Mycophenolic acid

Mycophenolic acid is a prescription antirejection medicine used to suppress the body’s immune system after a kidney transplant.

• Pronunciation
• Precautions
• How mycophenolic acid works
• Taking mycophenolic acid
• Dosage
• Common side effects
• Dangerous side effects
• Mycophenolic acid and pregnancy
• Drug interactions
• Brand names

Pronunciation

my koe PHEH no lic ah SID

Precautions

• Mycophenolic acid should always be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Swallow your tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or cut your medication prior to taking.
• You should not substitute mycophenolic acid for any other medication without your doctor’s approval because the enteric coating on mycophenolic acid causes it to be absorbed differently into your system.
• You should not take myfortic if you are allergic to mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolic acid, mycophenolate mofetil, or to any other ingredients in the tablet. If you need to know the inactive ingredients, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How mycophenolic acid works

Mycophenolic acid prevents the immune response to foreign substances in the body by preventing certain types of white blood cells from multiplying. It works to control your immune system’s response to the transplanted organ and is administered along with other agents that suppress the immune system.

Taking mycophenolic acid

• You should always take mycophenolic acid exactly as prescribed and in the dose prescribed. It is best that mycophenolic acid be taken on a regular schedule with respect to dosing and meals.
• Store mycophenolic acid ® at 77ºF (25ºC) in the original labeled container. Make sure the container is tightly closed.
• Store mycophenolic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Dosage

If you miss a dose. When you start to take mycophenolic acid, ask your doctor what you should do if you forget a dose. Write down these directions so that you can refer to them later. If you miss more than one dose, it is important that you call your doctor. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Over Dosage. In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a mycophenolic acid overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and unusual bleeding or bruising.

Common side effects

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• nausea
• diarrhea
• urinary tract infection
• upper respiratory infection

Dangerous side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• painful or difficult urination
• black, bloody, or tarry stools or blood in vomit
• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• a sudden unusual feeling of discomfort or illness

Treatment with mycophenolic acid may increase your risk of infection and the development of lymphoma and other types of cancer. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop fever or chills, a sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, mouth sores, abdominal pain, pale stools, or darkened urine. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

Patients taking mycophenolic acid are regularly monitored for a condition called neutropenia. Let your doctor know immediately if you develop infections, unexpected bruising, or bleeding.

Mycophenolic acid and pregnancy

Use of mycophenolic acid during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations. Therefore, patients of childbearing potential must use effective contraception before beginning mycophenolic acid therapy, during therapy, and for 6 weeks after therapy has been stopped. Women using mycophenolic acidl at any time during pregnancy are encouraged to enroll in the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry.

It is not known whether mycophenolic acid passes into breast milk. Do not take mycophenolic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Drug interactions

Check with your doctor before starting any new prescription or over-the-counter medication while on mycophenolic acid. If you see a new doctor for any condition, make sure you inform him or her that you are taking mycophenolic acid.

Brand names

myfortic®, manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

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