Have you or someone close to you had an organ transplant, such as a kidney or liver? If so, your doctor may have told you to take a special medication after the surgery. Mycophenolate Mofetil is one of the most commonly prescribed medications. You may have many questions about this medication. Don't worry, today we will talk about it simply and clearly.
What really happens with this drug called Mycophenolate?
Simply put, this is a drug that reduces or controls the activity of your body's immune system. We call this an `immunosuppressant`.
Think of it this way. When you receive a new organ transplant, your body's "soldiers" (i.e., immune cells) see the new organ as an "enemy." So they attack the new organ and try to reject it (organ rejection). The doctors give you this medicine to stop that "fight" and help the new organ adapt to your body. In other words, this is a very important medicine that protects your new organ.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health status. If any of the conditions listed in the table below apply to you, be sure to tell them.
| Information you need to inform |
|---|
| If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or breastfeeding . (This is extremely important) |
| If you have any allergic reactions (to this medicine, other medicines, foods, dyes, etc.). |
| If you have cancer or a blood disorder (e.g. anemia ). |
| If you have an infection (especially viral infections such as chickenpox and herpes). |
| If you have conditions such as kidney disease , stomach problems , or diarrhea . |
| If you have recently received a vaccination or are scheduled to receive one in the future. |
| If you have a rare genetic condition called Phenylketonuria. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
As the doctor says, it is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time.
- If this is given to you as a suspension, you should shake the bottle well before use .
- Use only the special measuring device (dosing dispenser) provided with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons or syrup cups.
- It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach . That means one hour before or two hours after a meal. Unless your doctor tells you to take it with food, take it on an empty stomach at all other times.
- Drink a glass of water when taking the medicine.
- Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so may increase the chance that your body will reject the new organ.
- Do not let this medicine come into contact with your skin or eyes . If this happens, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Important Note: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Mycophenolate can interact with other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies).
This medicine may interact with the following in particular:
- Live vaccines:You cannot receive certain vaccines while taking this medication.
- Birth control pills: This medication may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
- Some antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, penicillin).
- Medicines for gastritis (e.g. omeprazole, pantoprazole).
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. cholestyramine).
- Other specific medications such as Acyclovir, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine.
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
1. Pregnancy and birth control (extremely important!)
This is the most important warning about this medicine. This medicine can cause severe birth defects in the fetus.
- For women:
- Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for 6 weeks after stopping.
- Before starting the medication, you should take a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant.
- During this time, you should use two very reliable methods of birth control together . Using birth control pills alone may not be enough. Talk to your doctor about this and ask what the best methods are.
- For men:
- If you are taking this medicine, you must use a condom every time you have sex with a woman who is able to conceive a child.
- Even after stopping the pill, you should still use condoms in this way for 90 days .
- Avoid sperm donation completely during this time.
2. Protection from infections
Because this medicine weakens your immune system, you may get infections more easily. Even a minor cold or flu can become serious. Therefore:
- If you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, body aches, sore throat, or cough, call your doctor immediately.
- Stay as far away from crowded places as possible.
- Wash your hands often.
3. Sun protection
This medicine may make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, when going out in the sun:
- Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Use a good sunscreen .
- Wear a hat.
4. Medical tests
Your doctor will ask you to have regular blood tests. These tests are very important to see how this medicine is affecting your body. So don't miss any clinic appointments.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms such as skin rash , itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue | Fever, chills , or other signs of infection |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising of the skin | Black or bloody stools |
| Unusual tiredness or fatigue , dizziness | Vision changes |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Diarrhea or constipation | Nausea, vomiting |
| Loss of appetite | Trouble sleeping |
Take-Home Message
- Mycophenolate is a very important medicine that protects your transplanted organ and controls your immune system.
- Never stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.
- Both women and men must follow strict birth control methods to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication.
- If you develop any signs of infection, such as fever or chills, inform your doctor immediately.
- Wear sunscreen and covering clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications you are taking.
- Attend medical clinics on the scheduled dates and undergo the necessary tests.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What disease is Trandolapril (Trandolapril / Mavik) used for?
This is a highly effective (ACE Inhibitor) drug that controls 'High Blood Pressure' and helps patients who have had a heart attack/myocardial infarction and whose heart has become weak/weakened to regain normal function! Although it is in the same family as Enalapril, it is a drug that stays in the body for a longer time and provides 24-hour protection.
💬 How does taking this blood pressure pill (Trandolapril) relieve blood pressure and heart pain?
The dangerous chemical called 'Angiotensin II' narrows/tightens all the blood vessels in our body and raises the pressure! That chemical is made by a machine called 'ACE' (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme). When this pill enters the body, that ACE machine is blocked/closed and locked 100%. Since that dangerous chemical is no longer produced, the blood vessels widen/relax (Vasodilation), the pressure immediately drops and the burden on the heart decreases.
💬 What are the annoying and deadly dangers (Black Box Warning) of taking this blood pressure pill (ACE Inhibitor)?
The biggest danger is that, like other blood pressure pills, this is strictly prohibited for pregnant women (Pregnancy/Fetal toxicity)! This can cause the baby's kidneys to rot and die. The other most annoying and common (ACE) side effect is a 'dry persistent cough' without mucus. Also, some people may suddenly have swelling of the lips, face and throat and difficulty breathing (Angioedema - black people are at higher risk).
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