Mycophenolate Mofetil: An Essential Guide

Summary or Key Points

Mycophenolate mofetil, a vital medication in organ transplant rejection prevention and lupus nephritis treatment, is a powerful immunosuppressant. Its various dosage forms, dosing instructions, and potential side effects should be understood for safe usage. Consult your healthcare provider, who can be conveniently reached through our telemedicine services, before adjusting your dosage.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: CellCept (Mycophenolate mofetil)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official, scientific name of the medication, which is usually in parentheses. In this case, ‘Mycophenolate mofetil’ is the generic name for ‘CellCept.’

Pharmacologic Category

Mycophenolate mofetil belongs to a group of medications known as immunosuppressants. Other drugs in this category include tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral), and sirolimus (Rapamune).

Dosing

Mycophenolate mofetil is used to treat the following conditions:

• Organ Transplant Rejection Prevention: Typically, the dose is 1g taken twice daily for adults. This treatment is ongoing to maintain the health of the transplanted organ. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adjusting your dosage.
• Lupus Nephritis: The common dosage is 1g taken twice daily. The length of treatment varies depending on the individual’s response to therapy. Consult your healthcare provider, who is available right away via our telemedicine services, to discuss adjustments to your dosage.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Mycophenolate mofetil is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Oral Capsule: 250mg
• Oral Tablet: 500mg
• Oral Suspension: 200mg/mL
• Injection: 500mg/vial

Administration Instructions

Mycophenolate mofetil should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. For oral forms, take the medication with a full glass of water, and do not crush or chew the tablets. For the injectable form, it is usually administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting. Contact your healthcare provider through our telemedicine services if you have any questions or concerns about administration.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like all medications, Mycophenolate mofetil may have potential side effects. Not everyone will experience these, but it’s important to be aware of them:

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, low white blood cell count, infections.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Dizziness, insomnia, high blood pressure, respiratory infections.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Serious infections, mood changes, confusion, tremors.

If you experience any of these side effects or have any concerns, please reach out to one of our healthcare providers immediately through our telemedicine service.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person. Here are contraindications for Mycophenolate mofetil:

• Allergy: Mycophenolate mofetil is contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to the drug, due to the potential for severe allergic reactions.
• Pregnancy: Due to the potential for harm to the fetus, Mycophenolate mofetil should not be taken during pregnancy.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Several drugs may interact with Mycophenolate mofetil, including:

• Cholestyramine (Questran)
• Probenecid (Benemid)
• Antacids containing magnesium and aluminum

Mycophenolate mofetil in Pregnancy

No, it is generally not considered safe to take Mycophenolate mofetil during pregnancy due to the potential risk of harm to the fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your healthcare provider immediately, who can be reached through our telemedicine services.

Mycophenolate mofetil while Breastfeeding

The safety of Mycophenolate mofetil during breastfeeding is uncertain. Small amounts of the drug can pass into breast milk and could potentially affect a nursing infant. Always consult with your healthcare provider who can be reached conveniently through our telemedicine services before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Mycophenolate mofetil (500mg tablets), using a GoodRX coupon, is around $90, but prices may vary. Always check with your local pharmacy for precise costs.

Possible Alternatives

There may be alternative treatments or lifestyle changes for the following conditions:

• Organ Transplant Rejection Prevention: Alternatives may include other immunosuppressant medications like tacrolimus (Prograf) or sirolimus (Rapamune). Regular monitoring and proper self-care are vital. Always discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
• Lupus Nephritis: Other potential treatments include corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants like azathioprine (Imuran). Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise may also be beneficial. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Mycophenolate mofetil Research

Research is continually advancing our understanding of Mycophenolate mofetil. Recent studies have been investigating its potential efficacy for other autoimmune diseases. Although promising, it’s important to remember that this medication’s use should always be guided by a healthcare provider. For any questions or concerns about your treatment, reach out to one of our providers through our telemedicine service.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.