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In this Article

• What is mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
• What are the possible side effects of mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
• What is the most important information I should know about mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
• How should I use mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Myfortic)?
• What happens if I overdose (Myfortic)?
• What should I avoid while using mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
• What other drugs will affect mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

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

Before using mycophenolic acid, 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 this medication.

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.

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 mycophenolic acid. 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 mycophenolic acid, and for at least 6 weeks after your treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Mycophenolic acid 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 mycophenolic acid 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. Mycophenolic acid 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 mycophenolic acid during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether mycophenolic acid 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 mycophenolic acid and for at least 6 weeks after your treatment ends.

How should I use mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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

Take mycophenolic acid on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Do not crush, chew, cut, 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.

Mycophenolic acid (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.

Mycophenolic acid 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. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a weekly or monthly basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store mycophenolic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.