Myfortic contains the active ingredient mycophenolic acid in the form of its sodium salt, which functions as an immunosuppressive agent. It is available in delayed-release tablet form, with dosage strengths of 180 mg and 360 mg, for oral administration. Some key inactive ingredients include crospovidone, hypromellose, and lactose anhydrous. The coating of the tablets differs slightly between strengths, containing ingredients such as hypromellose phthalate and titanium dioxide.
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not touch broken tablets. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. 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 care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply. People over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell -Joint, muscle, or tendon pain, swelling, or stiffness -Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing -Peptic ulcer—burning stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, vomiting -Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds -Stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse -Unusual bruising or bleeding Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Constipation -Diarrhea -Nausea -Sore throat -Trouble sleeping -Vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Anemia or other blood disorder -Cancer -Diarrhea -Immune system problems -Infection, such as chickenpox, cold sores, herpes -Kidney disease -Recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccination -Stomach problems -An unusual or allergic reaction to mycophenolate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Live virus vaccines This medication may also interact with the following: -Azathioprine -Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, amoxicillin; clavulanic acid, metronidazole -Certain antivirals, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir -Certain medications for cholesterol, such as cholestyramine, colestipol -Cyclosporine -Estrogen and progestin hormones -Other mycophenolate medications -Probenecid -Rifampin -Sevelamer -Stomach acid blockers, such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. This medication 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 sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths. This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 6 weeks after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 6 weeks after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 90 days after the last dose. Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. Do not donate sperm while taking this medication and for 90 days after the last dose. Do not give blood while taking this medication and for 6 weeks after the last dose. Donated blood may contain enough of this medication to cause birth defects if transfused to someone who is pregnant.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
Taking this medicine can increase the risk of getting cancer. This medicine can lower your body’s ability to fight infections. You may get more infections while taking this medicine. Any infection you get could become serious and even deadly. This medication may cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
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