What is Mycophenolate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Mycophenolate

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator, for up to 60 days. Do not freeze.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not break, crush, open, or chew. Tell your doctor if you cannot tolerate taking the medicine on an empty stomach.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Do not mix with any other medicine.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• This medicine is usually used with other medicines, including cyclosporine or a steroid medicine.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator, for up to 60 days. Do not freeze.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Do not mix with any other medicine.

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not break, crush, open, or chew. Tell your doctor if you cannot tolerate taking the medicine on an empty stomach.

• This medicine is usually used with other medicines, including cyclosporine or a steroid medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mycophenolate

Mycophenolate contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to mycophenolate or similar medicines, or if you are pregnant.

Mycophenolate warnings

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are female and able to get pregnant, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine and 8 to 10 days after using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well when used with this medicine. Use two forms of effective birth control (including a condom, diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly) during treatment and for at least 6 weeks after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 90 days after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

• Do not donate sperm during treatment and for at least 90 days after the last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, stomach or bowel problems, or rare genetic disease (including Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome).

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of skin cancer or lymphomaIncreased risk of bacteria, fungus, or protozoa infectionsIncreased risk of virus infections, including shingles, polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), cytomegalovirus (CMV), BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN))Reactivation of hepatitis B or C infectionPure red cell aplasia (PRCA) or other blood problems, including anemiaStomach bleeding or ulcers

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Do not donate blood during treatment and for at least 6 weeks after the last dose.

• The oral liquid contains aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. Make sure your doctor knows if you have phenylketonuria.

Mycophenolate interactions

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of skin cancer or lymphomaHigher risk of infections (including virus, bacteria, fungus, and protozoa)Reactivation of hepatitis B or C infectionPure red cell aplasia (PRCA) or other blood problems (such as anemia)Stomach bleeding or ulcers

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how mycophenolate works. Tell your doctor if you are using activated charcoal, acyclovir, azathioprine, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, ganciclovir, metronidazole, norfloxacin, probenecid, rifampin, sevelamer, valacyclovir, or valganciclovir. Tell your doctor if you are also using birth control pills.

• Do not take an antacid that contains aluminum and magnesium at the same time that you take mycophenolate.

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

• The oral liquid contains aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. Make sure your doctor knows if you have phenylketonuria.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.