Myfortic (mycophenolate sodium) is an immunosuppressant medicine used to prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney. It is used in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor (such as tacrolimus or ciclosporin) and corticosteroids.

Mycophenolate sodium is the active form of mycophenolic acid (MPA). It works by blocking a key enzyme that lymphocytes (immune cells) need to multiply, reducing the immune attack on the transplanted organ. Myfortic's enteric coating is designed to reduce stomach upset compared to some other mycophenolate products.

Take Myfortic twice daily, at least 12 hours apart, on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after food). The enteric coating requires an empty stomach to work correctly.

Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, break, or chew them. The enteric coating is important and must remain intact.

Do not stop or change doses without speaking to your transplant specialist.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your schedule. Never take a double dose. Tell your transplant team if you regularly miss doses.

Contact your transplant specialist or a poison control centre immediately.

• Store below 25°C
• Keep in the original container with the cap tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children

Side effects are common.

Very common side effects:

• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• Infections: as an immunosuppressant, Myfortic increases susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Common infections include urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and CMV infection
• Low white blood cells (leukopenia): monitored with regular blood tests
• Low red blood cells (anaemia)
  

Serious side effects:

• Serious infections including opportunistic infections (uncommon microorganisms taking advantage of reduced immunity)
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): a rare but serious brain infection
• Increased risk of certain cancers (particularly skin cancer and lymphoma) with long-term immunosuppression
  

Blood tests including full blood count are checked regularly. Protect your skin from sun exposure as skin cancer risk is elevated in transplant patients.

• Antacids, proton pump inhibitors: may reduce mycophenolate absorption
• Antibiotics (such as rifampicin): may reduce mycophenolate levels
• Cholestyramine: reduces mycophenolate absorption
• Aciclovir (used for viral infections): combined use increases levels of both medicines

Tell your transplant pharmacist about all medicines before making any changes.

Is Myfortic the same as CellCept?

Both contain mycophenolic acid, but as different salts: Myfortic contains mycophenolate sodium, while CellCept contains mycophenolate mofetil. Mycophenolate mofetil is converted to mycophenolic acid after absorption. The enteric coating on Myfortic is designed to release the drug in the small intestine rather than the stomach, which may reduce nausea and stomach pain in some patients. They are not directly interchangeable by dose, so do not switch between products without guidance from your transplant team.

Why do I need regular blood tests?

Myfortic lowers your white blood cell count as part of its immunosuppressive effect. If levels fall too low, your risk of serious infection increases. Blood tests allow your transplant team to monitor your cell counts and adjust the dose if needed to keep you both protected from rejection and safe from infection.

Ace provides accurate and independent information medically reviewed on prescription medications. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.