Sign inBefore 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 phosphoribosyltransferase.
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 painkiller |
| 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
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, CellCept® 250 mg Capsules, Roche Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2009, accessed September 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Myfortic® film coated gastro-resistant tablets, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2007, accessed September 2009.
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.