Mycophenolate mofetil-oral

CellCept

Mycophenolate mofetil is excreted in milk of rats. It is not known if it also is excreted in human milk. Due to the lack of conclusive safety data, mycophenolate mofetil should be used cautiously in nursing mothers.

• Powder for injection: 500 mg
• Capsules: 250 mg
• Immediate-release tablets: 500 mg
• Delayed-release tablets: 180 and 360 mg
• Oral suspension: 200 mg/ml

• Capsules and tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).
• Oral suspension may be stored at room temperate between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F) for up to 60 days.
• Oral suspension also may be stored in the refrigerator between 2 C and 8 C (36 F and 46 F), but it should not be frozen.

Mycophenolate is used in combination with other medications to keep your body from attacking and rejecting your transplanted organ (such as kidney, liver, heart). It belongs to a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own.

How to use Mycophenolate Mofetil

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking mycophenolate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew. If you are taking the capsules, do not open them before swallowing.

If the capsule comes apart, avoid inhaling the powder, and avoid direct contact with the skin or eyes. If contact occurs, wash the affected skin area well with soap and water or rinse your eyes with plain water. Consult your pharmacist for details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, it is also based on body size.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

It is very important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking mycophenolate without first talking to your doctor.

Certain products may make it harder for your body to absorb mycophenolate if they are taken at the same time. Do not take this medication at the same time as antacids containing aluminum and/or magnesium, cholestyramine, colestipol, or calcium-free phosphate binders (such as aluminum products, lanthanum, sevelamer). Ask your pharmacist for more details.

Do not change brands or forms of mycophenolate unless directed by your doctor.

See also Warning section.

Before taking mycophenolate mofetil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to mycophenolic acid; or to mycophenolate sodium; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: cancer, liver disease (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C), kidney disease, current/past infections (such as herpes, shingles), stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers), rare genetic disorders (such as Lesch-Nyhan or Kelley-Seegmiller syndromes).

Mycophenolate can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication and for 6 weeks after stopping mycophenolate. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Women of childbearing age should talk to their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage). Women of childbearing age should have a pregnancy test before starting this medication, after 8 to 10 days on treatment, and during routine follow-up visits. Women of childbearing age must also use reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 weeks after mycophenolate is stopped. See also Drug Interactions section.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk and it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood counts, drug levels, kidney function, pregnancy test) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Attend a transplant education class or support group. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of organ rejection and tell your doctor right away if they occur.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip themissed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.Information last revised August 2017. Copyright(c) 2017 First Databank, Inc.