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Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Mycophenolic acid as mycophenolate sodium may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Mycophenolic acid as mycophenolate sodium

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

Myfortic contains a substance called mycophenolic acid. This belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants. Myfortic is used to stop the body's immune system from rejecting a kidney transplant. It is used together with other medicines containing ciclosporin and corticosteroids. 2.

What you need to know before you take it

e Myfortic

WARNING Mycophenolate causes birth defects and miscarriage. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you must provide a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and must follow the contraception advice given to you by your doctor. Your doctor will speak to you and give you written information, particularly on the effects of mycophenolate on unborn babies. Read the information carefully and follow the instructions. If you do not fully understand these instructions, please ask your doctor to explain them again before you take mycophenolate. See also further information in this section under "Warnings and precautions" and "Pregnancy and breast-feeding". Do not take Myfortic:

  • if you are allergic to mycophenolic acid, mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolate mofetil or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
  • if you are a woman who could be pregnant and you have not provided a negative pregnancy test before your first prescription, as mycophenolate causes birth defects and miscarriage
  • if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant
  • if you are not using effective contraception (see Contraception in women and men).
  • if you are breast-feeding (see also "Pregnancy and breast-feeding"). 1

If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor without taking Myfortic. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Myfortic:

  • if you have or have ever had serious digestive problems, such as stomach ulcer.
  • if you have a rare hereditary enzyme deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) such as Lesch-Nyhan or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome. You should also be aware that:
  • Myfortic lowers the skin ́s level of protection from the sun. This increases the risk of skin cancer. You should limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light by covering exposed skin areas as much as possible and regularly applying sunscreen with a high protective factor. Ask your doctor for advice on protection from the sun.
  • if you already had hepatitis B or C, Myfortic may increase the risk of these diseases re-appearing. Your doctor may perform blood analysis and check for symptoms of these diseases. If you experience any symptoms (yellow skin and eyes, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine) you should tell your doctor immediately.
  • if you get a persistent cough or become breathless, especially when taking other immunosuppressants, you should tell your doctor straight away.
  • your doctor may want to check your blood level of antibodies during treatment with Myfortic particularly when the infections recur, especially if you are also taking other immunosuppressants, and will tell you whether you can continue taking Myfortic.
  • if you get any signs of infection (such as fever or a sore throat) or unexpected bruising or bleeding you should tell your doctor straight away.
  • your doctor may want to check your white blood cell count during treatment with Myfortic, and will tell you whether you can continue taking Myfortic.
  • the active substance, mycophenolic acid, is not the same as other similar-sounding medicines such as mycophenolate mofetil. You should not switch between medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
  • use of Myfortic in pregnancy may harm the foetus (see also "Pregnancy and breast-feeding") and increase the risk of pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion). Children and adolescents The use of Myfortic in children and adolescents is not recommended due to lack of data. Older people Elderly people (age 65 years or older) can take Myfortic without any need to adjust the usual recommended dose. Other medicines and Myfortic Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. In particular, you should talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • other immunosuppressant medicines such as azathioprine or tacrolimus.
  • medicines used to treat high blood cholesterol levels such as cholestyramine.
  • activated charcoal used to treat digestive problems such as diarrhoea, upset stomach, and gas.
  • antacids that contain magnesium and aluminium.
  • medicines used to treat viral infections such as aciclovir or ganciclovir. You should also tell your doctor if you plan to have any vaccinations.

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You must not donate blood during treatment with Myfortic and for at least 6 weeks after stopping treatment. Men must not donate semen during treatment with Myfortic and for at least 90 days after stopping treatment. Myfortic with food and drink Myfortic can be taken with or without food. You need to choose whether to take your tablets with or without food and then take them in the same way each day. This is to make sure that the same amount of your medication is absorbed into your body each day. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks in case of pregnancy and the alternatives you can take to prevent rejection of your transplant organ if:

  • You plan to become pregnant.
  • You miss or think you have missed a period, or you have unusual menstrual bleeding, or suspect you are pregnant.
  • You have sex without using an effective method of contraception. If you do become pregnant during the treatment with mycophenolate, you must inform your doctor immediately. However, keep taking mycophenolate until you see him or her. Pregnancy Mycophenolate causes a very high frequency of miscarriage (50%) and of severe birth defects (23 27%) in the unborn baby. Birth defects which have been reported include anomalies of ears, of eyes, of face (cleft lip/palate), of development of fingers, of heart, oesophagus (tube that connects the throat with the stomach), kidneys and nervous system (for example spina bifida (where the bones of the spine are not properly developed)). Your baby may be affected by one or more of these. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you must provide a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and must follow the contraception advice given to you by your doctor. Your doctor may request more than one test to ensure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Breast-feeding Do not take Myfortic if you are breast-feeding. This is because small amounts of the medicine can pass into the mother's milk. Contraception in women taking Myfortic If you are a woman who could become pregnant you must use an effective method of contraception with Myfortic. This includes:
  • Before you start taking Myfortic
  • During your entire treatment with Myfortic
  • For 6 weeks after you stop taking Myfortic. Talk to your doctor about the most suitable contraception for you. This will depend on your individual situation. Two forms of contraception are preferable as this will reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Contact your doctor as soon as possible, if you think your contraception may not have been effective or if you have forgotten to take your contraceptive pill. You are a woman who is not capable of becoming pregnant if any of the following applies to you:
  • You are post-menopausal, i.e. at least 50 years old and your last period was more than a year ago (if your periods have stopped because you have had treatment for cancer, then there is still a chance you could become pregnant)
  • Your fallopian tubes and both ovaries have been removed by surgery (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)
  • Your womb (uterus) has been removed by surgery (hysterectomy)

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• • •

Your ovaries no longer work (premature ovarian failure, which has been confirmed by a specialist gynaecologist) You were born with one of the following rare conditions that make pregnancy impossible: the XY genotype, Turner's syndrome or uterine agenesis You are a child or teenager who has not started having periods.

Contraception in men taking Myfortic The available evidence does not indicate an increased risk of malformations or miscarriage if the father takes mycophenolate. However, a risk cannot be completely excluded. As a precaution, you or your female partner are recommended to use reliable contraception during treatment and for 90 days after you stop taking Myfortic. If you are planning to have a child, talk to your doctor about the potential risks. Driving and using machines Myfortic has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Myfortic contains sodium This medicine contains 13 mg of sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each Myfortic 180 mg tablet. This is equivalent to 0.65 % of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult. Myfortic contains lactose If you have been told by a doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (including lactose, galactose, or glucose), contact your doctor before taking Myfortic. 3.

How to take it

Myfortic

Always take Myfortic exactly as your doctor has told you. Myfortic will only be prescribed for you by a doctor with experience in treating transplant patients. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. How much to take The recommended daily dose of Myfortic is 1440 mg (8 tablets of Myfortic 180 mg). This is taken as 2 separate doses of 720 mg each (4 tablets of Myfortic 180 mg). Take your tablets in the morning and in the evening. The first dose of 720 mg will be given within 72 hours after transplantation. If you have severe kidney problems Your daily dose should not be more than 1440 mg (8 tablets of Myfortic 180 mg). Taking Myfortic Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not break or crush the tablets. Do not take any tablets that are broken or split. Treatment will continue for as long as you need immunosuppression to stop your body rejecting your transplant. If you take more Myfortic than you should If you take more Myfortic than you should, or if someone else has taken your tablets, talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Medical attention may be necessary. Take the tablets with you and show them to your doctor or to the hospital staff. If you have run out of tablets, take the empty packaging with you.

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If you forget to take Myfortic If you forget to take Myfortic, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Ask your doctor for advice. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Myfortic Do not stop taking Myfortic unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping Myfortic may increase the chance of your body rejecting your kidney transplant. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Elderly patients may experience more side effects due to a reduced immune defence. Immunosuppressants, including Myfortic, reduces your body ́s own defence mechanisms to stop you rejecting your transplanted organ. Consequently, your body will not be as good as normal at fighting infections. So, if you are taking Myfortic, you may therefore catch more infections than usual such as infections of the brain, skin, mouth, stomach and intestines, lungs and urinary tract. Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to monitor any changes in the number of your blood cells or in the levels of substances carried in your blood, such as sugar, fat and cholesterol. Some effects could be serious:

  • rash, itching, hives, breathlessness or difficult breathing, wheezing or coughing, light-headedness, dizziness, changes in levels of consciousness, hypotension, with or without mild generalized itching, skin reddening and facial/throat swelling (symptoms of severe allergic reaction)
  • signs of infection including fever, chills, sweating, feeling tired, drowsy, or lack of energy. If you are taking Myfortic you may be more likely to get viral, bacterial and fungal infections than usual. Such infections could affect various parts of your body, but the parts most commonly affected are the kidneys, bladder, upper and/or lower airways.
  • vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, stomach or intestinal ulcer.
  • swelling of your glands, development of a new skin growth or enlargement of an existing skin growth, or changes in an existing mole. As can happen in patients taking immunosuppressants, a very small number of Myfortic patients have developed cancer of the skin or lymph nodes. If you experience any of the above after taking Myfortic, talk to your doctor straight away. Other side effects may include: Very common (affecting more than 1 in 10 patients)
  • low level of white blood cells
  • low level of calcium in the blood (hypocalcaemia)
  • low level of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
  • high level of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia)
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • anxiety
  • diarrhoea
  • pain in joints (arthralgia) Common (affecting less than 1 in 10 patients)
  • low level of red blood cells which can result in tiredness, breathlessness and looking pale (anaemia)

