Should we learn about the Mycophenolate vaccine given after an organ transplant?

Have you or someone you know had an organ transplant, such as a kidney or liver? If so, today we are talking about a special type of medicine that helps the body accept the new organ without rejecting it, saying, "This is a part of us." This medicine is Mycophenolate. It is given to the body as an injection.

Simply put, what is Mycophenolate?

Think about it, when something from outside enters our body, for example a germ, our body's defense system (immune system) fights against it. Something similar happens in the case of an organ transplant. The body sees the newly transplanted organ as "foreign." So it attacks and tries to reject it.

This medicine called Mycophenolate works by controlling and reducing the activity of the body's immune system. That is, it is an immunosuppressant . When the immune system is slowed down in this way, it stops attacking the new organ and gives the body a chance to accept it normally. This is a very important medicine, because it helps keep the transplanted organ healthy for a long time.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before deciding to give you this vaccine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. So, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.

• Blood problems: If you have anemia or other blood-related conditions.
• Cancer: If you have had cancer before or currently have it.
• Stomach upset: Frequent diarrhea or other intestinal problems.
• Immune system weakness: If you have any other weakness in your immune system.
• Infections: An existing infection, such as chickenpox or herpes.
• Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
• Vaccinations: If you have recently received a vaccination or are scheduled to receive one in the future.
• Stomach problems like inflammation: If you have stomach problems.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to mycophenolate or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Pregnancy: This is very important. If you or your partner are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, it is important to tell them.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: Also inform the doctor if you are breastfeeding your baby.

How do you get this medicine?

Mycophenolate is not a medicine you can take home. It is an injection into a vein . So it is given to you in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a medical team.

Every time you are prescribed this medicine, you will receive a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about it. Always read it carefully. It contains a lot of important information for you.

Can this medicine be given to children?

In some special cases, doctors may prescribe this medicine to children, but they do so with great care and special precautions.

What to do if you overdose?

This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low . However, if you suspect that you have overdosed in any way, you should immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Because mycophenolate is a very strong drug, it can interact with some other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by a doctor, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins).

Do not take these with Mycophenolate:

• Live virus vaccines: Vaccines containing live viruses, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and chickenpox vaccine, cannot be received while taking this medicine.

Problems can also occur with these medications:

• Azathioprine
• Some types of antibiotics
• Some antiviral drugs
• Some cholesterol-lowering medications
• Some medicines for stomach problems (e.g. lansoprazole, omeprazole)
• Cyclosporine (this is another drug given to people who have had organ transplants)
• Birth control pills (estrogen and progestin hormones)
• Antacids for stomach acid
• Many other medicines...

This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.

Things you should be careful about when taking medication

The medical team will monitor you throughout the time you take this medication. Also, you should be aware of these things.

1. Be careful of the sun.

This medication may make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. This means that even after a short time in the sun, your skin may burn and turn red quickly.

• Minimize exposure to the harsh midday sun in our country as much as possible.
• If you go outside, wear long-sleeved clothes and a hat.
• Be sure to use a good sunscreen .

2. Protect yourself from infections

Because mycophenolate reduces the activity of the immune system, you are more likely to develop illnesses, especially infections.

• If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, or sore throat , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
• Minimize going to crowded places as much as possible.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap.

3. Cancer risk

Taking these immunosuppressants for a long time may slightly increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as skin cancer and lymphoma. Don't be alarmed by this, but it's important to talk to your doctor about this and be aware.

4. Pregnancy and birth control (very important!)

• Women: You should take a pregnancy test before starting the medication to make sure you are not pregnant. You should use a highly effective form of birth control while taking the medication and for 6 weeks after stopping the medication . Birth control pills may not work well with this medication, so talk to your doctor about the best method for you.
• Men: If your partner is of childbearing potential, you must use a condom during sexual intercourse while you are taking this medication and for 90 days after stopping the medication .

5. Blood and sperm donation

• Do not donate blood while taking this medication and for 6 weeks after stopping .
• Men should not donate sperm while taking the medication and for 90 days after stopping .

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, Mycophenolate can cause some side effects. Although most of these are minor, there are some things to be aware of.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, tell your doctor about it as well.

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