Mycophenolate mofetil

About mycophenolate

Mycophenolate is used to prevent the rejection of new organs following a transplant operation. Sometimes the body tries to reject new donor tissue and mycophenolate helps to prevent this rejection by suppressing your body's immune, or defence, system. It will be prescribed for you, along with other medicines to prevent rejection, by a transplant specialist doctor.

There are two different forms of mycophenolate; mycophenolate mofetil and mycophenolic acid. There are also a number of different brands of tablets and capsules. Ideally you should not swap between these different formulations, so each time you collect a new supply from your pharmacy, please check to make sure that it looks to be the same as you have had before.

Before taking mycophenolate

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking mycophenolate it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work (unless this is the reason for the treatment).

• If you are receiving any treatment for a problem with your digestive system.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take mycophenolate

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about mycophenolate and how to take the brand of medicine you have been supplied with. It will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking mycophenolate.

• Take mycophenolate exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usual to take a dose twice each day (morning and evening). The number of tablets or capsules for each dose will vary depending on the type of transplant you have had. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you and this will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you.

• If you have been given the oral suspension (liquid medicine), please measure out your dose using the oral dose dispensers provided.

• You can take mycophenolate either before or after meals, but it is best if you stick to one or the other.

• Swallow the tablet/capsule whole - do not crush or chew the tablets, and do not open the capsules before swallowing.

• Try to take your doses at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take them. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Continue to take mycophenolate unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor. Stopping the treatment will increase the risk of your body rejecting the transplant.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep all your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Your doctor will want you to have regular blood tests during the treatment.

• Your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of a slightly increased risk of cancer associated with taking an immunosuppressant. While you are taking mycophenolate, you may become more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight, and as a result be at an increased risk of skin cancer. Because of this it is important that you do not use sunbeds, that you avoid strong sunlight, and that you protect yourself with a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF of at least 15).

• Mycophenolate could harm an unborn child. It is important that you do not become pregnant while you are taking mycophenolate. Women should use two methods of contraception from before the start of the treatment to six weeks after stopping the treatment. Please make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner. Men should use condoms during treatment and for 13 weeks after taking the last dose, and their partners should also use contraception during this same period.

• This medicine lowers your natural protection against infection. It is important to protect yourself from serious illness by having any vaccinations your doctor offers you. If you live with other people they can also help protect you by having their own vaccinations.

• Some vaccines may not be suitable for people with lowered immune systems. Always let the person vaccinating know that you are taking this medicine.

• If you are due to have any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, please tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

• If you buy any medicines or herbal remedies, please check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with your other medicines. This is because some medicines (such as antacids and some vitamin preparations which contain iron) can interfere with the way mycophenolate works.

Can mycophenolate cause problems?

Your doctor will have discussed with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects and how you will be regularly checked for signs of these. You will also have been told that you may become more prone to infections. Some of the most common unwanted effects of mycophenolate are listed below. Let your doctor know if any of the following continue or become troublesome, or if you experience any other symptoms which you are concerned about or think may be due to the medicine.

How to store mycophenolate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines