Mycophenolate Mofetil Tablets

Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ. It is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, oral suspension, and intravenous injection, and is often sold under the brand name CellCept.

Mycophenolate mofetil is primarily used in patients who have received an organ transplant, such as a:

• Kidney transplant

   

   

• Heart transplant

   

   

• Liver transplant

   

   

It is always used in combination with other immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids. By lowering the body's natural immune response, it helps to ensure the transplanted organ is not recognized as a foreign object and attacked by the immune system.

Mycophenolate mofetil is also used "off-label" to treat a number of autoimmune diseases, including:

• Lupus (especially with kidney involvement)

   

   

• Rheumatoid arthritis

   

   

• Vasculitis

   

   

• Inflammatory bowel disease

   

   

• Psoriatic arthritis

   

   

• Certain skin and eye disorders

   

   

Mycophenolate mofetil is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, mycophenolic acid (MPA), after being absorbed by the body. MPA works by inhibiting an enzyme called inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). This enzyme is critical for the synthesis of guanosine nucleotides, which are essential for the proliferation of B- and T-lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are the key components of the immune system responsible for recognizing and attacking foreign tissues and organs. By selectively targeting this pathway, mycophenolate mofetil effectively suppresses the immune system's rejection response without causing widespread toxic effects on other types of cells.

Mycophenolate mofetil tablets are taken orally, usually twice a day. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor and at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken.

As a potent immunosuppressant, mycophenolate mofetil can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.

   

   

• Low blood cell counts: This can lead to a decreased number of white blood cells (increasing the risk of infection), red blood cells (anemia), and platelets (increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding). Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor these levels.

• Increased risk of infection: By suppressing the immune system, the drug makes patients more vulnerable to infections.

   

   

• Headache

   

   

• Tremors

   

   

• Hair loss

   

   

More serious, but less common, side effects may include:

• Increased risk of cancer: Patients on immunosuppressants have a higher risk of developing certain cancers, particularly lymphomas and skin cancer.

   

   

• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): A rare and serious brain infection that can cause severe disability or death.

• Bone marrow suppression: In some cases, the drug can significantly reduce blood cell production.

• Pregnancy and Birth Defects: Mycophenolate mofetil can cause severe birth defects and miscarriages. Women of childbearing potential must use effective birth control before, during, and for a period of time after treatment.

   
   

   

• Do not stop taking the medication abruptly: Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to a severe rejection of the transplanted organ.

• Vaccinations: Patients on mycophenolate mofetil should avoid live vaccines and should discuss any vaccination plans with their doctor.

   

   

• Skin Cancer Risk: Patients should avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen and protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin cancer.