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

low level of blood platelets which can result in unexpected bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) high level of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) low level of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia) dizziness headache cough low blood pressure (hypotension) shortness of breath (dyspnoea) abdominal or stomach pain, inflammation of the lining of the stomach, abdominal bloating, constipation, indigestion, wind (flatulence), loose stools, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) tiredness, fever abnormal results of liver or kidney function tests respiratory infections acne weakness (asthenia) muscle pain (myalgia) swollen hands, ankles or feet (oedema peripheral) itching

Uncommon (affecting less than 1 in 100 patients)

  • fast heart beat (tachycardia) or irregular heart beat (ventricular extrasystoles), fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema)
  • a growth that looks like a sac (cyst) containing fluid (lymph) (lymphocele)
  • trembling, difficulty in sleeping
  • redness and swelling of eyes (conjunctivitis), blurred vision
  • wheezing
  • belching, bad breath, bowel blockage (ileus), lip ulcers, heartburn, tongue discolouration, dry mouth, inflammation of the gums, inflammation of the pancreas leading to severe upper stomach pain (pancreatitis), blockage of the salivary glands, inflammation of the inner lining of the abdomen (peritonitis)
  • infection of the bones, blood and the skin
  • blood in urine, damage to the kidney, pain and difficulty passing urine
  • hair loss, skin bruising
  • inflammation of the joints (arthritis), back pain, muscle cramps
  • loss of appetite, increased level of lipids (hyperlipidemia), sugar (diabetes), cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), or decreased level of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia)
  • signs of flu (such as tiredness, chills, sore throat, aching joints or muscles), swelling of ankles and feet, pain, rigors, feeling thirsty or weak
  • strange dreams, believing things that aren ́t true (delusions)
  • inability to get or keep an erection
  • cough, difficulty breathing, painful breathing (possible symptoms of interstitial lung disease) Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
  • fever, sore throat, frequent infections (possible symptoms of lack of white cells in the blood) (agranulocytosis) Other side effects reported with medicines similar to Myfortic Additional side effects have been reported with the group of medicines that Myfortic belongs to: inflammation of the colon (large intestine), inflammation of the stomach lining caused by cytomegalovirus, development of a hole in the intestinal wall, resulting in severe abdominal pain with possible bleeding, stomach or duodenal ulcers, a low level of specific white blood cells or of all blood

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cells, serious infections such as inflammation of the heart and its valves and of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, shortness of breath, cough, which can be due to bronchiectasis (a condition in which the lung airways are abnormally dilated) and other less common bacterial infections usually resulting in a serious lung disorder (tuberculosis and atypical mycobacterial infection). Talk to your doctor if you develop a persistent cough or breathlessness. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.

How to store it

Myfortic

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Myfortic after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special temperature storage conditions. Store Myfortic in the original package in order to protect it from moisture. Do not use Myfortic if you notice that the pack is damaged or shows signs of tampering. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Myfortic contains

  • The active substance is mycophenolic acid (as mycophenolate sodium). Each tablet of Myfortic contains 180 mg of mycophenolic acid.
  • The other ingredients are:
  • Tablet core: maize starch, povidone, crospovidone, lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate.
  • Tablet coating: hypromellose phthalate, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide yellow (E 172), indigo carmine (E 132). What Myfortic looks like and contents of the pack Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets are lime green, film-coated and round, with "C" on one side. Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets are available in blister packs containing 20, 50, 100, 120 or 250 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Novartis Ireland Limited Vista Building Elm Park, Merrion Road Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Ireland Manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited 2nd Floor, The WestWorks Building White City Place, 195 Wood Lane 7

London, W12 7FQ United Kingdom This leaflet was last revised in March 2026. If you would like any more information, or would like the leaflet in a different format, please contact Medical Information at Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, telephone number 01276 698370. Copyright Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited.

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Frequently asked questions about Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets

How do I take Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets?

Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets comes as tablet containing 180mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets?

The active substance in Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets is mycophenolic acid as mycophenolate sodium.

