Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant that inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase to slow down the production of lymphocytes, hence the activity of the immune system. Mycophenolate is used for the prophylaxis of organ transplant rejections.
Mycophenolate is available in Hong Kong as oral capsules, tablets, gastro-resistant tablets and suspension. It can also be injected through the veins.
It does not differ much whether it is taken with or without food for adults, but for children, Micocept and Celicept should be taken on an empty stomach and Myfortic should be taken an hour before or 2 hours after meal. Myfortic should be swallowed as a whole and should not be crushed, cut, chewed no matter for children or adults.
Listed below are the indications and the dosages.
Heart transplant
Adult and elderly
Oral or intravenous Micocept/Celicept: 1-1.5 g twice daily.
Kidney transplant
Adult and elderly
Oral or intravenous Micocept/Celicept: 0.5-1 g twice daily.
Oral Myfortic: 360-720 mg twice daily.
Infant above 3 months of age, Child
Oral suspension or intravenous Micocept/Celicept: 600 mg/m2 twice daily up to 2000 mg daily.
Oral Micocept/Celicept tablets or capsules:
Child above 5 years of age
Oral Myfortic tablets: 400 mg/m2 twice daily up to 1440 mg daily.
Liver transplant
Adult and elderly
Oral or intravenous Micocept/Celicept: 1 g twice daily.
Common side effects of Mycophenolate include oedema, hypertension, hypotension, common bruise, skin rash, high blood glucose, constipation, urinary tract infection (UTI), anemia, increased liver enzymes, depression, cough and fever.
Common dosing schedule:
Mycophenolate is taken twice daily. It does not differ much whether it is taken with or without food for adults, but for children,
Micocept and Celicept should be taken on an empty stomach and Myfortic should be taken an hour before or 2 hours after meal.
Thus, for convenience, take Mycophenolate once when you just wake up and consume your breakfast an hour after, then take it once again at night before sleep at least 2 hours after dinner. Adjust your mealtime based on this.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Mycophenolate may interact with:
Mycophenolate may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Mycophenolate is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Mycophenolate in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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