Mycophenolate mofetil / CellCept
Some commonly used brand names
are:
In the U.S.—
Mycophenolate
(mye-koe-FEN-oh-late) belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive
agents. It is used to lower the body's natural immunity in patients who receive
organ transplants.
When
a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try
to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Mycophenolate works by
preventing the white blood cells from getting rid of the transplanted organ.
This
medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following
dosage form(s):
In
deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed
against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.
For mycophenolate, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any
unusual or allergic reaction to mycophenolate. Also tell your health care
professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as food
preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy—Mycophenolate has not been studied in
pregnant women. However, mycophenolate causes birth defects in animals, and it
may cause birth defects in people too. If you are taking mycophenolate, you
should use two forms of reliable birth control before beginning treatment with
mycophenolate, while being treated with mycophenolate, and for at least 6 weeks
after discontinuing mycophenolate.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether mycophenolate
passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small
amounts, many of them can be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are
taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their
doctor.
Children—Although there is no specific information
comparing the use of mycophenolate in children with use in other age groups,
this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in
children than it does in adults.
Older
adults—Many medicines
have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be
known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if
they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no
specific information comparing use of mycophenolate in the elderly with use in
other age groups.
Dental—The effects of mycophenolate may cause
increased infections and delayed healing. Dental work, whenever possible,
should be completed prior to beginning this medicine.
Other
medicines—Although
certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different
medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these
cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be
necessary. When you are taking mycophenolate, it is especially important that
your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
Other
medical problems—The
presence of other medical problems may affect the use of mycophenolate. Make
sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
This
medicine should be taken on an empty stomach.
Take
this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more or less of it and do not take it more
often than your doctor ordered. Taking too much may increase the chance of side
effects, while taking too little may lead to rejection of your transplanted
organ.
To
help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it
at the same time each day.
Do
not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor . Your physician will use the results of
tests and your physical examination to decide how long you should take this
medicine.
The
capsules or tablets of mycophenolate should be swallowed whole. The tablets
should not be crushed and the capsules should not be opened because it is
important that other people not be exposed to mycophenolate powder.
Dosing—Follow your doctor's orders or the
directions on the label
. The following information includes only the average doses of mycophenolate. If
your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do
so.
The
number of capsules or tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
Missed
dose—If you miss a dose
of mycophenolate and remember it within 12 hours, take the missed dose as soon
as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose, go back to your regular dosing schedule, and check with your
doctor. Do not double doses.
Storage—To store this medicine:
It
is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits . Your doctor will want to do laboratory
tests to make sure that mycophenolate is working properly and to check for
unwanted effects.
While
you are taking mycophenolate, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene
and see a dentist regularly for teeth cleaning.
Treatment
with mycophenolate may increase the chance of getting other infections. If you
can, avoid contact with people with colds or other infections. If you think you
are getting a cold or other infection, check with your doctor.
Along
with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although
not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical
attention.
Check with
your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More
common
Blood in the
urine; chest pain; cough or hoarseness; fever or chills; increased cough; lower
back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; shortness of breath;
swelling of feet or lower legs
Less
common
Abdominal
pain; black, tarry stools; bloody vomit; enlarged gums; irregular heartbeat;
joint pain; muscle pain; pinpoint red spots on the skin; red, inflamed,
bleeding gums; sores inside mouth; trembling or shaking of hands or feet;
unusual bleeding or bruising; white patches on the mouth, tongue, or throat
Other
side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side
effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue
or are bothersome:
More
common
Constipation;
diarrhea; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting; weakness
Less
common
Acne;
dizziness; skin rash; trouble in sleeping
Other
side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice
any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised:
12/20/2000
Note: The information contained herein has been
devised without reference to cultural, dietary, societal, language, prescribing
or dispensing conditions (including those imposed by law), other than those of
the United States, which might affect the information provided. Information is
for your personal use only and may not be sold or redistributed.
Copyright ® 2001 Micromedex, Inc. All rights
reserved. USPDI® and Advice for the Patient? are registered trademarks USP used
under license to Micromedex, Inc. Patient Education Leaflets is a trademark of
Micromedex, Inc.