Mycophenolate mofetil (By mouth)

Introduction:

Mycophenolate Mofetil (mye-koe-FEN-oh-late MOE-fe-til)

Used with other medicines to keep your body from rejecting an organ transplant (heart, kidney, or liver). This medicine suppresses your immune system.

Brand Name(s):

Cellcept

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat.
• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Do not break, open, crush, or chew it. If a capsule opens or a tablet breaks, throw it away. Avoid getting the medicine powder on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, wash your skin with soap and water and rinse well. Rinse your eyes, nose, or mouth with large amounts of plain water.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Do not mix the oral liquid with any other medicines.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine tightly closed. You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator, but do not freeze it.
• The oral liquid will expire 60 days after you get it from the pharmacy. Dispose of any medicine that you still have after 60 days. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using acyclovir (Zovirax®), azathioprine (Imuran®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®), antibiotics (amoxicillin, erythromycin, Cipro®, Biaxin®), or medicines to treat high cholesterol (such as cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, Colestid®, Questran®, Prevalite®, Welchol®).
• If you are also using antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium (such as Maalox®), do not use them at the same time as mycophenolate. Use them 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose of mycophenolate. If you have questions, talk with your doctor about the best times to use your medicines.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using the medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Birth control pills may not work while you are using this medicine. To keep from getting pregnant, use two other forms of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly. Use the two forms of birth control while you are using this medicine and for 6 weeks after your treatment ends. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have high blood pressure, stomach disorder (such as ulcers or colitis), or a hereditary disorder such as Lesch-Nyhan or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome.
• The oral suspension contains phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• You may be more likely to get infections while using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection, such as fever or chills. Try to stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections.
• This medicine may increase your risk of developing a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Call your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: vision changes, loss of coordination, clumsiness, memory loss, difficulty speaking or understanding what others say, and weakness in the legs.
• Using this medicine may increase your risk of getting skin cancer or cancer of the lymph system. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
• Use a strong sunscreen (SPF-30 or higher) on your skin when you are outdoors. You may also wear a hat and cover your skin with clothing. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools.
• Blurred vision or other vision changes.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding what others say, or memory loss.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Loss of coordination, clumsiness, or weakness in legs.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Severe stomach pain, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Tremors.
• Trouble breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeats.
• Unusual bruising, bleeding, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety.
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.
• Headache.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Skin rash.
• Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: