MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL (Mycophenolic Acid): CellCept Uses-Side effects- Mechanism of Action

Do not forget to click the subscribe button for increasing your medical knowledge 👍 What is mycophenolate mofetil used for? Mycophenolate (Myfortic) is used with other medications to help prevent the body from rejecting kidney transplants. Mycophenolate is in a class of medications called immunosuppressive agents. It works by weakening the body's immune system so it will not attack and reject the transplanted organ. What are the side effects of mycophenolate mofetil? Side Effects Constipation, nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, gas, tremor, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble sleeping may occur. How long does it take for mycophenolate mofetil to work? How long does it take to work? Mycophenolate does not work immediately it can take up to 8 - 12 weeks before you have any benefit. It is important to continue treatment during this time. Mycophenolate cannot cure the condition and you may need to take it for several years to keep your relapses under control. Does mycophenolate mofetil cause weight gain? Check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: bloody urine, a decreased frequency or amount of urine, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting What is CellCept used for? CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil) is a prescription medicine for people who have had a kidney, heart, or liver transplant. CellCept can help prevent rejection of the transplanted organ What time of day should I take mycophenolate? It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Mycophenolate capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole. Can mycophenolate cause liver damage? A small number of cases of clinically apparent liver injury have been reported in patients on mycophenolate. Is mycophenolate an anti inflammatory? Mycophenolate is part of a class of drugs called immunosuppressants. It suppresses the body's immune response and reduces inflammation in your lungs Can mycophenolate cause hair loss? Other reported side effects include allergic reactions, high temperature, tiredness, headache, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, a rash and changes to blood pressure. What happens if you take too much mycophenolate? People taking high doses of mycophenolate mofetil each day may have a decrease in blood counts, including white blood cells, especially neutrophils. Neutrophils fight against bacterial infections. Is Cellcept a form of chemotherapy? No, CellCept isn't a chemotherapy drug. Chemotherapy drugs work by destroying all cells that are growing quickly. How does CellCept work? Cellcept is an immunosuppressant used especially for lupus patients with signs of kidney disease. It works by targeting an enzyme in the body—a protein responsible for certain chemical reactions—that is important in the formation of DNA in your cells. In doing so, Cellcept impairs your immune system function as well. Does CellCept lower your immune system? CELLCEPT weakens the body's immune system and affects your ability to fight infections. Serious infections can happen with CELLCEPT and can lead to hospitalizations and death. Can you take antibiotics with mycophenolate? Use of these antibiotics with mycophenolate mofetil is not recommended. Other antibiotics that may also decrease MPA levels in the blood are ciprofloxacin (Cipro), amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid (Augmentin), and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). What happens when you stop taking CellCept? Do not stop taking CellCept unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop your treatment you may increase the chance of rejection of your transplant organ. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Should I take mycophenolate with food? You shouldn't crush or chew mycophenolate. You should always swallow them whole. It's recommended that you take the capsule or tablet with food and water, as this can stop you feeling sick and getting stomach pains. What tier is mycophenolate? What drug tier is mycophenolate typically on? Medicare plans typically list mycophenolate in Tier 2 of their formulary. Tier 2 means that this drug is a “non-preferred generic”. It will be expensive and there may be cheaper drugs that work in a similar fashion. What happens if you take Cellcept with food? Taking Mycophenolate with food may help to lessen stomach cramping and diarrhea. Food affects how the body absorbs Mycophenolate. To keep the blood levels of Mycophenolate the same, you should always take Mycophenolate the same way, either with food, or without food. Does Cellcept make you sleepy? Constipation, nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, gas, tremor, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist