IMPORTANT WARNING:    

Why is this medication prescribed?    

Mycophenolate is used with other medications to prevent the body from rejecting kidney, heart, and liver 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.

How should this medicine be used?    

Mycophenolate comes as a capsule, a tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take mycophenolate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets and capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not open the capsules.

Do not mix mycophenolate liquid with any other medication.

Be careful not to spill the liquid or to splash it onto your skin. If you do get the liquid on your skin, wash the area well with soap and water. If you get the liquid in your eyes, wash with plain water. Use wet paper towels to wipe up any spills.

Mycophenolate prevents transplant rejection only as long as you are taking the medication. Continue to take mycophenolate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking mycophenolate without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine    

Mycophenolate is also sometimes used to treat refractory uveitis (inflammation of the eyes that has not responded to other treatment), Churg-Strauss syndrome (a disease in which the body makes too many immune cells and they damage organs), and certain types of lupus nephritis (a disease in which the body attacks its own kidneys). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?    

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Mycophenolate liquid may also be stored in a refrigerator, but should not be frozen. Throw away any unused mycophenolate liquid after 60 days and throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose    

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fever, chills, and other signs of infection

What other information should I know?    

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to mycophenolate.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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