Type of medicine: immunosuppressant
Generic and brand names: mycophenolic acid, oral; Myfortic Tablets
This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent rejection of kidney transplants. It is given along with other medicines. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine during pregnancy because it will harm the baby. You must have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. Your healthcare provider will recommend that you use 2 reliable methods of birth control for 4 weeks before, while you are taking this medicine, and for 6 weeks after you complete therapy. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, do NOT stop taking this medicine. Call your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
This is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. It should only be given in a clinic or hospital where you can be monitored closely. Make sure you understand what the risks and benefits of treatment are.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
Do not switch between using this medicine and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. The body handles these medicines in different ways.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual bleeding or bruising.
You will need to have regular blood tests to find out how it is affecting you. Keep all your appointments for blood tests.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
There is a risk that you may develop certain types of cancer during treatment with this medicine. You may be at an increased risk for skin cancer. Tell your provider if you notice a change in the size or color of a mole, or any new bumps or spots on your skin. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside. Ask your healthcare provider about this.
Rarely, this medicine may cause a serious brain infection. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have weakness on one side of your body, confusion, trouble concentrating, loss of coordination, or lack of interest about things you usually care about.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unexplained fever; chills; sore throat; white patches in your mouth; severe stomach pain; bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the stool; unusual bruising or bleeding; trouble urinating; severe nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; unusual tiredness or weakness; increased thirst; increased urination; cuts or scrapes that are red, warm, and ooze pus; weakness on one side of your body; confusion; trouble concentrating; loss of coordination; or lack of interest about things you usually care about.
Other: Diarrhea, pain, headache, swelling of hands or feet, constipation, mild nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, rash, dizziness.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
