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Brand Names: Myfortic

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

• 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 is mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

Mycophenolic acid 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.

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

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

What are the possible side effects of mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

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 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.

What is the most important information I should know about mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

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 use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy before and during your treatment with mycophenolic acid, 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 mycophenolic acid.

Although mycophenolic acid can cause harm to an unborn baby, not treating the mother 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.

Using mycophenolic acid 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.