Mycophenolate Mofetil treatment of Autoimmune liver disease

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Dose of Mycophenolate

A sample of a Mycophenolate dosage record can be found on page three of the resource LN005170 Mycophenolate Mofetil treatment of Autoimmune liver disease.

Blood test monitoring

Blood tests are required regularly whilst taking mycophenolate. Initially, this is every two weeks for the first two months and then monthly for four months. Once you are on a stable dose, you will need bloods every three months..

A sample of a blood test monitoring record can be found on page three of the resource LN005170 Mycophenolate Mofetil treatment of Autoimmune liver disease.

Why have I been given this leaflet?

The information will help you to remember what your doctor has told you about this medicine. It will also help you to decide whether you want to go ahead with the treatment.

For most medicines, information is provided by the manufacturer in the medicine package. These details aim to provide more specific information regarding mycophenolate for your liver condition than the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet found in your box of mycophenolate

So this medicine does not have a licence. What does this mean?

The leaflet called Unlicensed Medicines: Information for Patients tells you more about medicine licensing regulations.

It also tells you why unlicensed medicines are sometimes used.

What is Mycophenolate Mofetil and how does it work?

Your blood contains both white and red blood cells. The white cells in the blood form part of the immune system and these can cause damage to the liver. Mycophenolate helps to reduce the effectiveness of the white blood cells and is used to try to reduce the inflammation and scarring they cause in the liver.

Mycophenolate Pregnancy and Breastfeeding and Contraception Advice

Mycophenolate carries some risks related to pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do I need any special checks while on Mycophenolate Mofetil?

Mycophenolate Mofetil reduces the production of blood cells making you more vulnerable to infections and can sometimes affect the liver. Blood tests will show if you are developing any side-effects. If you are being affected, your treatment will be changed or stopped immediately.

It is important that you do not miss your blood tests. You must not take Mycophenolate Mofetil unless you are having regular blood tests. When you start Mycophenolate Mofetil, you will need a blood test every two weeks for two months, then monthly for four months and then every three months when your dose is stable. Your doctor may increase or decrease the number of tablets you take at each dose depending upon the results of your tests.

Your doctor may increase or decrease the number of tablets you take at each dose depending upon the results of your tests.

Are there any side-effects?

Most medicines cause side-effects. The manufacturer’s leaflet contains a list of the known side-effects for this medicine.

Everyone reacts differently to medicines. You may have some side-effects or none at all. One of the most common side-effects with Mycophenolate Mofetil is diarrhoea. If this persists for more than a few days or becomes unbearable, you should contact your doctor. In some patients, Mycophenolate Mofetil can also cause a feeling of sickness, loss of appetite, hair loss and skin rashes.

If you have any of these effects, you do not need contact the doctor unless they persist for more than a few days or become unbearable.

There are some rare but serious side-effects that you would need to tell your doctor about immediately.

Taking Mycophenolate Mofetil can affect the blood count (one of the effects is that fewer blood cells are made). Your regular blood count test will check how well your bone marrow is working. Possible indicators of bone marrow damage are anaemia, regularly catching infections, and bruising and bleeding easily. Report any infection, unexpected bruising or bleeding to a healthcare professional

If you have any of the following, tell your doctor immediately.

See your doctor if you develop any new symptoms after starting Mycophenolate Mofetil.

Will Mycophenolate Mofetil affect any other medicines?

Full information on medicines that can interfere with mycophenolate can be found in the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet found in your box of mycophenolate.

• If you take any of these medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist and they will advise you.
• Do not take iron supplements or antacids / indigestion remedies (e.g. Gaviscon®) within two hours of mycophenolate.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the other medicines you take. This includes any medicines you have had prescribed by another doctor as well as medicines bought from a pharmacy or supermarket and any herbal remedies.

Whenever you are prescribed a new medicine or want to buy a medicine e.g. from a pharmacy or supermarket, it is important that you tell the doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines that you take, including Mycophenolate Mofetil. You should also tell your dentist when you see him/ her.

If you need to have a vaccine while taking Mycophenolate mofetil, talk to your doctor first. They will be able to advise you on what vaccines you can have.

Where do I get my next supply?

When you are on a steady dose of mycophenolate, your GP should take over the supply. Until then, this will be supplied from hospital.

You must make sure you get repeat prescriptions to your local pharmacy in good time. The pharmacy may not have the medicine in stock and may need a few days to arrange a supply.

How can I find out more?

This guidance has been written to provide general information about Mycophenolate Mofetil. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.