Mycophenolate



CellCept®; Myfortic®







Mycophenolate

(mye koe FEN oh late)

U.S. Brand Names
CellCept®; Myfortic®
Canadian Brand Names
CellCept®; Myfortic®
Pharmacologic Category
Immunosuppressant Agent
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • You will have an increased risk of getting infections. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to mycophenolate or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent rejection after organ transplant.
  • This medicine is used to treat psoriasis.
  • This medicine is used to treat uveitis.
How does it work?
  • Mycophenolate helps the body accept a transplanted organ.
  • It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Tube feeding should be held a couple of hours before and after medicine is given.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take antacids, cholestyramine, colestipol, or iron within 2 hours of this medicine.
  • The risk of cancer is higher after taking this medicine.
  • You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • There is a risk of skin cancer. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Use birth control that you can trust before treatment begins, during treatment, and for 6 weeks after treatment ends.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • High blood pressure.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Swelling.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused portion after 2 months.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: