Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Mycophenolate? Perhaps you were told to use it after an organ transplant, such as a kidney, liver, or heart. This is a very special, powerful medicine. So today we will simply talk about what exactly this medicine is, what happens with it, and what we need to be very careful about when using it.
What does this medicine actually do? (Mycophenolate Mofetil)
Simply put, Mycophenolate is a drug that suppresses or controls the activity of your body's immune system. Now you might be thinking, " Hey , is suppressing your immune system a good thing?" In this case, yes.
Think of your newly transplanted organ as a new guest in your body. Your body's immune system, called "soldiers," recognizes this new guest as something foreign and tries to attack (reject) it. The drug Mycophenolate works by controlling the activity of that immune system to some extent, preventing organ rejection of the newly transplanted organ. This drug is often known by the brand name ``(CellCept)``.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- Pregnancy: This is especially important if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. This medicine can be very harmful to an unborn baby.
- Infections: Do you currently have any infections (fever, cold, cough)? Especially viral infections like chickenpox or herpes.
- Other diseases: If you have anemia or other blood-related diseases, cancer, kidney disease, gastritis, or stomach problems.
- Vaccinations: If you have recently received any vaccinations, or are planning to receive any in the future.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this Mycophenolate medication or any other medication, food, or dye.
How to use the medicine correctly?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- Drink with a glass of water: Always take this medicine with a full glass of water.
- Take on an empty stomach: This medicine usually works best when taken on an empty stomach. That means taking it one hour before or two hours after a meal. However, if your doctor advises otherwise, do so.
- Do not break or crush: Never break, crush, or chew the capsule. Swallow it whole.
- If the capsule breaks: If the capsule breaks accidentally and the powder gets on your skin or in your eyes, immediately wash the area thoroughly with water.
- Take it on time: Take the prescribed dose exactly as your doctor tells you to, and at the right time. Do not increase the dose or stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
You will receive a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this when you are prescribed medication. It is very important to read this leaflet carefully each time you take the medication.
What if I miss a dose? What if I take too much medicine?
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
If you take too much medicine: If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Mycophenolate is a drug that can interact with other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be especially careful with the following medications:
| Type of medicine | Examples and notes |
|---|---|
| Live Vaccines | Do not receive any live vaccines while taking this medicine. Be sure to ask your doctor about this. |
| Antiviral drugs | Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir |
| Some antibiotics | Such as Ciprofloxacin, Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Rifampin. |
| Medicines for stomach inflammation/gastritis | Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole. Also antacids containing Magnesium hydroxide, Aluminum hydroxide. |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | Cholestyramine, Colestipol |
| Other medications | Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Probenecid, Sevelamer, Telmisartan, Birth control pills. |
Be very careful about these things when taking medicine!
You need to pay special attention to some aspects of your lifestyle while taking this medication.
Pregnancy and birth control (very important!)
This is the most important and serious warning regarding this medicine.
- For women: Do not become pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby or cause miscarriage. You should use two reliable forms of birth control together for 4 weeks before starting the medicine, while you are taking the medicine, and for 6 weeks after you stop taking the medicine. Birth control pills alone may not be enough during this time. So be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
- For men: If you are a man taking this medicine, you must use a condom every time you have sex with a woman who could become pregnant. If your partner gets pregnant, the baby could be born with birth defects. You should use condoms for 90 days after stopping the medicine. Also, avoid donating sperm while taking this medicine and for 90 days after stopping.
Protect yourself from the sun.
Your skin will be very sensitive to the sun while taking this medicine. So avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothing that covers your body well, wear a hat, and use a good sunscreen.
Be careful of infections.
This medicine reduces the activity of your immune system, so you are more likely to get infections. If you develop symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and inform your doctor immediately.
Blood tests and blood donation
After starting the medication, especially in the first few months, your doctor will order frequent blood tests. Be sure to have all of these tests done. Also, avoid donating blood while taking this medication and for 6 weeks after stopping.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Mycophenolate can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious and require immediate attention.
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat, persistent cough. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Unexplained bruising of the skin, bleeding from the gums, and bleeding that cannot be stopped. |
| Changes in stool | Blood in the stool, stool that is dark black or tarry. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe dizziness, vision changes, feeling unusually tired. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach upset, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. |
| Sleep problems | Insomnia. |
Take-Home Message
- Mycophenolate is a very important drug that controls your immune system and protects the transplanted organ.
- Never stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.
- It is extremely important to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication. Both women and men should strictly follow prescribed birth control methods.
- Take special care to protect yourself from the sun and infections. If you develop a fever or other signs of infection, call your doctor immediately.
- If you notice symptoms such as unusual bleeding, tarry black stools, or severe allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- Store the medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children.
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