Are there equivalent medicines to Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Ceptava 180 mg Gastro-resistant Tablets. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Myfortic 180 mg gastro-resistant tablets without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Mycophenolic acid as mycophenolate sodium (4 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Myfortic is indicated in combination with ciclosporin and corticosteroids for the prophylaxis of acute transplant rejection in adult patients receiving allogeneic renal transplants.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Treatment with Myfortic should be initiated and maintained by appropriately qualified transplant specialists.

Posology

The recommended dose is 720 mg administered twice daily (1,440 mg daily dose). This dose of mycophenolate sodium corresponds to 1 g mycophenolate mofetil administered twice daily (2 g daily dose) in terms of mycophenolic acid (MPA) content.

For additional information about the corresponding therapeutic doses of mycophenolate sodium and mycophenolate mofetil, see sections 4.4 and 5.2.

In de novo patients, Myfortic should be initiated within 72 hours following transplantation.

Special population

Paediatric population

Insufficient data are available to support the efficacy and safety of Myfortic in children and adolescents. Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for paediatric renal transplant patients (see section 5.2).

Older people

The recommended dose in elderly patients is 720 mg twice daily.

Patients with renal impairment

In patients experiencing delayed renal graft function post-operatively, no dose adjustments are needed (see section 5.2).

Patients with severe renal impairment (glomerular filtration rate <25 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2) should be carefully monitored and the daily dose of Myfortic should not exceed 1,440 mg.

Patients with hepatic impairment

No dose adjustments are needed for renal transplant patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Treatment during rejection episodes

Renal transplant rejection does not lead to changes in mycophenolic acid (MPA) pharmacokinetics; dosage modification or interruption of Myfortic is not required.

Method of administration

Myfortic can be taken with or without food. Patients may select either option but must adhere to their selected option (see section 5.2).

In order to retain the integrity of the enteric coating, Myfortic tablets should not be crushed. Where crushing of Myfortic tablets is necessary, avoid inhalation of the powder or direct contact of the powder with skin or mucous membrane. If such contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes with plain water. This is due to the teratogenic effects of mycophenolate.

4.3. Contraindications

Myfortic should not be used in patients with hypersensitivity to mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolic acid or mycophenolate mofetil or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Myfortic should not be used in women of child bearing potential (WOCBP) who are not using highly effective contraception methods.

Myfortic should not be initiated in women of child bearing potential without providing a pregnancy test result to rule out unintended use in pregnancy (see section 4.6).

Myfortic should not be used in pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment to prevent transplant rejection (see section 4.6).

Myfortic should not be given to women who are breastfeeding (see section 4.6).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens involving combinations of drugs, including Myfortic, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin (see section 4.8). The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. As general advice to minimise the risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.

Patients receiving Myfortic should be instructed to immediately report any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising, bleeding or any other manifestation of bone marrow depression.

Patients treated with immunosuppressants, including Myfortic, are at increased risk for opportunistic infections (bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoal), fatal infections and sepsis (see section 4.8). Among the opportunistic infections are BK virus associated nephropathy and JC virus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). These infections are often related to a high total immunosuppressive burden and may lead to serious or fatal conditions that physicians should consider in the differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients with deteriorating renal function or neurological symptoms. Mycophenolic acid has a cytostatic effect on B- and T-lymphocytes, therefore an increased severity of COVID-19 may occur, and appropriate clinical action should be considered.

There have been reports of hypogammaglobulinaemia in association with recurrent infections in patients receiving Myfortic in combination with other immunosuppressants. In some of these cases, switching MPA derivatives to an alternative immunosuppressant, resulted in serum IgG levels returning to normal. Patients on Myfortic who develop recurrent infections should have their serum immunoglobulins measured. In cases of sustained, clinically relevant hypogammaglobulinaemia, appropriate clinical action should be considered taking into account the potent cytostatic effects that mycophenolic acid has on T- and B-lymphocytes.

There have been reports of bronchiectasis in patients who received Myfortic in combination with other immunosuppressants. In some of these cases, switching MPA derivatives to another immunosuppressant, resulted in improvement in respiratory symptoms. The risk of bronchiectasis may be linked to hypogammaglobulinaemia or to a direct effect on the lung. There have been also isolated reports of interstitial lung disease (see section 4.8). It is recommended that patients who develop persistent pulmonary symptoms, such as cough and dyspnoea, are investigated for any evidence of underlying interstitial lung disease.

Reactivation of hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including the mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivatives Myfortic and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Monitoring infected patients for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV or HCV infection is recommended.

Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with MPA derivatives (which include mycophenolate mofetil and mycophenolate sodium) in combination with other immunosuppressants. The mechanism for MPA derivatives induced PRCA is unknown. PRCA may resolve with dose reduction or cessation of therapy. Changes to Myfortic therapy should only be undertaken under appropriate supervision in transplant recipients in order to minimise the risk of graft rejection (see Section 4.8).

