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Other brands with the same active ingredient
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Mycophenolate Mofetil). Same strength and form. Confirm the switch with your doctor or pharmacist.
Indications & Uses
Graftcept (mycophenolate mofetil) is used together with corticosteroids and either ciclosporin or tacrolimus. It is indicated for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection, and for the treatment of first or refractory organ rejection, in patients who have received an allogeneic renal transplant. The same combination is also indicated for prophylaxis of acute organ rejection after an allogeneic cardiac transplant. The third use is prophylaxis of acute organ rejection after an allogeneic hepatic transplant. Graftcept is also indicated for induction and maintenance therapy of patients with Class III-V lupus nephritis, diagnosed according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action: Mycophenolate mofetil is the 2-morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolic acid (MPA). MPA is a potent, selective, uncompetitive and reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), and it therefore inhibits the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis. The way MPA inhibits the enzymatic activity of IMPDH appears to be related to its ability to structurally mimic both the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cofactor and a catalytic water molecule. This prevents the oxidation of IMP to xanthose-5'-monophosphate, which is the committed step in de novo guanosine nucleotide biosynthesis. MPA has more potent cytostatic effects on lymphocytes than on other cells because T and B lymphocytes depend critically on de novo purine synthesis for their proliferation, whereas other cell types can rely on salvage pathways instead.
Pharmacodynamics: Mycophenolic acid, the active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil, is a non-competitive, reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). Inhibiting IMPDH blocks the de novo synthesis of guanosine nucleotides, which are necessary substrates for DNA and RNA synthesis. Unlike other cell types, which can use the salvage pathway, B and T lymphocytes depend on the de novo pathway to generate guanosine. Data from in vitro studies show that mycophenolic acid and/or mycophenolate mofetil inhibit mixed lymphocyte responses and human peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation induced by a variety of mitogens and antigens. Mycophenolic acid reduces intracellular pools of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) in mitogen-stimulated human peripheral blood monocytes or T lymphocytic cell lines, but it has no effect on GTP concentrations in human neutrophils.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Transplant patients
Standard dosage for prophylaxis of renal rejection
Adults: 1 g of Mycophenolate Mofetil by mouth twice a day (a daily dose of 2 g) is recommended for renal transplant patients.
Children (aged 3 months to 18 years): Patients with a body surface area of 1.25 to 1.5 m2 may be prescribed Mycophenolate Mofetil tablets at 750 mg twice daily (1.5 g daily dose). Patients with a body surface area above 1.5 m2 may be prescribed the tablets at 1 gm twice daily (2 g daily dose).
Standard dosage for prophylaxis of cardiac rejection
Adults: 1.5 g by mouth twice a day (a daily dose of 3 g) is recommended for cardiac transplant patients. Each dose should be given over not less than 2 hours.
Children: no data are available for paediatric cardiac transplant patients.
Standard dosage for prophylaxis of hepatic rejection
Adults: 1.5 g by mouth twice a day (a daily dose of 3 g) is recommended for hepatic transplant patients.
Children: no data are available for paediatric hepatic transplant patients.
Standard dosage for treatment of first or refractory renal rejection
Adults: 1.5 g by mouth twice a day (a daily dose of 3 g) is recommended for managing first or refractory rejection.
Children: no data are available for treating first or refractory renal rejection in paediatric renal transplant patients.
Lupus nephritis patients
Standard dosage for induction therapy
Adults: 750 mg to 1.5 g by mouth twice a day (a daily dose of up to 3 g) is recommended.
Children: 600 mg/m2 by mouth twice a day, up to a maximum of 2 g daily, is recommended.
Standard dosage for maintenance therapy
Adults: 500 mg to 1 g by mouth twice a day is recommended.
Children: 300 mg/m2 by mouth twice a day is recommended.
Mycophenolate Mofetil should be used together with corticosteroids. Doses should be introduced gradually and adjusted according to the clinical response. Therapeutic drug monitoring can help avoid sub-therapeutic exposure (Cmin ≥3.0 mg/L or inter-dose AUC ≥35 h*mg/L).
Side Effects
The main side effects reported with Graftcept are diarrhoea, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), sepsis, fungal infection of the digestive tract (gastrointestinal candidiasis), urinary tract infection, herpes simplex and vomiting. There is also evidence that certain types of infection, such as opportunistic infections, occur more often.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Mycophenolic acid tablets should be used with caution, because they can increase the risk of new or reactivated viral infections. These include reactivation of latent viruses such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, and infections caused by polyomaviruses. They can cause blood dyscrasias, including pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). They can cause serious GI tract complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, perforations and ulcers. They may increase the risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with Mycophenolic acid, and patients should not donate blood during therapy.
Contraindications
Mycophenolate mofetil should not be used by anyone who is allergic (hypersensitive) to mycophenolic acid or to any of the other ingredients in the product. It must not be taken during pregnancy, because it can damage genetic material and cause birth defects. It should also not be used by women who are breastfeeding.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Mycophenolate Mofetil should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It has not been established as safe for use during labor and delivery either.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Older patients taking mycophenolate mofetil may face a higher risk of side effects than younger people. These include certain infections, among them cytomegalovirus tissue invasive disease, and possibly gastrointestinal hemorrhage and pulmonary edema.
Overdose
In many of these cases, no adverse events were reported. Still, an overdose of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) could possibly suppress the immune system too much, which raises the risk of infections and of bone marrow suppression. If neutropenia develops, MMF should be stopped for a time or the dose should be reduced.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Mycophenolate Mofetil in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, and away from light. Make sure children can't reach it.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about MMF 500 500 mg
What is MMF 500 500 mg Tablet?
MMF 500 500 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Mycophenolate Mofetil. It is made by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC. It belongs to the Immunological Chemotherapy group of medicines.
What is MMF 500 used for?
Graftcept (mycophenolate mofetil) is used together with corticosteroids and either ciclosporin or tacrolimus. It is indicated for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection, and for the treatment of first or refractory organ rejection, in patients who have received an allogeneic renal transplant.
What are the side effects of MMF 500?
The main side effects reported with Graftcept are diarrhoea, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), sepsis, fungal infection of the digestive tract (gastrointestinal candidiasis), urinary tract infection, herpes simplex and vomiting. There is also evidence that certain types of infection, such as opportunistic infections, occur more often.
Can I take MMF 500 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Mycophenolate Mofetil should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It has not been established as safe for use during labor and delivery either. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much MMF 500?
In many of these cases, no adverse events were reported. Still, an overdose of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) could possibly suppress the immune system too much, which raises the risk of infections and of bone marrow suppression. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store MMF 500?
Keep Mycophenolate Mofetil in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, and away from light. Make sure children can't reach it.
Can I take other medicines with MMF 500?
Some medicines can interact with Mycophenolate Mofetil, for example: Metronidazole, Cholestyramine, Azathioprine, Acyclovir, Mycophenolic acid, Cyclosporine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for MMF 500?
MMF 500 is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.