This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
Mycophenolate sodium is an immunosuppressant drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for preventing organ rejection in individuals who have previously received an organ transplant.
Mechanism of Action of undefined
Mycophenolate sodium works by inhibiting the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and reducing the production of guanosine nucleotides. MMF specifically affects the proliferation of activated T and B lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are key players in the immune response that can lead to the rejection of a transplanted organ.
Uses of undefined
Mycophenolate sodium helps to treat organ rejection in individuals who have previously received an organ transplant (such as kidney, heart, or liver transplantation). It is prescribed as part of a combination therapy that includes other immunosuppressive drugs.
undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available
It is an orally available prescription drug. Your physician will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Always take Mycophenolate sodium as prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, crush, break, or chew the medicine.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined
Warnings
This drug is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects and miscarriage. It should not be advised in pregnant women unless there are no relevant alternatives and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Women of birthing age are highly advised to use effective contraception while taking this tablet to prevent pregnancy. Live vaccines should not be administered while a person is taking Mycophenolate sodium due to reduced vaccine effectiveness and the risk of infection. Individuals taking this drug should not donate blood during treatment and at least six weeks after stopping treatment. It ensures that the medication has been adequately cleared from the body before donating blood.
Precautions
It is generally advised not to take this medicine if you are allergic to the drug or any other ingredients. Inform your doctor of liver or heart disease before initiating the treatment. As this drug reduces the body's immune defenses, it can increase the chance of skin cancer. Individuals must take precautions to limit their exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light. Seek your doctor immediately if you develop any bruising under the skin, fever, unexplained tiredness, dizziness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, vision impairment, reduced urine output, and seizures after taking this medicine. Mycophenolate sodium is an immunosuppressive medication. It may affect the infant's developing immune system and should be avoided in breastfeeding. In some cases, alternative medications with a more favorable safety profile during breastfeeding may be considered.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Mycophenolate sodium are Higher risk of developing lymphoma and other cancers, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of, appetite, shortness of breath, weight loss, increased heartbeat, headache, blood pressure problem and anaemia. Some serious side effects also include infections, fever, or sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, low blood cell count and severe allergic reactions.
Word Of Advice
It is necessary to take the prescribed dose exactly as instructed by your doctor. Inform your doctor about all the medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal) you are taking, as they can interact with this drug. If you plan to conceive or suspect you might be pregnant while taking Mycophenolate sodium, it is important to consult your doctor immediately. They may suggest switching to alternative medications that are safer during pregnancy or adjusting your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Question
References
- Novartis Ireland Limited, European Medicine Consortium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2022], [Accessed on 25/05/2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5560.pdf
- S.E. Marshall, Immunological Factors in Disease, Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 71-96.
- KD Tripathi, Immunosuppressant Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019,.937-945.
- Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Inflammation, Immunomodulation, and Hematopoiesis, 12th Edition, 2011, 1014.
Disclaimer
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.
