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Myfortic Information

Myfortic (Mycophenolic Acid) is used to prevent organ rejection in people who have received kidney transplants. It is also commonly used (sometimes as first-line therapy) for the treatment of lupus nephritis. It may also be used in the management of other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, systemic sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and certain refractory inflammatory skin or eye disorders. Its active ingredient, mycophenolic acid, is an immunosuppressant, specifically an antimetabolite or an IMPDH inhibitor. Myfortic acts as a potent, reversible inhibitor of the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. By blocking this enzyme, Myfortic selectively starves the hyperactive immune cells of the building blocks needed for DNA replication, effectively stopping the expansion of the immune response that would otherwise attack the body or a transplanted organ.

In renal transplantation, the body’s immune system recognizes the donor kidney as a foreign organ, triggering a host-versus-graft response in which lymphocytes infiltrate and damage the new organ. Myfortic helps prevent these lymphocytes from multiplying and mounting an attack, thereby ensuring the survival of the transplanted organ. For lupus nephritis, an aggressive manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the immune system deposits immune complexes in the kidney's filtering units, causing severe inflammation and potential organ failure. Here, this medication reduces this overactive antibody production and the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the renal tissue. In broader autoimmune conditions like vasculitis or myasthenia gravis, where the body loses self-tolerance, Myfortic calms and suppresses the immune system, reducing the chronic inflammation and tissue destruction that underlie these diseases, often allowing for a reduction in long-term steroid use.

Myfortic Side Effects

Common mild side effects of this medication may include constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, urinary tract infections, and stomach upset. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Anemia (low red blood cells) with symptoms like dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness;
• Bowel perforation with symptoms like chills and fever, nausea, severe abdominal pain, vomiting;
• Clotting problems with symptoms like unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums;
• Gout (too much uric acid in the blood) with symptoms like joint pain, swelling, and warmth of joints;
• Kidney problems with symptoms like increased urination at night, decreased urine production, and blood in the urine;
• Leukencephalopathy with symptoms like seizures, vision loss, trouble thinking clearly, and difficulty walking;
• Severe electrolyte imbalances with symptoms like weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and tingling in the hands and feet;
• Signs of infection such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness;
• Skin changes such as the development of a new skin growth or enlargement of an existing skin growth, or changes in an existing mole

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Myfortic Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to mycophenolic acid or any other ingredients in Myfortic. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Active infections, including viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic;
• Blood cell disorders such as anemia or low white cell count;
• Cancers;
• Electrolyte imbalances such as low blood levels of potassium, calcium;
• Gastrointestinal problems such as peptic ulcers;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease such as hepatitis B or C;
• Lung diseases such as bronchiectasis

If you are taking Myfortic, you are generally advised not to donate blood during treatment and for some time after stopping it. This precaution exists mainly because donated blood could be given to a pregnant recipient, and mycophenolic acid can cause serious birth defects or miscarriage. Mycophenolate can affect your ability to perform mental or physical tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid these tasks, or any other potentially hazardous tasks, until you have determined how this medication affects you. Also, avoid excessive sun exposure and undergo regular dermatological screenings, as this medication can increase the risk of skin cancer. Do not get a live vaccine while taking this medication. The suppressed immune system may lead to an inability to mount a proper response to the vaccine, or worse, the vaccine strain could cause an actual infection. It is worth noting that your doctor may want to check your white blood cell count during treatment with Myfortic and will let you know whether you can continue taking it.

Myfortic is associated with a 23–27% risk of structural birth defects and a roughly 50% risk of first-trimester miscarriage. Therefore, do not use this medication during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential must use two reliable forms of contraception simultaneously starting 4 weeks before therapy, during therapy, and for 6 weeks after discontinuation. Inform your doctor immediately if you get pregnant while taking this medication. While the evidence is less direct, men are typically advised to use condoms during treatment and for 90 days after stopping, and they should not donate semen during this window. Myfortic is also currently contraindicated while breastfeeding. It remains unclear if mycophenolate is excreted in human milk, but given the potential for serious adverse reactions in the infant, breastfeeding is not advised. Myfortic is not suitable for use in children younger than 5 years. Caution is advised when using this medication in older adults, as they may be more sensitive to its side effects.

Medications containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide can reduce the absorption of mycophenolate. Some other medications, such as acyclovir or ganciclovir, compete with Myfortic for renal excretion. In individuals with kidney impairment, this can lead to an abnormal increase in the blood concentrations of both medications, potentially leading to adverse effects. Therefore, make sure you inform your doctor of all medications, including herbal products and supplements, you are taking before starting Myfortic to prevent drug interactions. Take Myfortic tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually twice daily at the same times each day. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of this medication for you. Swallow the tablet whole with water, and do not crush, split, or chew it. Taking each dose on an empty stomach, ideally one hour before or two hours after meals, appears to ensure more consistent absorption. Ensure you read the leaflets in the medication pack for more usage instructions. Store this medication in a cool, dry place, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Myfortic?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Myfortic.