Mycophenolate Sodium

Mycophenolate Sodium

Mycophenolate sodium is a drug  to prevent rejection reactions from occurring after organ transplants. This drug is a salt form of mycophelonic acid.

Mycophenolate sodium works by suppressing the immune response and the process of forming antibodies, so it can be used to prevent organ rejection reactions after transplantation. This drug can be used as a single treatment or in combination with other drugs, such as ciclosporin or corticosteroids.

This drug should not be used carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription. Mycophenolate sodium can also be used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as lupus nephritis.

Trademarks mycophenolate sodium:  Myfortic , Mycophen 180, Mycophen 360

What is Mycophenolate Sodium

class Prescription drug
Category Immunosuppressant  drugs
Benefit Prevent the body's rejection reaction after organ transplantation, such as a kidney
Used by Mature
Mycophenolate sodium for pregnant and lactating women Category D  There is positive evidence of risk to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with a life-threatening situation.

It is not yet known whether mycophenolate sodium can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug form Tablet

Precautions  Before Consuming Mycophenolate Sodium

Mycophenolate sodium should only be consumed according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before consuming mycophenolate sodium:

  • Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Mycophenolate sodium should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while on treatment with mycophenolate sodium.
  • Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently having stomach ulcers , cancer, an infectious disease, including herpes , a genetic disorder, such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome, or liver disease , such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
  • Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking mycophenolate sodium, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
  • As much as possible, avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as chickenpox or the flu, because these drugs can make it easier for you to get an infection.
  • Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while on treatment with mycophenolate sodium. This medicine can affect the effectiveness of vaccines.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
  • Do not donate blood while you are being treated with mycophenolate sodium, for up to 6 months afterward.
  • Tell your doctor that you are taking mycophenolate sodium if you are planning to have certain medical procedures, such as surgery or dental surgery.
  • Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an overdose, drug allergic reaction , or more serious side effects after taking mycophenolate sodium.

Dosage and Rules for Use Mycophenolate Sodium

The dose of mycophenolate sodium to prevent rejection reactions after organ transplants in adults is 720 mg, 2 times a day. Treatment begins within 48 hours after transplant.

How to Take Mycophenolate Sodium Properly

Take mycophenolate sodium according to doctor 's advice and read the instructions for use on the drug packaging before taking the drug. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor first.

Consume mycophenolate sodium regularly at the same time every day. Mycophenolate sodium can be consumed at least 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating or on an empty stomach. Swallow the medicine whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not chew or crush it.

If you are being treated with antacids, take mycophenolate sodium at least 2 hours before taking the drug.

If you forget to take mycophenolate sodium, drink it immediately if it's not near the time for your next dose. If it's close, ignore the missed dose. Do not double the dose of mycophenolate sodium to make up for a missed dose.

Take control and follow the doctor's recommendations while undergoing treatment with mycophenolate sodium. Do not stop medication without consulting your doctor first.

Store mycophenolate sodium at room temperature and place it in a closed container. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep this drug out of reach of children.

Mycophenolate Sodium Interaction  with Other Drugs

There are several drug interaction effects that can occur when mycophenolate sodium is used with certain drugs, namely:

  • Increased levels of acyclovir in the blood
  • Decreased levels and effectiveness of mycophenolate sodium when used with antacids, cholestyramine , cclosporin, or aminoglycoside class antibiotics
  • Increased effectiveness of mycophenolate sodium when used with isavuconazole or telmisartan
  • Decreased vaccine effectiveness or even increased risk of infection when used with the BCG vaccine, influenza vaccine , or measles vaccine
  • Decreased effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, such as  birth control pills 

Side Effects and Dangers of Mycophenolate Sodium

Some of the common side effects that occur after consuming mycophenolate sodium are:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Tremors
  • Stomach ache
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia
  • Pain when urinating

Check with your doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Easy bruising , pale skin, or bleeding
  • Swelling of the legs
  • Abdominal pain or severe stomach cramps
  • Black bowel movements or black vomit
  • Lost balance
  • Difficulty speaking or walking
  • Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory loss
  • Dizzy to the point of fainting
  • Impaired vision
  • Chest pain , difficulty breathing, fast breathing, or irregular heartbeat
  • seizures

In addition, the use of mycophenolate sodium can also cause leukopenia , which is a low white blood cell count, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Check with your doctor if you have signs of infection, such as fever , chills, or flu symptoms.

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