Mycophenolate Mofetil
Also known as: CellCept, Cellmune, Imuxgen, Munotras, Mycept, Myfortic, Refrat
* **Administration:** Preferably give on an empty stomach. However, if vomiting or lack of appetite occurs, you may give it with food to see if tolerance improves. * **Handling Precautions:** Because this drug can cause birth defects, **do not crush, split, or open capsules/tablets**. Pregnant women should avoid handling this medication. Wash hands thoroughly after administration. * **Side Effects:** Gastrointestinal upset is the most common side effect. **Contact your veterinarian immediately if diarrhea persists, becomes severe, or if your pet stops eating.** * **Infection Risk:** This medication suppresses the immune system. Keep your pet away from sick animals and notify your vet if you notice signs of infection (lethargy, fever, new skin lesions).
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- IMHA
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)
- IMHA, myasthenia gravis or glomerulonephritis
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)
- Adjunctive treatment of glomerulonephritis
- Pemphigus foliaceous
- Pemphigus foliaceous
- Aplastic anemia
- Rescue agent for generalized myasthenia gravis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea (can be severe)
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Lethargy / reduced activity
- Weight loss
- Lymphopenia
- Increased rates of dermal infections
- Increased susceptibility to systemic infections
- Potential increased risk of malignancy/lymphoma
- Bone marrow suppression
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Increased incidence of infections (e.g., pyoderma, Malassezia)
- Increased risk of lymphoma (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Documented hypersensitivity to mycophenolate
- Pregnancy (teratogenic effects noted in animal models)
- Caution in patients with severe renal dysfunction (dosage adjustment may be required)
- Caution in cats (deficient in glucuronidation metabolism)
- Pre-existing bone marrow suppression
- Pre-existing infections
- > **Black Box Warning:** In humans, mycophenolate carries a warning regarding a potential increased risk for lymphoma and susceptibility to infections associated with its use. * **Intravenous Administration:** Must be administered over at least two hours. **Do NOT give as an IV bolus or via rapid IV infusion.** * **Feline Patients:** The active metabolite (MPA) is primarily excreted as a glucuronide metabolite. Cats are deficient in this metabolic process; use with extreme caution. * **Pregnancy:** Teratogenic (increased resorptions and malformations). Avoid use during pregnancy. * **Handling:** Due to teratogenic risks, tablets or capsules should not be crushed, split, or opened. Personnel and owners should wear gloves when handling.
Drug interactions
- Acyclovir: Increased serum concentrations of acyclovir and the phenolic glucuronide of mycophenolic acid
- Antacids (aluminum or magnesium containing): Decreased absorption of mycophenolate; separate dosing by at least 2 hours
- Aspirin (or other salicylates): Potentially increased concentrations of free mycophenolic acid
- Azathioprine: Increased risk for bone marrow suppression; use together not recommended in humans
- Iron (oral): Decreased absorption of mycophenolate; separate dosing by at least 2 hours
- Probenecid: Potentially increased serum levels of mycophenolic acid and the phenolic glucuronide of mycophenolic acid
- Vaccines (live virus): May be less effective; avoid use
- Drugs undergoing active renal tubular secretion: Competes for secretion, resulting in increased concentrations of either drug
- Antacids (e.g., omeprazole): Concomitant administration may decrease the absorption of mycophenolate
Frequently asked questions
What is Mycophenolate Mofetil used for in pets?
* **Administration:** Preferably give on an empty stomach. However, if vomiting or lack of appetite occurs, you may give it with food to see if tolerance improves. * **Handling Precautions:** Because this drug can cause birth defects, **do not crush, split, or open capsules/tablets**. Pregnant women should avoid handling this medication. Wash hands thoroughly after administration. * **Side Effects:** Gastrointestinal upset is the most common side effect. **Contact your veterinarian immediately if diarrhea persists, becomes severe, or if your pet stops eating.** * **Infection Risk:** This medication suppresses the immune system. Keep your pet away from sick animals and notify your vet if you notice signs of infection (lethargy, fever, new skin lesions).
Is Mycophenolate Mofetil safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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