Patients receiving Myfortic should be monitored for blood disorders (e.g. neutropenia or anemia - see section 4.8), which may be related to MPA itself, concomitant medications, viral infections, or some combination of these causes. Patients taking Myfortic should have complete blood counts weekly during the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months of treatment, then monthly through the first year. If blood disorders occur (e.g. neutropenia with absolute neutrophil count <1.5 x 103/µl or anemia) it may be appropriate to interrupt or discontinue Myfortic.

Patients should be advised that during treatment with MPA vaccinations may be less effective and the use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided (see section 4.5).

Influenza vaccination may be of value. Prescribers should refer to national guidelines for influenza vaccination.

Because MPA derivatives have been associated with an increased incidence of digestive system adverse events, including infrequent cases of gastrointestinal tract ulceration and haemorrhage and perforation, Myfortic should be administered with caution in patients with active serious digestive system disease.

It is recommended that Myfortic not be administered concomitantly with azathioprine because concomitant administration of these drugs has not been evaluated.

Mycophenolic acid (as sodium salt) and mycophenolate mofetil should not be indiscriminately interchanged or substituted because of their different pharmacokinetic profiles.

Myfortic has been administered in combination with corticosteroids and ciclosporin.

There is limited experience with its concomitant use with induction therapies such as anti-T-lymphocyte globulin or basiliximab. The efficacy and safety of the use of Myfortic with other immunosuppressive agents (for example, tacrolimus) have not been studied.

The concomitant administration of Myfortic and drugs which interfere with enterohepatic circulation, for example cholestyramine or activated charcoal, may result in sub-therapeutic systemic MPA exposure and reduced efficacy.

Myfortic is an IMPDH (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase) inhibitor. Therefore, it should be avoided in patients with rare hereditary deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) such as Lesch-Nyhan and Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome.

Myfortic therapy should not be initiated until a negative pregnancy test has been obtained. Effective contraception must be used before beginning Myfortic therapy, during therapy and for six weeks following therapy discontinuation (see section 4.6).

Teratogenic effects

Mycophenolate is a powerful human teratogen. Spontaneous abortion (rate of 45 to 49%) and congenital malformations (estimated rate of 23 to 27%) have been reported following mycophenolate mofetil exposure during pregnancy. Therefore, Myfortic is contraindicated in pregnancy unless there are no suitable alternative treatments to prevent transplant rejection. Female patients of childbearing potential should be made aware of the risks and follow the recommendations provided in section 4.6 (e.g., contraceptive methods, pregnancy testing) prior to, during, and after therapy with Myfortic. Physicians should ensure that women taking mycophenolate understand the risk of harm to the baby, the need for effective contraception, and the need to immediately consult their physician if there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Contraception (see section 4.6)

Because of robust clinical evidence showing a high risk of abortion and congenital malformations when mycophenolate mofetil is used in pregnancy every effort to avoid pregnancy during treatment should be taken. Therefore, women with childbearing potential must use at least one form of reliable contraception (section 4.3) before starting Myfortic therapy, during therapy and for six weeks after stopping the therapy, unless abstinence is the chosen method of contraception. Two complementary forms of contraception simultaneously are preferred to minimise the potential for contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy.

For contraception advice for men see section 4.6.

Educational materials

In order to assist patients in avoiding foetal exposure to mycophenolate and to provide additional important safety information, the Marketing Authorisation holder will provide educational materials to healthcare professionals. The educational materials will reinforce the warnings about the teratogenicity of mycophenolate, provide advice on contraception before therapy is started and guidance on the need for pregnancy testing. Full patient information about the teratogenic risk and the pregnancy prevention measures should be given by the physician to women of childbearing potential and, as appropriate, to male patients.

Additional precautions

Patients should not donate blood during therapy or for at least 6 weeks following discontinuation of mycophenolate. Men should not donate semen during therapy or for at least 90 days following discontinuation of mycophenolate.

Myfortic contains sodium. This medicinal product contains 13 / 26 mg of sodium per tablet of Myfortic 180 / 360 mg, equivalent to 0.65 / 1.3 % of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

Excipients with known effect:

Myfortic contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The following interactions have been reported between MPA and other medicinal products:

Aciclovir and ganciclovir

The potential for myelosuppression in patients receiving both Myfortic and aciclovir or ganciclovir has not been studied. Increased levels of mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) and aciclovir/ganciclovir may be expected when aciclovir/ganciclovir and Myfortic are administered concomitantly, possibly as a result of competition for the tubular secretion pathway.

