Mycophenolate Mofetil
About Mycophenolate Mofetil
Mycophenolate Mofetil belongs to a class of medications called ‘immunosuppressants’ used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ such as a kidney, heart or liver. Transplant rejection occurs when the recipient’s immune system identifies the transplanted organ as a ‘foreign object’ and attacks it. If it is not treated promptly, it may cause irreversible damage.
Mycophenolate Mofetil contains ‘Mycophenolate mofetil’ used in the treatment of organ transplant rejection along with another immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory agent. It inhibits T and B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that attacks foreign cells) and suppresses the production of antibodies (identify and kill foreign cells). These effects suppress the immune system so that the transplanted graft is not rejected.
Take Mycophenolate Mofetil as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take Mycophenolate Mofetil based on your medical condition. The common side effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil are diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased white blood cells and red blood cell count and infections. Consult your doctor right away if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Mycophenolate Mofetil if you are allergic to ‘mycophenolate mofetil’ or any ingredients present in it. Also, do not take it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or not using effective contraception and breastfeeding. It can cause birth defects/congenital disabilities in the unborn baby, so make sure you take a pregnancy test before using Mycophenolate Mofetil if you are a woman of childbearing potential. You are advised to use effective contraception while taking Mycophenolate Mofetil. It can increase the risk of skin cancer, so wear protective clothing and limit exposure to sunlight. It increases the risk of infections as it can suppress the immune system. Do not donate blood or sperm without informing your doctor. Please do not take any vaccinations as it may be less effective.
Uses of Mycophenolate Mofetil
Medicinal Benefits
Mycophenolate Mofetil contains ‘Mycophenolate mofetil’ which belongs to the class of ‘immunosuppressants’. It is used to prevent organ transplant rejection. It reduces the activity of the immune system by inhibiting the action of white blood cells (responsible for immune reactions) in the body. It is preferred to use over steroids, which have long-term side effects.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Infections
- Low white blood cell (WBC) count
- Red blood cell (RBC) count
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Organ transplant rejection: When you get a new organ transplanted to your body, your body recognizes it as a foreign element and tries to attack and reject it because it is not originally part of your body. So, immunosuppressant drugs are given to such patients to suppress your immune system, stopping it from attacking the newly transplanted organs. Warnings signs of rejection are flu-like symptoms such as chills, headache, nausea, or vomiting, fever higher than 100o F, newly found pain at the region of the transplanted organ, weight gain and fatigue.
FAQs
Mycophenolate Mofetil belongs to the group of medications called ‘immunosuppressants’. It works by weakening the immune system by inhibiting the production of cells or antibodies that attack foreign cells. This effect helps in stopping the immune system from targeting and rejecting the transplanted organ.
Mycophenolate Mofetil can suppress the immune system and can increase the risk of skin cancer. So, you should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, wear protective clothing covering your head, neck, arms and legs, and use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor).
Mycophenolate Mofetil can suppress the immune system. So, you should not donate blood while using Mycophenolate Mofetil and at least 60 days after stopping treatment as it makes you more prone to infections. Besides, men should not donate sperm while using Mycophenolate Mofetil for at least 90 days after stopping the treatment.
It is not advised to get pregnant while using Mycophenolate Mofetil as it may cause birth defects/congenital disabilities in the unborn baby. So, it would help if you took an effective and reliable contraceptive while using Mycophenolate Mofetil, even when men are taking Mycophenolate Mofetil.
Mycophenolate Mofetil is given to stop rejection of the transplanted organ. If you abruptly stop taking this drug, it might result in rejecting the transplanted organ. So, check with your doctor if you want to stop using Mycophenolate Mofetil.
