Mycophenolate Mofetil Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil
- blood in urine or stools, stools that appear black or tarry
- sensations of burning, numb feelings
- decrease in urination
- change in the appearance of a mole
- decreased heart rate, rapid heart rate, irregular or pounding heartbeats
- strong, persistent headache
- severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting
- persistent diarrhea
- changes in mood or behavior
- changes in eyesight
- a rash or development of strange lumps or skin growths
- signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as vomit the consistency of coffee grounds, or vomit that has blood in it
- inflammation of the hands, ankles or feet
- infections with symptoms such as a fever, chills, soreness of the throat or coughing
- urinary tract infection which may result in pain while urinating, trouble urinating, having to urinate more often or having pain in the lower section of the abdomen or back
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- abnormal bruising or bleeding easier than usual
- sores of the mouth in the form of white patches
- unexplained weight loss
- signs of a serious allergic reaction: hives, red and itchy skin, rash, chest tension, inflammation of the tongue, throat, mouth o face, and difficulty breathing
Common Side Effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil
- feeling anxious or nervous
- bowel changes including constipation or diarrhea
- decrease in appetite
- fatigue, drowsiness or loss of strength
- tremors or twitching
- minor stomach pain, cramping, stomach aches, nausea or vomiting
- dizziness
- headache
Warnings & Recalls for Mycophenolate Mofetil
Mycophenolate Mofetil and Pregnancy
The FDA has listed Mycophenolate Mofetil as a
pregnancy Category D medication. If taken by a woman who is pregnant, mycophenolate mofetil can cause
birth defects and may result in
fetal death. Be sure to take an effective form of birth control while taking mycophenolate mofetil and do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is unknown if mycophenolate mofetil may pass through breast-milk.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking mycophenolate mofetil.
General Warnings
Let your doctor know about any health problems you may have, particularly:
- any immune system disorders
- stomach or bowel issues
- a history of skin or blood cancer
- any blood problems
- if you will be having a vaccination in the near future
Mycophenolate mofetil can
decrease the ability of your immune system to protect against an infection or other illnesses or
increase the risk of certain cancers. Wear protective clothing and avoid sunlight or other UV ray products such as tanning beds. Avoid anyone who may be sick or have an infection. Contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of an infection. Mycophenolate mofetil may put patients at risk for developing
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PMS) or
pure red cell aplasia, a type of anemia.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Interactions
Mycophenolate mofetil
may interact with other medications and result in dangerous reactions. The following drugs may be effected if used with mycophenolate mofetil:
- acyclovir (a treatment for the herpes virus)
- autoimmune suppressants including azathioprine and mycophenolic acid
- antivirals such as valacyclovir and ganciclovir
- probenecid
- valganciclovir
- antibiotics such as amoxicillin, rifamycin, sulfamethoxazole or norflaxin, and cholestyramine (for balancing stomach acids), ciproflaxin, colestipol and PPI's (proton pump inhibitors)
- hormonal forms of contraceptives
Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment and Use
Mycophenolate Mofetil | Cellcept is a generic immunosuppresant prescribed to prevent transplant rejection. Mycophenolate mofetil may decrease the risk of rejected transplants of organs such as the kidneys, liver or heart. Other conditions involving the immune system that may be treated through the use of mycophenolate mofetil include:
- Lupus disease (systemic lupus erythematosus)
- pemphis vulgaris (an immune system disease that results in the blistering of skin)
- Behçet’s disease
Other medications may be combined with mycophenolate mofetil to increase effectiveness of the drug.
How Does Mycophenolate Mofetil Work?
Mycophenolate mofetil works by reducing the activity of T and B cells in the lymphatic system. These cells typically function by attacking and fighting against foreign materials. By preventing this activity, organs are less likely to be rejected by the body.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Dosage
Mycophenolate mofetil comes in tablet form to be taken by mouth. Generally, mycophenolate mofetil is prescribed to be taken twice each day in 1g to 1.5g one hour before or two hours after eating. Do not take a different dosage of mycophenolate mofetil than prescribed. Read all labeled instructions and dosage information before taking mycophenolate mofetil.
For patients taking sevelamir, do not take mycophenolate mofetil for two hours before or after using sevelamir.
Other Names for Mycophenolate Mofetil
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Lawsuits & Legal Information for Mycophenolate Mofetil