Drug Class
Immunosuppressive-drugs of this class suppress the body’s natural immune system by inhibiting an enzyme known as inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). This enzyme is involved in the proliferation of lymphocytes.
Mechanism of Action
This drug is used to prevent organ rejection following heart and kidney transplantation. Other uses include the treatment of lupus nephritis, systemic vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Mycophenolate has many proposed mechanisms of action, including T and B lymphocyte depletion. After oral administration, mycophenolate is altered to its biologically active form, mycophenolic acid.
Dosage Regimens
| Condition | Information | Oral Dosage | Intravenous Dosage |
Renal transplant rejection |
Used in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids |
1 g twice daily for mofetil |
1 g twice daily for mofetil |
Lupus nephritis, systemic vasculitis |
|
1 g twice daily for mofetil |
|
Contraindications
DO NOT take this medicine if you are allergic to mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid or if you are allergic to polysorbate 80, which is the IV formulation.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Infections
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Low white blood cell count (leukopenia)
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Drug Interactions
| Drug Name | Interaction |
Azathioprine (Imuran®) |
Azathioprine, similar to mycophenolate mofetil can decrease white blood cells, leading to a greater suppression potential |
Antacids |
Decrease absorption of mycophenolate mofetil |
Acyclovir (Zovirax®), Ganciclovir (Cytovene®) |
Increases blood levels of acyclovir, ganciclovir and mycophenolate mofetil |
Vaccines: |
Vaccines may be less effective or may have increased risk of infection from the live virus derived vaccine |
Patient Instructions
- DO NOT take this medicine if you are allergic to mycophenolate or mycophenolic acid.
- DO NOT use this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- This medication should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or 2 hours after you eat. The tablet or capsule should be swallowed WHOLE. Do not break, crush or chew it.
- Do not mix the oral liquid with any other medications and make sure that a measuring utensil such as a syringe or medicine cup is used to obtain the appropriate dose.
- If you forget to take your medicine or miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine on schedule. DO NOT take extra medicine to make up for missed doses.
- This medicine should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature, and away from heat, moisture and direct light. The oral liquid form may be stored in the refrigerator, but avoid freezing.
- While using this medication, check with your doctor before using any other medicine, including vitamins, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products. Do not use antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, such as Maalox, at the same time as mycophenolate. Use them 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking it.
- Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: bloody, black or tarry stools, fever, chills, body aches.