The changes in MPAG pharmacokinetics are unlikely to be of clinical significance in patients with adequate renal function. In the presence of renal impairment, the potential exists for increases in plasma MPAG and aciclovir/ganciclovir concentrations; dose recommendations for aciclovir/ganciclovir should be followed and patients carefully observed.

Gastroprotective agents:

Magnesium and aluminium containing antacids:

MPA AUC and Cmax have been shown to decrease by approximately 37% and 25%, respectively, when a single dose of magnesium-aluminium containing antacids is given concomitantly with Myfortic. Magnesium aluminium-containing antacids may be used intermittently for the treatment of occasional dyspepsia. However, the chronic, daily use of magnesium-aluminium containing antacids with Myfortic is not recommended due to the potential for decreased mycophenolic acid exposure and reduced efficacy.

Proton pump inhibitors:

In healthy volunteers, no changes in the pharmacokinetics of MPA were observed following concomitant administration of Myfortic and pantoprazole given at 40 mg twice daily during the four previous days. No data are available with other proton pump inhibitors given at high doses.

Oral contraceptives

Interaction studies between MMF and oral contraceptives indicate no interaction. Given the metabolic profile of MPA, no interactions would be expected for Myfortic and oral contraceptives.

Cholestyramine and drugs that bind bile acids

Caution should be used when co-administering drugs or therapies that may bind bile acids, for example bile acid sequestrates or oral activated charcoal, because of the potential to decrease MPA exposure and thus reduce the efficacy of Myfortic.

Ciclosporin

When studied in stable renal transplant patients, ciclosporin pharmacokinetics were unaffected by steady state dosing of Myfortic. When co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil, ciclosporin is known to decrease the exposure of MPA. When co-administered with Myfortic, ciclosporin may decrease the concentration of MPA as well (by approximately 20%, extrapolated from mycophenolate mofetil data), but the exact extent of this decrease is unknown because such an interaction has not been studied. However, as efficacy studies were conducted in combination with ciclosporin, this interaction does not modify the recommended posology of Myfortic. In case of interruption or discontinuation of ciclosporin, Myfortic dosage should be re-evaluated depending on the immunosuppressive regimen.

Tacrolimus

In a calcineurin cross-over study in stable renal transplant patients, steady-state Myfortic pharmacokinetics were measured during both Neoral and tacrolimus treatment. Mean MPA AUC was 19% higher (90% CI: -3, +47), whereas mean MPAG AUC was about 30% lower (90% CI: 16, 42) on tacrolimus compared to Neoral treatment. In addition, MPA AUC intra-subject variability was doubled when switching from Neoral to tacrolimus. Clinicians should note this increase both in MPA AUC and variability, and adjustments to Myfortic dosing should be dictated by the clinical situation. Close clinical monitoring should be performed when a switch from one calcineurin inhibitor to another is planned.

Live attenuated vaccines

Live vaccines should not be given to patients with an impaired immune response. The antibody response to other vaccines may be diminished.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of child-bearing potential

Pregnancy whilst taking mycophenolate must be avoided. Therefore, women of childbearing potential must use at least one form of reliable contraception (section 4.3) before starting Myfortic therapy, during therapy, and for six weeks after stopping the therapy, unless abstinence is the chosen method of contraception. Two complementary forms of contraception simultaneously are preferred.

Pregnancy

Myfortic is contraindicated during pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment available to prevent transplant rejection.

Treatment should not be initiated without providing a negative pregnancy test result to rule out unintended use in pregnancy.

Female patients of reproductive potential must be made aware of the increased risk of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations at the beginning of the treatment and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning.

Before starting Myfortic treatment, women of child-bearing potential should have two negative serum or urine pregnancy tests with a sensitivity of at least 25 mIU/mL in order to exclude unintended exposure of the embryo to mycophenolate. It is recommended that the second test should be performed 8-10 days after the first test. For transplants from deceased donors, if it is not possible to perform two tests 8-10 days apart before treatment starts (because of the timing of transplant organ availability), a pregnancy test must be performed immediately before starting treatment and a further test performed 8-10 days later. Pregnancy tests should be repeated as clinically required (e.g., after any gap in contraception is reported). Results of all pregnancy tests should be discussed with the patient. Patients should be instructed to consult their physician immediately should pregnancy occur.

Mycophenolate is a powerful human teratogen, with an increased risk of spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations in case of exposure during pregnancy:

• Spontaneous abortions have been reported in 45 to 49% of pregnant women exposed to mycophenolate mofetil, compared to a reported rate of between 12 and 33% in solid organ transplant patients treated with immunosuppressants other than mycophenolate mofetil.

