MYCOPHENOLATE SODIUM

It is hydroloysed to MPA which inhibits T & B Iymphocyte proliferation and antibody formation by B lymphocytes. It may inhibit recruitment of leucocytes and graft rejection.

Indications

Prophylaxis of organ rejection in renal and cardiac transplant cases.

Dosage

A dose of 1 g administered orally or intravenously twice a day (daily dose of 2 g) is recommended for use in renal transplant patients. Patients receiving 2 g/day of CellCept demonstrated an overall better safety profile than did patients receiving 3 g/day of CellCept.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity to the drug or any component of drug product; sensitivity to polysorbate 80 (tween).

Special Precautions

Monitoring of CBC should be done, administer cautiously in patients with active serious GI disease. Instruct patients with increased risk of skin cancer to limit sunlight exposure and use sunscreen. If neutropenia develops during course of treatment, interrupt or reduce the dose and manage patient appropriately.

Side Effects

Diarrhoea, leukopenia, sepsis, vomiting, predisposition to certain infections e.g. CMV viraemia, TB, possible development of lymphoma, GI haemorrhage.

Drug Interactions

Avoid simultaneous administration with antacid, cholestyramine or agents which inhibit enterohepatic circulation. Probenecid increases plasma levels of mycophenolate may increase phenytoin and theophylline levels by decreasing their protein binding. Avoid concomitant use of azathioprine.