Mycophenolate injection

May 08, 2020

Mycophenolate injection

What is this medicine?

MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL (mye koe FEN oh late MOE fe til) is used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • bloody, dark, or tarry stools

  • changes in vision

  • dizziness

  • fever, chills or any other sign of infection

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

  • trouble sleeping

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • live vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • acyclovir or valacyclovir

  • azathioprine

  • birth control pills

  • certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, trimethoprim; sulfamethoxazole, penicillin, and amoxicillin; clavulanic acid

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like lansoprazole, omeprazole, or pantoprazole

  • cyclosporine

  • ganciclovir or valganciclovir

  • isavuconazonium

  • medicines for cholesterol like cholestyramine and colestipol

  • metronidazole

  • other mycophenolate medicines

  • probenecid

  • rifampin

  • sevelamer

  • stomach acid blockers like magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide

  • telmisartan

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • anemia or other blood disorder

  • cancer

  • diarrhea

  • immune system problems

  • infection (especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

  • kidney disease

  • recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccination

  • stomach problems

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to mycophenolate mofetil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Do not get pregnant while taking this drug. Females will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. If sexually active, use 2 reliable forms of birth control together for 4 weeks before starting this medicine, while you are taking this medicine, and for 6 weeks after you stop taking this medicine. Birth control pills alone may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. If you think that you might be pregnant talk to your doctor right away.

Males who get this medicine must use a condom during sex with females who can get pregnant. If you get a woman pregnant, the baby could have birth defects. The baby could die before they are born. You will need to continue wearing a condom for 90 days after stopping the medicine. Tell your health care provider right away if your partner becomes pregnant while you are taking this medicine. Do not donate sperm while taking this medicine or for 90 days after stopping it.

If you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself. The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections.

Do not give blood while taking this medicine or for 6 weeks after stopping it.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Updated:  

May 08, 2020