Mycophenolate

Brand names: CellCept®Myfortic®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Mycophenolate suspension (below)
• Mycophenolate delayed-release tablets
• Mycophenolate Mofetil Oral capsule
• Mycophenolate Mofetil Oral suspension
• Mycophenolate Mofetil Oral tablet
• Mycophenolate Mofetil Solution for injection
• Mycophenolate Sodium Gastro-resistant tablet

Español:
• Suspensión de micofenolato
• Tabletas de liberación retardada de micofenolato
• Mofetil Micofenolato, Cápsula oral
• Mofetil Micofenolato, Suspensión oral
• Mofetil Micofenolato, Tableta oral
• Mofetil Micofenolato, Solución para inyección
• Micofenolato Sódico, Tableta gastrorresistente

Mycophenolate suspension

What is mycophenolate mofetil suspension?

MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL (CellCept®) is a medication used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ, which the body would otherwise see as foreign. Mycophenolate reduces unwanted immune responses and helps to prevent rejection in patients who receive organ or bone marrow transplants. Mycophenolate mofetil also can be used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Generic mycophenolate mofetil suspension is not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia or other blood disorder
• diarrhea
• infection, bacterial or viral
• peptic ulcer disease
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mycophenolate mofetil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take mycophenolate mofetil suspension by mouth on an empty stomach. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use the dosing dispenser provided to measure your dose. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Avoid direct contact with the suspension to skin or eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with mycophenolate mofetil?

• acyclovir or valacyclovir
• antacids
• cholestyramine or colestipol
• ganciclovir
• iron supplements, like ferrous sulfate
• oral contraceptives
• vaccines
• other medicines that suppress your immune system

Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
• aspirin
• acetaminophen
• ibuprofen
• ketoprofen
• naproxen

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking mycophenolate mofetil?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks during the first few months you are receiving mycophenolate suspension.

Mycophenolate mofetil can cause birth defects in animals. It is not known if it will cause birth defects in humans. Women who may have children must have a negative pregnancy test within 1 week of starting therapy. In addition, women must use 2 forms of effective birth control (condoms and birth control pills, for example) before, during and for 6 weeks after finishing treatment. Women who become pregnant should discuss the potential risks and options with their physician.

Mycophenolate mofetil will decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Mycophenolate mofetil may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding.

After you stop taking this medication, side effects can continue. Some side effects may not occur until years after the medicine was taken. These effects can include the development of certain types of cancer. Discuss this possibility with your prescriber or health care professional.

Mycophenolate mofetil may increase your risk for certain types of skin cancer. To decrease your risk, were protective clothing, including hats, and use sunscreen with a high protection factor when exposed to the sun. Avoid using tanning beds.

Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), ketoprofen (Orudis KT®), or naproxen (Aleve®) products as these may mask a fever, unless instructed to by your prescriber or health care professional.

Your blood sugar may increase. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you are diabetic and notice a change in your blood sugar level.

What side effects may I notice from taking mycophenolate mofetil?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• back pain or general pain
• blood in urine
• chest pain, irregular heartbeats
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dizziness or fainting
• fever, chills or sore throat
• increased thirst
• increase in the frequency and amount of urine passed
• swelling of the feet or legs
• swollen face or tongue
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea or soft stools
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain or indigestion
• gas

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.