Uses of Mycophenolate Mofetil

Mycophenolate Mofetil is used to prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted organ (Kidney, Liver and Heart). It is also given with other medications such as corticosteroids and ciclosporin.

Therapeutic Category

Mycophenolate Mofetil: Immunosuppressants

How Mycophenolate Mofetil works

Mycophenolate Mofetil reduces the action of the body's own defense system (the immune system) and prevents rejection of the transplanted organ.

Common side effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil

• Low level of white blood cells  
• Low calcium levels
• Constipation, feeling of skipped heart beats, weakness, or muscle damage (low potassium levels)
• Severe pain in joints, joint stiffness, difficulty in moving the affected joints, redness, and swelling (high level of uric acid in the blood)
• High or low blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Diarrhoea
• Joint pain
• Tiredness, breathlessness, and skin paleness (anemia)
• Abnormal eye movements, convulsions, muscle spasms, or weakness (low magnesium levels)
• Dizziness, headache
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach pain
• Bloating, constipation
• Indigestion, flatulence
• Loose stools
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fever
• Respiratory infections
• Acne
• Weakness
• Muscle pain
• Swollen hands, ankles, or feet
• Itching

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Persistent cough or become breathlessness
• Unexpected bruising or bleeding
• Fever, chills, sweating, tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of energy
• Signs of stomach or intestinal ulcers such as blood in vomit, black or bloody stools
• Swelling of your glands, development of a new skin growth, enlargement of an existing skin growth, alterations in an existing mole
• Signs of hepatitis B or C such as yellow skin and eyes, nausea, loss of appetite, and dark urine
• Symptoms of brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy includes weakness on one side of the body, lack of interest (apathy), confusion, or thinking problems unable to control muscles

Health Tips for Mycophenolate Mofetil

• Take Mycophenolate Mofetil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule and instructions carefully. Your dosage will vary depending on the type of transplant you received. Do not stop the medicine suddenly without the concern of your doctor
• Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Mycophenolate Mofetil, as it may interact with mycophenolate mofetil may reduce absorption
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration, supports kidney function and helps to prevent potential side effects
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity (as advised by your healthcare provider), and managing stress
• Mycophenolate Mofetil is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may cause birth defects and miscarriage and inform your doctor if you are planning to have a child
• Mycophenolate Mofetil is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women