Myfortic (Mycophenolate Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Myfortic Used For?
Myfortic is an immunosuppressive medication that helps prevent your immune system from attacking transplanted organs or your own body tissues.
Primary Uses
Myfortic is used in adult patients to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney. It is also used to treat inflammatory kidney disease associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE). Myfortic is always used in combination with other medicines.
How It Works
Myfortic belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressives. These medicines work by stopping your immune system from rejecting the transplanted organ or attacking healthy tissues.
How to Take Myfortic
Take Myfortic exactly as prescribed by your doctor to ensure it works properly and prevent unwanted side effects.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is 720 mg twice daily (1440 mg per day), taken 12 hours apart if possible. Your doctor may prescribe a different dose, particularly for initial treatment of lupus-related kidney disease. Remove tablets from foil blister pack when ready to take them. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not chew, crush, or take broken tablets. You may take with or without food, but be consistent – if you take with food, always take with food; if without food, always take without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose – this may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Joint pain or swelling
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulties)
- Enlarged glands
- New lumps or moles on skin
- Vision changes
- Loss of coordination
- Memory loss
- Difficulty speaking
- Muscle weakness
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, sweating)
- Signs of anemia (unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, looking pale)
Important Warnings
Myfortic has serious warnings that you must understand before taking this medication.
Who Should Not Take Myfortic
Do not use if you are allergic to mycophenolate sodium or any ingredients, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, are not using effective contraception, are breastfeeding, or if the package is damaged or expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had: skin cancers or sunspots, low white blood cell count, serious stomach or bowel problems like ulcers or bleeding, Lesch-Nyhan or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome, plan to have vaccinations, are lactose intolerant, or have allergies to other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
You must not take Myfortic if pregnant. Women who could become pregnant must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 weeks after stopping. Men should use condoms during treatment and for 13 weeks after stopping, and their partners should also use effective contraception. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 6 weeks after stopping.
Cancer Risk: Immunosuppressant medicines like Myfortic may increase the risk of developing certain cancers, including skin cancer and lymphoma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop lumps, new moles, or changes to existing moles.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Myfortic and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Birth Control: Oral contraceptives may not work as well while taking Myfortic. Talk to your doctor about additional birth control methods.
- Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide
- Azathioprine, tacrolimus, or other immunosuppressive medicines
- Live vaccines
- Cholestyramine (for high cholesterol)
- Aciclovir or ganciclovir (for viral infections)
- Oral contraceptives (may not work as well)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness while taking Myfortic.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Myfortic affects you. The medication is not expected to affect your ability to drive, but use caution until you understand your response.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Keep tablets in the foil blister pack until ready to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Myfortic, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but for kidney transplant patients, the first dose is usually given within 48 hours after transplant. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments and blood tests.
Yes, you can take Myfortic with or without food. However, be consistent – if you take it with food, always take it with food. If you take it without food, always take it without food.
No information about addiction potential is mentioned in the source material. Myfortic is an immunosuppressive medication, not a controlled substance.
Do not stop taking Myfortic without first checking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly could lead to rejection of your transplanted organ or worsening of your lupus-related kidney disease.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose. Contact your doctor if you miss more than one dose.
Do not have any vaccinations without first checking with your doctor. Live vaccines are specifically mentioned as potentially problematic when taking Myfortic.
Yes, take special care during sun exposure. Limit exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing a hat, protective clothing, and high-protection sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer development.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.