What is mycophenolate?
Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant medication that works to slow down your immune system and slow down the condition you are dealing with. It is a form of a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
The two most popular types of mycophenolate are:
Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) is mainly absorbed in the stomach and has a life of 16-18 hours after taken.
Mycophenolate sodium (Myfortic)
- Mycophenolate sodium (Myfortic) is mainly absorbed in the small intestine and has a life of 8-16 hours after taken.
Why might you take mycophenolate?
If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, a form of mycophenolate may be prescribed to help lessen the symptoms. Any of the following conditions may be prescribed mycophenolate:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Organ transplant (helps prevent organ rejection)
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Vasculitis
- Chron’s disease
What are the possible side effects of taking mycophenolate?
As with many medications for autoimmune conditions, side effects are possible when taking mycophenolate. It’s important to always keep your doctor or nurse informed of any changes in side effects or symptoms as you’re taking this medication. Any of the following are some of the possible side effects:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flu like symptoms
- Rash
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Issues breathing
- Irregular heartbeat patterns
- Unexplained weight loss
If you are currently taking mycophenolate or have questions about the option of taking it, please call the Iowa Clinic Rheumatology department at 515.875.9790.