Myfortic

Myfortic

Generic Name: mycophenolic acid (MYE koe phe NOLE ik AS id)

Brand Names: Myfortic

What is Myfortic?

Myfortic lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject" a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.

Myfortic is used to prevent your body from rejecting a kidney transplant. Myfortic is usually given with cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and a steroid medication.

Myfortic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Myfortic

Myfortic can cause harm to an unborn baby, especially if used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Do not use Myfortic without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant during treatment.

If you are a woman of child-bearing potential, you will be required to use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy before and during your treatment with Myfortic, and for at least 6 weeks after your treatment ends. You will also need to have a negative pregnancy test within 1 week before you start using this medication.

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using Myfortic.

Although Myfortic can cause harm to an unborn baby, not treating the mother after a transplant could pose a greater risk to the mother's health. Myfortic is sometimes given to pregnant women who are unable to take other needed transplant medications. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive this medication.

Using Myfortic can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. You may also have an increased risk of certain forms of cancer. Your blood will need to be tested on a weekly or monthly basis while using this medication. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric-coated pill. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating.

Before using Myfortic

You should not use Myfortic if you are allergic to mycophenolic acid or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept).

Before using Myfortic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

a stomach ulcer or other disorders of your stomach or intestines;

kidney disease;

a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection; or

a rare hereditary deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) such as Lesch-Nyhan and Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Myfortic.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby, especially if used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Do not use mycophenolic acid without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant during treatment.

See also: Myfortic pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

If you are a woman of child-bearing potential, you will be required to receive contraceptive counseling and to start using two forms of birth control 4 weeks before the start of your treatment with Myfortic. You will also need to have a negative pregnancy test within 1 week before your treatment begins.

Unless you have been in menopause for at least 12 months in a row, you are considered to be of child-bearing potential. Adolescent girls who have entered puberty are also considered to be of child-bearing potential, even if not yet sexually active.

Use two non-hormone forms of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy before and during your treatment with Myfortic, and for at least 6 weeks after your treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Myfortic can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about the most effective non-hormonal forms of birth control and which two are best for you.

Although Myfortic can cause harm to an unborn baby, not treating the mother with this medication after a transplant could pose a greater risk to the mother's health. Myfortic is sometimes given to pregnant women who are unable to take other needed transplant medications. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive this medication.

Your name may need to be listed on a national transplant pregnancy registry if you use Myfortic during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether Myfortic had any effect on the baby.

It is not known whether mycophenolic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed a baby while taking Myfortic and for at least 6 weeks after your treatment ends.

How should I use Myfortic?

Use Myfortic exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Myfortic is usually given twice a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take Myfortic on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric-coated pill. Swallow it whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating

Myfortic tablets and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) capsules are not absorbed equally in the body. If you are switched from one brand to the other, take only the pills your doctor has prescribed. Always check your refills to make sure you have received the correct brand and type of medicine. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

Myfortic can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. You may also have an increased risk of certain forms of cancer. Your blood will need to be tested on a weekly or monthly basis. Visit your doctor regularly

Store Myfortic at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, and signs of infection.

What should I avoid while using Myfortic?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Myfortic. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. You may still be able to receive a flu shot, but ask your doctor first.

Avoid taking an antacid together with Myfortic. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for your body to absorb Myfortic.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Myfortic can increase your risk of skin cancer. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Myfortic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any a serious side effect such as:

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth sores, white patches in your mouth or throat;

pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, trouble breathing, fast heart rate;

coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

bloody, black, or tarry stools;

painful or difficult urination;

thirst, increased urination, hot and dry skin;

chest pain;

feeling like you might pass out;

high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);

low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);

pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate);

problems with vision, speech, balance, or memory; or

weakness in your legs, lack of coordination.

Less serious Myfortic side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;

headache, dizziness, blurred vision;

swelling in your hands or feet;

joint or muscle pain, back pain;

runny or stuffy nose, cough;

anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia); or

weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Myfortic side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Myfortic?

Before using Myfortic, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

cholestyramine (Questran), colesevelam (Welchol), or colestipol (Colestid);

acyclovir (Zovirax) or ganciclovir (Cytovene); or

other medicines that weaken the immune system, such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Myfortic. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Myfortic resources

Myfortic Side Effects (in More Detail)

Myfortic Dosage

Myfortic Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Myfortic Drug Interactions

Myfortic Support Group

3 Reviews for Myfortic - Add your own review/rating

Myfortic Prescribing Information (FDA)

Myfortic Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Myfortic Delayed-Release Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

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Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Myfortic.