Mycophenolate Sodium
About Mycophenolate Sodium
Mycophenolate Sodium belongs to a class of drugs called 'immunosuppressants' used to prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ, such as a liver, kidney, or heart. Organ rejection occurs when a patient’s immune system recognizes the donor organ as foreign and tries to eliminate it.
Mycophenolate Sodium contains Mycophenolate sodium, which decreases the production of white blood cells in the body that normally attacks foreign invaders and defends the body against foreign cells and infection. As a result, it prevents organ rejection in transplanted patients and helps the body in accepting the new organ. Mycophenolate Sodium is used with other medicines, such as ciclosporin (immunosuppressant) or corticosteroids.
This medicine will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. Some people may experience common side effects like stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, high blood pressure, or swelling of the lower legs, feet, and ankles. Most of these side effects of Mycophenolate Sodium do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Sodium. You or your partner are advised to use effective contraceptive measures before starting treatment with Mycophenolate Sodium or for 90 days after treatment with Mycophenolate Sodium. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption with Mycophenolate Sodium as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Drive only if you are alert after taking Mycophenolate Sodium as it may cause drowsiness, confusion, or numbness in a few patients.
Uses of Mycophenolate Sodium
• Prevention of Organ Rejection: Mycophenolate Sodium prevents organ rejection in kidney, heart, or liver transplant patients by weakening the immune system.
• Immune System Suppression: Mycophenolate Sodium helps to prevent the body from attacking the transplanted organ and reduces the risk of rejection.
Medicinal Benefits
Mycophenolate Sodium contains Mycophenolate sodium, an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection after a heart, kidney, or liver transplant. Mycophenolate Sodium is combined with other medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Mycophenolate sodium inhibits the body's production of white blood cells, which normally attack foreign invaders and protect the body from foreign cells and infection. As a result, it prevents organ rejection in transplanted patients and aids the body's acceptance of the new organ.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mycophenolate Sodium
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- High blood pressure
- Swelling of lower legs, feet and ankles
Drug Warnings
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines. If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Sodium. You or your partner are advised to use effective contraceptive measures before starting treatment with Mycophenolate Sodium, while taking Mycophenolate Sodium and for 90 days after stopping treatment with Mycophenolate Sodium. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption with Mycophenolate Sodium as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Drive only if you are alert after taking Mycophenolate Sodium as it may cause drowsiness, confusion or numbness in some patients. If you are about to get vaccinated, inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Sodium. Mycophenolate Sodium may increase the risk of infections or skin cancer as it lowers the body’s immune defence system. While taking Mycophenolate Sodium, you are advised to wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Mycophenolate Sodium may interact with immunosuppressant (azathioprine), antibiotics, antifungals (isavuconazole), phosphate binders, antiviral drugs (ganciclovir, acyclovir), medicines used to treat high blood pressure (telmisartan), medicines used to treat high cholesterol (cholestyramine), and antitubercular drug (rifampicin).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have any bleeding or bruising, any signs of infection such as sore throat or fever or have ever had digestive system problems such as stomach ulcer, Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome (birth disorders), inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Sodium.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Mycophenolate Sodium as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Therefore, please discuss this with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
unsafeMycophenolate Sodium is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause birth defects and miscarriage. Inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Sodium if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited information regarding the use of Mycophenolate Sodium during breastfeeding. Please seek medical advice if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
cautionMycophenolate Sodium may cause drowsiness, confusion or numbness in some patients. Therefore, avoid driving if you notice any of these symptoms after taking Mycophenolate Sodium.
Liver
cautionPlease inform your doctor if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionPlease inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionMycophenolate Sodium may be safe for children who receive a kidney transplant if a doctor advises. However, the safety and effectiveness were not established in children who received a heart or liver transplant.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Kidney transplant:
Include fruits and vegetables in your daily routine.
Follow a vitamin-C-rich diet.
Reduce salt intake.
Eat a handful of walnuts and almonds every day.
Reduce intake of unhealthy cholesterol and fats.
Consume dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
Liver and Heart transplant:
Eat whole-grain bread, cereals and other grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish and poultry.
Maintain a low-fat and low-salt diet.
Drink low-fat milk or eat other low-fat dairy products to maintain adequate calcium.
Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water and other fluids.
Avoid alcohol consumption.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Mycophenolate Sodium to check blood cell count or signs of infections.
Do not donate blood while taking Mycophenolate Sodium and for a minimum of 6 weeks after stopping Mycophenolate Sodium.
Men are advised not to donate semen while taking Mycophenolate Sodium and for a minimum of 90 days after stopping the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Organ rejection: It occurs when the patient’s immune system recognizes the donor organ as foreign and tries to eliminate it. Organ rejection may be hyperacute (occurs in minutes to hours), acute (occurs within the first few months), or chronic (occurs after a year or anytime beyond). The symptoms of organ rejection may vary based on the type of organ transplant you have had. However, if you experience pain, fever, or any other signs of illness, contact your doctor immediately.
FAQs
Mycophenolate Sodium is used to prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ, such as a liver, kidney, or heart.
Mycophenolate Sodium contains Mycophenolate sodium, which works by decreasing the number of white blood cells in the body that normally attacks foreign invaders and defend the body against foreign cells and infection. Thus, it prevents organ rejection in transplanted patients and helps the body in accepting the new organ.
Inform your doctor that you are taking Mycophenolate Sodium if you are about to receive any vaccinations, especially live vaccines like the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, and BCG vaccines, as this may decrease the vaccine's effectiveness and raise your risk of contracting the infection that the vaccine is intended to prevent.
Mycophenolate Sodium may increase the risk of skin cancer. Hence, avoid or limit prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial light sources such as tanning beds. Wear protective clothing that covers your neck, head, legs, and arms. Also, before sun exposure, apply sunscreen with a high protection factor.
You are recommended not to donate blood while undergoing treatment with Mycophenolate Sodium and for a minimum of 6 weeks after taking Mycophenolate Sodium.
Mycophenolate Sodium may increase the risk of infections as it may weaken the immune system. Therefore, consult a doctor immediately if you have any signs of infection, such as sore throat or fever.
