Mycophenolic Acid

 

What are the possible SIDE-EFFECTS of the medicine?

 

• Some of the common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. General unwanted effects that may potentially affect your body include hypersensitivity, fever, lethargy, difficulty in sleeping, pains, headache, flu symptoms and swelling.
• As this medication reduces your body’s own defense mechanisms, you may be more prone to catching infections, commonly involving the upper respiratory tract. More serious infections can potentially occur involving your internal organs, but with early treatment, this is manageable.
• Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you get any side effects. This includes any side effects not listed in this leaflet. However, do not stop taking your medicine unless you have discussed this with your doctor first.

 

When do I seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY?

 

Come back to the hospital if you have:

• A temperature that exceeds 38°C or other symptoms of infection such as chills, cough or painful urination.
• Mouth ulcers or severe sore throat that does not heal within 3 days.
• Excessive diarrhea and/or vomiting despite taking medicine.
• Bruises or unusual bleeding.
• Black stools, dark urine or vomiting of blood.
• Breathlessness or persisting dry cough.

 

Can I take other MEDICINES or SUPPLEMENTS?

 

• You should avoid live vaccines such as live polio, yellow fever, rubella (German measles), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), typhoid and BCG (tuberculosis). Flu and pneumococcal vaccines are safe and may be given if required.
• Always check with the doctor or pharmacist first before self- treatment with any over-the-counter medicines. Antacids may decrease the absorption of mycophenolate. If you need to consume antacid, please take the medication and antacids 2 hours apart.
• Do not take any supplements, alternative or herbal medicines without informing your doctor. One known interaction is between the Echinacea, which may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of immunosuppressant.

 

How is the medicine given?

 

• It is given orally, half an hour before food, usually once or twice daily.
• A typical dose will range from 1 – 3g daily and may be given once or twice a day.
• The dose will vary for each person depending upon factors such as activities of your disease and your response to the treatment.
• Swallow your capsules/tablets with a glass of water. Do not break or crush them and do not take any capsules that have broken or split open.
• Avoid contact with any powder that spills out from damaged capsules, if a capsule breaks open accidentally; wash any powder from your skin with soap and water. If any powder gets into your eyes or mouth, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
• Our doctor will advise on the duration of treatment required for your condition.

 

What is the TIME to EFFECT?

 

• The treatment usually takes 3 months to show improvement on your condition.

 

What should I do when I am taking the medicine?

 

• Come back to the hospital for regular blood test as instructed by your doctor.
• Your doctor will need to ensure that your body is adapting well to the medicine with no adverse reaction to your internal organs or bone marrow.

 

What should I do if I FORGET a dose?

 

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember; then continue to take it at the usual times.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#

• Store below 30°C.
• Do not use this medicine if you notice any visible signs of deterioration.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to discard these medications. These measures will help protect the environment.

 

Do I skip dose if I am SICK?

 

• Seek prompt advice from your doctor when you develop any of the serious symptoms of infection described above.
• Your doctor will decide if you need to stop mycophenolate mofetil on a case by case basis.

 

Can I get PREGNANT or BREASTFEED?

 

• Use of mycophenolate mofetil during pregnancy may cause miscarriage or damage to your unborn baby (e.g. abnormal development of ears).
• If you plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor for alternative medicines.
• Women of childbearing age MUST use a reliable method of contraception to avoid the risk of unplanned pregnancy before starting treatment, during the entire treatment, and for 6 weeks after stopping mycophenolate mofetil.
• For mothers receiving mycophenolate mofetil, breastfeeding MUST be avoided.

 

In SUMMARY… what you need to know about mycophenolate?

 

• Take mycophenolate mofetil regularly every day as prescribed
• Always come for your BLOOD TESTS on the scheduled date.
• Beware of the SIDE EFFECTS and when to get immediate medical attention.
• Never take medicines, supplements or herbal treatments OVER- THE-COUNTER without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
• If you have any questions about your mycophenolate mofetil treatment, please discuss with your doctor or Advanced Practice Nurse at 65762418 or pharmacist at 63265077.