Mycophenolic Acid

What is Mycophenic Acid for?

Mycophenolate belongs to a class of medicines called immunosuppressant. It suppresses the body's immune response by inhibiting components called T and B cells. It helps to reduce inflammation, which in turn, reduces symptoms and complications in the joints, kidney, skin and other organs.

Mycophenolate is used to treat autoimmune diseases (disease where the body's natural defence system attacks own body cells). You are taking Mycophenolate for (please tick as appropriate):

☐ Myasthenia gravis

☐ Psoriasis

☐ Systemic lupus erythematosus

☐ Inflammatory eye disease, please specify: ___________________________________

☐ Other, please specify: ___________________________________

Disclaimer: Mycophenolate is also used in non-autoimmune diseases. It is not within the scope of this material to cover information for such conditions.

How should I take or use Mycophenic Acid?

Mycophenolate is available in various forms. Your doctor has prescribed you (please tick as appropriate):

☐ Mycophenolate suspension

☐ Mycophenolate mofetil

☐ Mycophenolate sodium

Mycophenolate should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. It is given orally, half an hour before food, usually once or twice daily.

A typical adult dose ranges from 1 gram to 3 grams daily. For children, the dose is usually calculated based on body weight or body surface area. Your doctor may reduce the dose if you have kidney problem.

Swallow your capsules or tablets with a glass of water. Do not break or crush them and do not take any capsules that have broken or split open.

Avoid contact with any powder that spills out from damaged capsules, if a capsule breaks open accidentally; wash any powder from your skin with soap and water. If any powder gets into your eyes or mouth, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. Proper handling will minimize any pregnancy risks and unwanted effects on immune system related to Mycophenolate.

Mycophenolate oral suspension may be prescribed in children or adult patients with swallowing difficulty. For preparation and administration of the oral suspension, please refer to the education material provided separately.

You may start to see improvement within a few weeks, but it may take up to several months to experience its full benefit.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Mycophenic Acid?

If you forget to take the tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose. Resume the next dose at the regular timing. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Mycophenic Acid?

STOP taking Mycophenolate and let your doctor know if you develop an allergic reaction. Rash due to allergic reaction to Mycophenolate is rare. Possible symptoms of allergic reaction are:

• rash, hives, or itching
• red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin with or without fever
• wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
• trouble breathing or talking
• unusual hoarseness
• swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat

STOP taking Mycophenolate and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the rare but severe side effects:

• newly appeared mole, discolouration of skin (avoid exposure to prolonged sun exposure and protect your skin with sunscreen)

Mycophenolate may increase risk of developing certain kinds of infections due to reduced white blood cells (a key component of the body's immune system that helps to fight infections). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of infection such as temperature exceeding 38°C, chills, cough, painful or bloody urination, feeling very tired or weak.

Avoid raw (e.g. sashimi) or half-cooked foods (e.g. half-boiled eggs) to prevent food poisoning.

Although rare, prolonged use of Mycophenolate may increase the risk of developing certain kinds of cancers, such as lymphoma (a type of white blood cell cancer) and skin cancer. Your doctor will perform periodic screening to manage the risk.

While having treatment with Mycophenolate, you must see your doctor as scheduled to monitor response to treatment and minimize any possible side effect.

Use of Mycophenolate during pregnancy may cause pregnancy loss or birth defects to your unborn baby (e.g. abnormal development of ears). Women of childbearing potential should use 2 reliable forms of contraception concurrently before beginning therapy, during therapy and for 6 weeks following stopping of Mycophenolate (unless abstinence i.e. refrain from sexual activity is the chosen method of contraception).

Sexually active men (including men with sterilization) are recommended to use condoms during therapy and for at least 90 days after stopping Mycophenolate. Their female partners are also recommended to use highly effective contraception during and for a total of 90 days after the male stopping Mycophenolate. 

It is not known if Mycophenolate is present in the human milk. Due to the potential serious effects on the child, you should not breastfeed for at least 6 weeks after stopping Mycophenolate.

Mycophenolate may interact with other medicine or supplement that you are taking. Inform the doctor, pharmacist or specialty nurse (such as dermatology, gastroenterology or rheumatology) before starting any medicines and supplements. Medicines such as antacid may decrease the absorption of Mycophenolate and reduce its effectiveness. If you need to consume antacid, please take Mycophenolate and antacid 2 hours apart. On the other hand, supplement such as Echinacea may reduce the benefit of Mycophenolate.

Immunization status should be current before starting the medicine. Do not receive any live vaccine while you are on Mycophenolate. Always consult your doctor before going for immunisation.

What are some common side effects of Mycophenic Acid?

Side effects may occur when taking Mycophenolate, but the majority of these effects tend to resolve spontaneously. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting (Can be minimized by taking Mycophenolate after food)
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Lethargy (Feeling tired/lack of energy)
• Difficulty sleeping

Consult your doctor or pharmacist about any symptoms that becomes bothersome.

How should I store Mycophenic Acid?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature

How do I throw away Mycophenic Acid safely?

Mycophenolate should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Consult your pharmacist or specialty nurse on disposal measures for unused medicines. You may bring the unused medicines to the pharmacy or clinic for proper disposal.

What else should I know about Mycophenic Acid?

If you have further questions about Mycophenolate, please call ______________________ (office number) to discuss with your doctor / pharmacist / specialty nurse (please circle as appropriate).