Mofetil mycophenolate (INN Mycophenolic acid) is part of the immunosuppressant group. Let us consider in more detail in which cases the use of the drug is necessary, what are the contraindications to its use and side effects.
In addition, we will find out whether similar drugs exist in modern pharmacology.
basic information
Mofetila mycophenolate is available in the form of hard gelatin capsules in ivory with white powder inside.
You can buy a drug in a pharmacy only if you have a prescription from a doctor.
The shelf life of the product is two years. It must be stored at temperatures up to 25 degrees.
In order to have a visual understanding of what the drug under consideration (mycophenolate mofetil) looks like, the photo above will serve as a good example.
The composition of the drug
One capsule contains 250 mg of the active substance (mycophenolate mofetil). In addition, auxiliary components are present, such as croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and povidone.
Pharmacokinetics
After the use of the drug, its complete absorption and complete pre-system metabolism occur. In this case, the concentration of the active substance in the plasma is not observed due to its rapid conversion into active metabolites.
From the body, the drug is excreted in urine and feces.
Indications for use
When is mycophenolate mofetil used? Instructions for use will quickly answer this question.
Doctors prescribe the drug to prevent acute transplant rejection in patients after a kidney, liver or heart transplant .
Contraindications
There are not many cases where the use of the drug "Mofetila mycophenolate" is strictly prohibited. These include the patient's hypersensitivity to the main active substance or other components of the drug, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
The effectiveness and safety of the drug in the treatment of children have not been identified, so do not use it in pediatrics.
Side effects
Mofetil mycophenolate is able to provoke the appearance of some side effects. Its use in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine can cause diarrhea, vomiting, sepsis and leukopenia. In some cases, the development of lymphomas and other malignant diseases, in particular the skin, was observed.
In addition, all patients with transplants are at risk of developing infectious diseases that were provoked by opportunistic microorganisms. The most common among them are herpes, candidiasis and cytomegalovirus.
Other adverse reactions can manifest as shingles, urinary tract infections, rhinopharyngitis, hypertension, impaired liver function, esophagitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, headaches, gastroenteritis, fatigue, sinusitis, and candidiasis of the oral cavity , pancreatitis, pancytopenia, neuropenia and so on.
There is a threat of severe, and in some cases even dangerous phenomena, such as tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis, atypical mycobacterial infections.
Dosage and administration
How to use the drug "Mofetila mycophenolate"? The instructions attached to it provide the following information.
For the prevention of kidney rejection. The first dose of the drug should be introduced into the body within 72 hours after the transplant. In the future, the patient will need to take 1 g of the drug twice a day.
In this case, mycophenolate mofetil is usually prescribed in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine.
For the prevention of heart rejection. The first dose of the drug should be taken no later than 5 days after the operation. In the future, the required amount of funds is 1.5 g twice a day
Overdose
Data on an overdose of the drug "Mofetila mycophenolate" is not available.
The tool cannot be removed from the body by hemodialysis. Drugs that bile bile acids (cholestyramine) can help remove MFK from the body, increasing its excretion.
Application features
If neuropenia is detected in the patient, it is necessary to reduce the dose of the drug and carefully monitor the patient’s health status or discontinue treatment with mycophenolate mofetil.
In the presence of severe chronic renal failure, you should carefully monitor your health and do not exceed the maximum dose, which in this case is up to 2 g per day.
Patients of advanced age (from 65 years) are recommended to use 1 g of the drug 2 times a day.
Information on the effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of patients with renal failure who underwent a liver or heart transplant is not available. There is also no information on how effective the drug is for patients with liver damage who underwent heart transplant surgery.
Precautionary measures
In no case should you open the capsule with the drug. Direct contact with the powder should be avoided: inhalation, contact with skin or mucous membranes. If this still happened, you should immediately wash the affected areas with soap and water.
Analogs of means
Are there any medicines that can replace the drug "Mofetila mycophenolate"? Analogues, of course, are. They have the same INN (international nonproprietary name) or ATC code. Only the spectrum of action of the funds and their value will slightly differ.
The most famous are the following drugs:
- Baksmun. It is used in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine to prevent rejection of the heart, liver or kidney after transplantation.
- Zenapax. It is used to prevent kidney transplant rejection in combination with cyclosporin GCS.
- Imusporin. It is used for the prevention and treatment of transplanted organs and bone marrow, as well as for rheumatoid arthritis, endogenous uveitis, Behcet’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and other diseases.
- "Imuphet". Like the main drug, the drug is prescribed in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine to prevent rejection of a transplanted liver or kidney.
- Lifefun. The tool has a wide spectrum of action. It can be used to prevent and treat rejection of transplanted organs and bone marrow by the body, as well as arthritis, nephrotic syndrome, active forms of systemic lupus erythematosus, Behcet’s disease, endogenous uveitis and other diseases.
- Mifenax. Indications for use are the same as for the main asset.
- Mifortik. Designed for the prevention of transplant kidney rejection.
- Mofilet. Indications and method of use are similar to mycophenolate mofetil.
- Panimun. It is used for transplantation of the lungs, heart, kidney, bone marrow, pancreas, as well as for some diseases.
- Sellsept. May be prescribed for a kidney transplant.
- "Certificate". It is prescribed for a kidney or heart transplant to patients with moderate or low immunological risk.
- Cycloral. Used in combination with other drugs for organ transplants.
- "Equoral". It is used for transplantation of parenchymal organs, as well as for the prevention of their rejection after transplantation.
Despite the fact that they all have a similar type of action, before replacing the main medication with any other, you must first consult and consult with your doctor.