Download Mycophenolate

How is Mycophenolate stored?
The tablets should be stored at room
temperature. Keep out of reach from children.
Does Mycophenolates affect pregnancy or
breastfeeding?
National University Hospital
Mycophenolate can cause miscarriages and birth
defects and should NOT be used by pregnant
women. It is necessary for both men and women
to ensure contraception during treatment and for
three months after stopping. Therefore, please
discuss plans for pregnancy with your doctor.
You must not take Mycophenolate unless you
are on reliable contraception. Breast-feeding is
generally not advisable.
Can I have immunisations
Mycophenolate?
while
on
MYCOPHENOLATE
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074
Website: www.nuh.com.sg
Company Registration No. 198500843R
Pharmacy (Main Building): 6772 5181/5182
Pharmacy (Kent Ridge Wing): 6772 5184
Pharmacy (NUH Medical Centre): 6772 8205
Pneumococcal, influenza, hepatitis A and B,
tetanus vaccinations are allowed. Avoid
immunisations with live vaccines such as polio,
varicella (chicken pox), measles, mumps and
rubella (MMR).
Are there any alternatives to Mycophenolate?
The information provided in this publication is meant purely for educational purposes and may not be
used as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of your doctor or a
qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment or if you have any questions related to your
health, physical fitness or medical conditions. Information is correct at time of printing (Month/Year) and
subject to revision without prior notice.
Copyright 2014.NationalUniversityHospital
Your doctor will advise you on the safest and
most effective option. If you have any
concerns, do raise them with your doctor.
Medication Information
for Patients
All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission in writing from the
NationalUniversityHospital.
Why am I being prescribed Mycophenolate?
Mycophenolate works by modifying your immune
system's response to various diseases. It is used
to treat different types of autoimmune diseases
including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis),
and is used in combination with other agents in
prevention of organ transplant rejection.
How do I take Mycophenolate?
Mycophenolate is taken orally as twice daily
dosing. The tablets should be swallowed whole
with a glassful of water. You can take it before or
after meals but you should be consistent in one
or the other. You should also take it at regular
timings with a 12 hour interval between doses.
What are the possible risks I can expect while
taking Mycophenolate?
Side effects
Warning signs
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
abdominal (stomach) discomfort
Low blood
counts,
especially
anaemia
Easy fatigue,
lethargy, sore
throat, easy
bleeding or
bruising
Risk of infection – fever, common
flu or gastric flu
What dose do I take?
Mycophenolate
comes
in
two
different
formulations: Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept),
and enteric-coated Mycophenolate Sodium
(Myfortic Acid). Your doctor may prescribe either,
and the dosage is adjusted based on your
medical condition, weight, response to therapy,
side effects, and other drugs or treatment you
may be receiving. The day and night doses may
differ slightly. Do not adjust your dose or take this
medication more often without your doctor's
approval.
When does Mycophenolate work?
The effects of Azathioprine will not be visible
immediately. It may take six weeks or more
before you notice any benefit, provided you take
your medication as prescribed.
Opportunistic
or unusual
infections
Unexplained
fever, low blood
counts, shivers,
malaise,
breathlessness
Increased risk of fetal loss and
malformation
May increase risk of certain
cancers
Things you need to do
Speak to your doctor.
He/she may examine
for alternative causes,
and may change to a
new formulation.
Do regular blood count
monitoring as advised.
These effects however
may also be related to
underlying illness or
acquired infection.
Consult your doctor
early, especially if you
come in contact with
others with chicken pox
or shingles. Please
discuss any planned
vaccinations with
your doctor.
Seek medical consult
EARLY. Avoid close
contact with people
with coughs/colds and
wear a mask. Avoid
raw food.
Do I have to do any blood tests while taking
Mycophenolate?
Mycophenolate may occasionally cause low
blood counts. These are usually reversible if
detected early. Your doctor will arrange blood
tests before and during treatment regularly. It is
not safe to continue Mycophenolate if you do
not come for regular blood checks.
Are there any medications to avoid while on
Mycophenolate?
Generally, you should show your doctor and
pharmacist
all
other
medications
and
supplements you are taking or planning to take.
May I drink alcohol while on Mycophenolate?
General advice to moderate consumption
applies, and there is no reason to avoid alcohol.
Are there any other precautions while taking
Mycophenolate?
Contraception is strictly
advised. Consult your
doctor about
pregnancy plans.
Breast-feeding is
generally not advised.
Due to higher risk of new and worsening
infection, avoid close contact with people with
coughs or colds and avoid raw food. Ageappropriate cancer screenings are advised.
Regular ageappropriate cancer
screening is advised.
What if I forget or miss a dose?
Please seek medical attention if you experience any of the
above symptoms.
Take the dose as soon as you remember. But if it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue with your regular dosing
schedule. Do not double the next dose to
make up for the missed dose.