Mycophenolate Mofetil
Generic Name:
Mycophenolate mofetil
Brand Names:
Mycophenolate Mofetil Description:
Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressive agent that is used in combination with other antirejection medications to prevent organ transplant rejection in the body. The medication acts on white blood cells in the body to suppress the immune system response and improve the survival rate of transplant patients who have received a kidney, heart, liver, or other organ.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Side Effects:
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea during treatment with mycophenolate mofetil.
For more information, see our mycophenolate mofetil side effects page.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Uses:
Mycophenolate mofetil is used in patients who have received an organ transplant. Mycophenolate mofetil works to prevent the body's immune system from attacking or rejecting the new organ transplant, and the medication is generally taken in combination with corticosteroids and medications containing cyclosporine, such as Gengraf, Neoral, and Sandimmune.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with mycophenolate mofetil, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs may interact with this medication:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Vitrasert), valganciclovir (Valcyte)
- Amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid (Augmentin, Augmentin XR)
- Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum
- Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran)
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
- Cholestyramine (Questran Light, Questran, Locholest Light, Locholest, Prevalite)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Ciloxan, Proquin XR)
- Live vaccines
- Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metro IV, Helidac, Pylera)
- Norfloxacin (Noroxin)
- Rifampin (Rifadin)
- Sevelamer (Renagel, Renvela)
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim)
Mycophenolate Mofetil Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Mycophenolate mofetil dosages may vary among patients. Mycophenolate mofetil is available as a capsule, a tablet, an oral suspension, and an injection. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. It is important to follow the guidelines established by your doctor.
When taken orally, mycophenolate mofetil is generally taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Patients who have received a heart or liver transplant generally take 1.5 grams twice a day. Kidney transplant patients generally take 1 gram, twice daily.
Missing a Dose of Mycophenolate Mofetil
If you miss a dose of mycophenolate mofetil, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication.
Mycophenolate Mofetil FDA Approval:
June 10, 2010
Mycophenolate Mofetil Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil intravenously should be monitored in facilities that are equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources.
Risk of Birth Defects
Mycophenolate mofetil must not be taken by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as this medication is associated with a high risk of miscarriage and serious birth defects. Contact a doctor immediately if you believe you are pregnant or if you miss a menstrual period while taking mycophenolate mofetil.
Risk of Serious Infection
Mycophenolate mofetil weakens the body's immune system and may decrease the ability to fight off infection, lymphoma, and other neoplasms.
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