Mycophenolate Mofetil is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant which was approved for its medical use on 3rd May 1995.

Mycophenolate Mofetil has been developed to prevent organ rejection in adult and paediatric patients older than 3 months of age. It is indicated along with other immunosuppressants to prevent rejection of allogenic kidney, liver or heart transplants.

Mycophenolate Mofetil is available as 250mg capsule, 500mg tablet and oral suspension. Your healthcare provider will prescribe Mycophenolate Mofetil Injection within 24 hours of organ transplant if you are unable to tolerate the oral dose.

The recommended dose for adults who underwent kidney transplant is 1g twice a day orally or intravenously over 2 hours and 600mg/m2 with a maximum dose of 2g/day for paediatric patients. For adults who underwent heart and liver transplant, the preferred oral dose is 1.5g twice daily and 600mg/m2 with a maximum dose of 900mg/m2 for paediatric patient.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Mycophenolate Mofetil are diarrhoea, leukopenia, infection, vomiting, fever, sore throat, pain, rash, constipation, headache, dizziness, tremor. Some of the serious side effects of this medication include swelling of lower legs, ankles and feet, infections, sepsis, fast heartbeat, stomach problems, joint stiffness, joint pain, high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

People taking high doses of Mycophenolate Mofetil can experience a drop in their blood cell count. During the Mycophenolate Mofetil injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood cell counts (RBC, WBC), platelets, blood sugar, blood pressure, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, immune system disorders, heart, liver or kidney problems. Get immediate medical attention if you experience fever, infection, sudden and severe stomach pain.

Mycophenolate Mofetil is not recommended during pregnancy due to its ability to cause fetal harm and high possibility of miscarriage during first trimester. Discuss effective contraceptive options with your healthcare provider to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is not known whether Mycophenolate Mofetil passes into the breast milk. Hence, it is advisable to tell your healthcare provider if you are a breastfeeding mother or planning to breastfeed your baby.

Mycophenolate Mofetil may interfere with your ability to drive and operate heavy machines. If you experience drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, tremor or low BP after taking this medicine, exercise caution while driving and operating heavy machines.

1. Genentech, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Aug 2022] [Accessed on 1st Sep 2022], https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/cellcept_prescribing.pdf
2. Ahmed A. Negm & Daniel E. Furst, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioid Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 642-666.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.