Mycophenolate Tablets

What is this medication?

MYCOPHENOLATE (mye koe FEN oh late) prevents the body from rejecting an organ transplant. It works by lowering the body's immune system response. This helps the body accept the donor organ. It belongs to a group of medications called immunosuppressants.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): CellCept

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 mofetil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food unless your care team approves. Do not cut, crush, or chew the medication. Swallow the tablets whole. If the medication is broken or is not intact, do not get the powder on your skin or eyes. If contact occurs, rinse with plenty of cool tap water. 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 selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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.

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, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, trimethoprim; sulfamethoxazole, penicillin, amoxicillin; clavulanic acid
• Certain antivirals, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir
• Certain medications for cholesterol, such as cholestyramine, colestipol
• Certain medications for stomach problems, such as lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole
• Cyclosporine
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Isavuconazonium
• Metronidazole
• Other mycophenolate medications
• Probenecid
• Rifampin
• Sevelamer
• Stomach acid blockers, such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide
• Telmisartan

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 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
• Headache
• Nausea
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Tremors or shaking
• 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.

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 light. 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.