• Based on literature reports, malformations occurred in 23 to 27% of live births in women exposed to mycophenolate mofetil during pregnancy (compared to 2 to 3 % of live births in the overall population and approximately 4 to 5% of live births in solid organ transplant recipients treated with immunosuppressants other than mycophenolate mofetil).

Congenital malformations, including reports of multiple malformations, have been observed post-marketing in children of patients exposed to Myfortic in combination with other immunosuppressants during pregnancy. The following malformations were most frequently reported:

• Abnormalities of the ear (e.g., abnormally formed or absent external), external auditory canal atresia (middle ear);

• Facial malformations such as cleft lip, cleft palate, micrognathia and hypertelorism of the orbits;

• Abnormalities of the eye (e.g., coloboma);

• Congenital heart disease such as atrial and ventricular septal defects;

• Malformations of the fingers (e.g., polydactyly, syndactyly);

• Tracheo-Oesophageal malformations (e.g., oesophageal atresia);

• Nervous system malformations such as spina bifida;

• Renal abnormalities.

In addition, there have been isolated reports of the following malformations:

• microphthalmia;

• congenital choroid plexus cyst;

• septum pellucidum agenesis;

• olfactory nerve agenesis.

Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Men

Limited clinical evidence does not indicate an increased risk of malformations or miscarriage following paternal exposure to mycophenolate mofetil.

MPA is a powerful teratogen. It is not known if MPA is present in semen. Calculations based on animal data show that the maximum amount of MPA that could potentially be transferred to woman is so low that it would be unlikely to have an effect. Mycophenolate has been shown to be genotoxic in animal studies at concentrations exceeding the human therapeutic exposures by small margins, such that the risk of genotoxic effects on sperm cells cannot completely be excluded.

Therefore, the following precautionary measures are recommended: sexually active male patients or their female partners are recommended to use reliable contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of mycophenolate. Male patients of reproductive potential should be made aware of and discuss the potential risks of fathering a child with a qualified health-care professional.

Breastfeeding

Limited data shows that mycophenolic acid is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to MPA in breast-fed infants, Myfortic is contra-indicated in women who are breast-feeding (see section 4.3).

Fertility

No specific studies with Myfortic in humans have been conducted to evaluate effects on fertility. In a study on male and female fertility in rats no effects were seen up to a dose of 40 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg respectively (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Myfortic has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The following undesirable effects cover adverse drug reactions from clinical trials:

Malignancies

Patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens involving combinations of drugs, including MPA, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin (see section 4.4). Lymphoproliferative disease or lymphoma developed in 2 de novo (0.9%) patients and in 2 maintenance patients (1.3%) receiving Myfortic for up to 1 year. Non-melanoma skin carcinomas occurred in 0.9% of de novo and 1.8% of maintenance patients receiving Myfortic for up to 1 year; other types of malignancy occurred in 0.5% of de novo and 0.6% of maintenance patients.

Opportunistic infections

All transplant patients are at increased risk of opportunistic infections; the risk increased with total immunosuppressive load (see section 4.4). The most common opportunistic infections in de novo renal transplant patients receiving Myfortic with other immunosuppressants in controlled clinical trials of renal transplant patients followed for 1 year were cytomegalovirus (CMV), candidiasis and herpes simplex. CMV infection (serology, viraemia or disease) was reported in 21.6% of de novo and in 1.9% of maintenance renal transplant patients.

Older people

Elderly patients may generally be at increased risk of adverse drug reactions due to immunosuppression.

Other adverse drug reactions

Table 1 below contains adverse drug reactions possibly or probably related to Myfortic reported either in the controlled clinical trials in renal transplant patients, in which Myfortic was administered together with ciclosporin microemulsion and corticosteroids at a dose of 1,440 mg/day for 12 months; or from post-marketing experience. It is compiled according to MedDRA system organ class.

Adverse reactions are listed according to the following categories:

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Not known

(≥1/10)

(≥1/100 to <1/10)

(≥1/1,000 to <1/100)

(≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)

(<1/10,000)

Cannot be estimated from the available data

Table 1

Infections and infestations

Very common:

Viral, bacterial and fungal infections

Common:

Upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia

Uncommon:

Wound infection, sepsis*, osteomyelitis*

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)

Uncommon:

Skin papilloma*, basal cell carcinoma*, Kaposi´s sarcoma*, lymphoproliferative disorder, squamous cell carcinoma*

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Very common:

Leukopenia

Common:

Anaemia, thrombocytopenia

Uncommon:

Lymphopenia*, neutropenia*, lymphadenopathy*

Immune system disorders

Not known

Anaphylactic reactions

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common:

Hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hyperuricemia

Common:

Hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia

Uncommon:

Anorexia, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus*, hypercholesterolaemia*, hypophosphataemia

Psychiatric disorders

Very common:

Anxiety

Uncommon:

Abnormal dreams*, delusional perception*, insomnia*

Nervous system disorders

Common:

Dizziness, headache

Uncommon:

Tremor

Eye disorders

Uncommon:

Conjunctivitis*, vision blurred*

Cardiac disorders

Uncommon:

Tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles

Vascular disorders

Very common:

Hypertension

Common:

Hypotension

Uncommon:

Lymphocele*

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common:

Cough, dyspnoea

Uncommon:

Interstitial lung disease, pulmonary congestion*, wheezing*, pulmonary oedema*

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common:

Diarrhoea

Common:

Abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, nausea, vomiting

Uncommon:

Abdominal tenderness, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, eructation, halitosis*, ileus*, lip ulceration*, oesophagitis*, subileus*, tongue discolouration*, dry mouth*, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease*, gingival hyperplasia*, pancreatitis, parotid duct obstruction*, peptic ulcer*, peritonitis*

Hepato-biliary disorders

Common:

Liver function tests abnormal

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common:

Acne, pruritus

Uncommon:

Alopecia

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Very common:

Arthralgia

Common:

Myalgia

Uncommon:

Arthritis*, back pain*, muscle cramps

Renal and urinary disorders

Common:

Blood creatinine increased

Uncommon:

Haematuria*, renal tubular necrosis*, urethral stricture

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Uncommon:

Impotence*

General disorders and administration site conditions

Common:

Asthenia, Fatigue, oedema peripheral, pyrexia

Uncommon:

Influenza like illness, oedema lower limb*, pain, rigors*, thirst*, weakness*

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Uncommon:

Contusion*

* event reported in a single patient (out of 372) only.

Note: renal transplant patients were treated with 1,440 mg Myfortic daily up to one year. A similar profile was seen in the de novo and maintenance transplant population although the incidence tended to be lower in the maintenance patients.

Adverse drug reactions from post-marketing experience:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Agranulocytosis

Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash

General disorders and administration site conditions: de novo purine synthesis inhibitors-associated acute inflammatory syndrome with frequency uncommon has been described from post-marketing experience as a paradoxical proinflammatory reaction associated with mycophenolate mofetil and mycophenolic acid, characterised by fever, arthralgia, arthritis, muscle pain and elevated inflammatory markers. Literature case reports showed rapid improvement following discontinuation of the medicinal product.

The following additional adverse reactions are attributed to MPA derivatives as a class effect:

Infections and infestations:

Serious, life-threatening infections, including meningitis, infectious endocarditis, tuberculosis, and atypical mycobacterial infection. Cases of BK virus associated nephropathy, as well as cases of JC virus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including Myfortic (see section 4.4).

Blood and lymphatic system disorders:

Neutropenia, pancytopenia.

Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with MPA derivatives (see section 4.4).

Immune system disorders:

Hypogammaglobulinaemia has been reported in patients receiving Myfortic in combination with other immunosuppressants.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:

There have been isolated reports of interstitial lung disease in patients treated with Myfortic in combination with other immunosuppressants. There have also been reports of bronchiectasis in combination with other immunosuppressants.

Isolated cases of abnormal neutrophil morphology, including the acquired Pelger-Huet anomaly, have been observed in patients treated with MPA derivatives. These changes are not associated with impaired neutrophil function. These changes may suggest a 'left shift' in the maturity of neutrophils in haematological investigations, which may be mistakenly interpreted as a sign of infection in immunosuppressed patients such as those that receive Myfortic.

Gastrointestinal disorders:

Colitis, CMV gastritis, intestinal perforation, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers.

Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions:

Cases of spontaneous abortion have been reported in patients exposed to mycophenolate mainly in the first trimester (see section 4.6).

Congenital disorders:

Congenital malformations have been observed post-marketing in children of patients exposed to mycophenolate in combination with other immunosuppressants (see section 4.6).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

There have been reports of intentional or accidental overdoses with Myfortic, whereas not all patients experienced related adverse events.

In those overdose cases in which adverse events were reported, the events fall within the known safety profile of the class (mainly blood dyscrasias, sepsis…) (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Although dialysis may be used to remove the inactive metabolite MPAG, it would not be expected to remove clinically significant amounts of the active moiety MPA. This is in large part due to the very high plasma protein binding of MPA, 97%. By interfering with enterohepatic circulation of MPA, bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, may reduce the systemic MPA exposure.

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