Mycophenolate Mofetil
About Mycophenolate Mofetil
Mycophenolate Mofetil belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressants used to prevent 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 Mofetil contains Mycophenolate mofetil, 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 Mofetil is used with other medicines such as ciclosporin (immunosuppressant) or corticosteroids.
Mycophenolate Mofetil will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. Some people may experience stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, high blood pressure, or swelling of the lower legs, feet, and ankles. Most of these side effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil 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 Mycophenolate mofetil, polysorbate 80, mycophenolic acid, or any other ingredients. If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Mofetil. You or your partner are advised to use effective contraceptive measures before starting treatment with Mycophenolate Mofetil or for 90 days after treatment with Mycophenolate Mofetil. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption with Mycophenolate Mofetil as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Drive only if you are alert after taking Mycophenolate Mofetil as it may cause drowsiness, confusion, or numbness in a few patients.
Uses of Mycophenolate Mofetil
Medicinal Benefits
Mycophenolate Mofetil contains Mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection after a heart, kidney, or liver transplant. Mycophenolate Mofetil is combined with other medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Mycophenolate mofetil 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 Mofetil
- 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 Mycophenolate mofetil, polysorbate 80, mycophenolic acid or other ingredients. If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Mofetil. You or your partner are advised to use effective contraceptive measures before starting treatment with Mycophenolate Mofetil, while taking Mycophenolate Mofetil and for 90 days after stopping treatment with Mycophenolate Mofetil. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption with Mycophenolate Mofetil as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Drive only if you are alert after taking Mycophenolate Mofetil as it may cause drowsiness, confusion or numbness in some patients. If you are about to get vaccinated, inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Mofetil. Mycophenolate Mofetil may increase the risk of infections or skin cancer as it lowers the body’s immune defence system. While taking Mycophenolate Mofetil, you are advised to wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Mycophenolate Mofetil may interact with immunosuppressant (azathioprine), antibiotics, antifungals (isavuconazole), phosphate binders, antiviral drugs (ganciclovir, acyclovir, valganciclovir), medicine used to treat high blood pressure (telmisartan), medicines used to treat high cholesterol (cholestyramine), 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 Mofetil.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimiting or avoiding alcohol consumption while taking Mycophenolate Mofetil is advised 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 Mofetil is a Category D pregnancy drug and is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause birth defects and miscarriage. Inform your doctor before taking Mycophenolate Mofetil if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBecause there is little information on the use of Mycophenolate Mofetil during breastfeeding, an alternative drug may be preferred, particularly if nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Driving
cautionMycophenolate Mofetil may cause drowsiness, confusion or numbness in some patients. Therefore, avoid driving if you notice any of these symptoms after taking Mycophenolate Mofetil.
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 Mofetil 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 Mofetil to check blood cell count or signs of infections.
- Do not donate blood while taking Mycophenolate Mofetil and for a minimum of 6 weeks after stopping Mycophenolate Mofetil.
- Men are advised not to donate semen while taking Mycophenolate Mofetil 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 Mofetil belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressants used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ such as a liver, kidney, or heart.
Mycophenolate Mofetil contains Mycophenolate mofetil, 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.
Mycophenolate Mofetil 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.
If you are about to receive any vaccinations, especially live vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, and BCG vaccines, inform your doctor that you are taking Mycophenolate Mofetil because it may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine and increase your risk of contracting the infection that the vaccine is meant to protect against.
Mycophenolate Mofetil 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 taking Mycophenolate Mofetil and for a minimum of 6 weeks after taking Mycophenolate Mofetil.
