Indications
Mycophenolic acid is an immunosuppressant, a medicine that lowers the activity of the immune system. It is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney. Doctors sometimes use it for certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus kidney disease.
How It Works
It blocks an enzyme that white blood cells called lymphocytes need to make new DNA and multiply. With fewer active lymphocytes, the immune system is less likely to attack the new organ.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed by your transplant doctor; the dose is set for each patient and checked with blood tests. The delayed-release tablets are swallowed whole, not crushed, chewed or cut, usually twice a day on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food). Do not switch between this medicine and Mycophenolate mofetil unless your doctor tells you, as the doses are not the same. Never stop it on your own.
Interactions
Antacids containing magnesium or aluminium and Cholestyramine reduce its absorption. Live vaccines should be avoided. Tell your doctor if you take Azathioprine, Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, Rifampicin, Sevelamer or oral contraceptives, as doses or monitoring may need to change.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Mycophenolic acid or Mycophenolate mofetil
- Pregnancy, unless no other suitable treatment exists
- Women who could become pregnant and are not using reliable contraception
- Breastfeeding
Side Effects
Common effects include diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, low white blood cell or red blood cell counts, and a higher chance of infections. Long-term use raises the risk of some cancers, especially skin cancer and lymphoma.
Get urgent medical help if you have fever, chills or other signs of infection, unusual bruising or bleeding, black or bloody stools, severe diarrhoea, or new confusion, weakness or problems with walking or speech.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It can cause miscarriage and serious birth defects. Women must have a negative pregnancy test before starting and use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 weeks after stopping. Men should use condoms during treatment and for 90 days after. Do not breastfeed while taking it.
Precautions and Warnings
Regular blood tests are needed. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen. Avoid people with infections where possible. Do not donate blood during treatment and for 6 weeks after. Tell your doctor about any stomach ulcer or rare inherited enzyme disorders.
Overdose
Overdose may cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting and lowered blood counts with a high infection risk. Seek medical help at once.
Therapeutic Class
Immunosuppressant (antimetabolite).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep in the original pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.