycophenolate Mofetil?
A:
Do not drive unless you feel well.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Mycophenolate Mofetil?
A:
Avoid intake of alcohol while on treatment with this medicine as it may lead to cause side effects.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You should not donate blood during treatment with this medicine at least for six weeks after stopping treatment. Men should not donate semen during treatment with this medicine for at least 90 days after the treatment is stopped...
- Mycophenolate Mofetil and Mycophenolic Acid are not absorbed equally
- Hence, it is essential that you are careful about the prescribed brand and not mix one for the other
Mode of Action of Mycophenolate Mofetil
How Does It Work?
It helps in blocking the chemicals for proliferation and acts as a suppressant to immunity.
Interactions of Mycophenolate Mofetil
Interactions with other medicines
- The following medicines are known to interact with Mycophenolate Mofetil. Hence your doctor needs to know about all the medicines you use
- Antiviral medicines: Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, Valacyclovir
- Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, Norfloxacin, Rifampin
- Cholestyramine
- Sulfa medicine
- Antacids: Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole
- Azathioprine
Interactions with food items
No other food interactions are reported.
Dosage of Mycophenolate Mofetil
Overdose
Inform your doctor immediately in case of overdose. Overdose symptoms may include deficient immunity and vulnerability to infections, diarrhea, stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). There is a need for constant monitoring of blood parameters while on this medicine....
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. If the time for the next dose is close, skip the missed dose & do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Abhishek B L
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Mycophenolate Mofetil?
- You must inform your doctor if:
- You are allergic to Mycophenolate Mofetil, Mycophenolic Acid or Polysorbate 80
- You are suffering from any infection like viral, fungal or bacterial
- You have complaints of:
- Stomach, intestine, stomach ulcers
- You are pregnant, nursing or planning for pregnancy
- You suffer from conditions like phenylketonuria, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome or liver disorders
- You must also provide information on all your ongoing medications
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- Do not alter the dose unless advised. Do not stop the medicine abruptly. This can have adverse effects
- Oral medication is supposed to be taken on an empty stomach, an hour before or two hours after meals
- Swallow the capsule/ tablet as a whole. Do not break, chew or crush it
- Shake the liquid medicine well before consuming it. Consume the exact prescribed quantity using a measuring spoon, dose syringe or medicinal cup
- Mycophenolate Mofetil and Mycophenolic Acid are not absorbed equally. Hence, it is essential that you are careful about the prescribed brand and not mix one for the other
References
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Disclaimer
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