Related to this topic: Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Mycophenolate

  • You will need to have regular blood tests while you are on this treatment.
  • Keep exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light to a minimum by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with high sun protection factor to minimise risk of skin cancer.
  • It is important not to become pregnant while taking mycophenolate. You and your partner should use reliable contraception before, during, and for six weeks after stopping treatment.
  • You should report any sign of infection (raised temperature, cough), unexpected bruising or bleeding to your doctor.
  • If you experience signs of hypersensitivity (such as itching, flushing, throat tightness, shortness of breath, swelling of hands, feet and face) seek medical attention immediately.

About mycophenolate

Type of medicine Immunosuppressant
Used for Prevention of transplant rejection in heart, kidney or liver transplants
Also called Cellcept
Myfortic
Mycophenolic acid
Available as Tablets
Capsules
Oral suspension
Injection

Mycophenolate works by making the body less likely to reject foreign material such as transplanted organs.

Before taking mycophenolate

Before taking mycophenolate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are about to have any vaccinations.
  • If you are taking azathioprine.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from stomach problems.
  • If you suffer from phenylketonuria (unable to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine)
  • If you suffer from the rare hereditary deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase.

How to take mycophenolate

  • Dose will vary depending on the type of transplant you have had.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You will need to have regular blood tests while you are on this treatment.
  • Keep exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light to a minimum by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with high sun protection factor to minimise risk of skin cancer.
  • It is important not to become pregnant while taking mycophenolate. You and your partner should use reliable contraception before, during, and for six weeks after stopping treatment.

Can mycophenolate cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Fast and fluttery heartbeat Speak to your doctor if this continues.
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Nausea
Vomiting		 Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
if you are sick drink plenty of liquid.

Other unwanted effects may include cold sores, rash, urgent need to pass urine, loss of appetite, flatulence, mouth ulcers, tremor, changes in thinking or mood, weight loss, abnormal heart beat, sinus problems.

Important: You should report any sign of infection (raised temperature, cough), unexpected bruising or bleeding to your doctor.
Important: If you experience signs of hypersensitivity (such as itching, flushing, throat tightness, shortness of breath, swelling of hands, feet and face) seek medical attention immediately.

How to store mycophenolate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3797		 DocRef:
dils3807		 Last Updated:
19 Jul 2007		 Date of Next Review:
18 Jul 2009		 Version:
22


















Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site









Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page