Mycophenolate Mofetil
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Cellcept, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Myhibbin
- Brand Names
- Cellcept, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Myhibbin
- Route
- ORAL
- Dosage Form
- TABLET, FILM COATED
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)
WARNING: EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY, MALIGNANCIES and SERIOUS INFECTIONS
Use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of first trimester pregnancy loss and congenital malformations. Avoid if safer treatment options are available. Females of reproductive potential must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Special Populations (8.1,8.3)]. Increased risk of development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections and viral reactivation of hepatitis B and C, which may lead to hospitalizations and fatal outcomes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . WARNING: EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY, MALIGNANCIES and SERIOUS INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of first trimester pregnancy loss and congenital malformations. Avoid if safer treatment options are available. Females of reproductive potential must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Increased risk of development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Increased susceptibility to infections, including opportunistic infections and severe infections with fatal outcomes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].Description
11 DESCRIPTION Mycophenolate mofetil is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant. It is the 2-morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolic acid (MPA), an immunosuppressive agent; inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor. The chemical name for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is 2-morpholinoethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-5-isobenzofuranyl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate. It has an empirical formula of C 23 H 31 NO 7 , a molecular weight of 433.50, and the following structural formula: MMF is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water (43 µg/mL at pH 7.4); the solubility increases in acidic medium (4.27 mg/mL at pH 3.6). It is freely soluble in acetone, soluble in methanol, and sparingly soluble in ethanol. The apparent partition coefficient in 1-octanol/water (pH 7.4) buffer solution is 238. The pKa values for MMF are 5.6 for the morpholino group and 8.5 for the phenolic group. MMF hydrochloride has a solubility of 65.8 mg/mL in 5% Dextrose Injection USP (D5W). The pH of the reconstituted solution is 2.4 to 4.1. Mycophenolate mofetil is available for oral administration as tablets containing 500 mg of MMF. Inactive ingredients in mycophenolate mofetil tablets, USP 500 mg include croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate (Vegetable), microcrystalline cellulose, opadry brown, povidone [K-30]. The opadry brown contains FD&C blue #1 aluminum lake, FD&C red #40 aluminum lake, hypromellose, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide. structural formula
What Is Mycophenolate Mofetil Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection, in adult and pediatric recipients 3 months of age and older of allogeneic kidney [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] , heart [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] or liver transplants [see Clinical Studies (14.3)] , in combination with other immunosuppressants. Mycophenolate mofetil is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult and pediatric recipients 3 months of age and older of allogeneic kidney, heart or liver transplants, in combination with other immunosuppressants. (1)
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ADULTS DOSAGE Kidney Transplant 1 g twice daily, orally (2.2) Heart Transplant 1.5 g twice daily orally (2.3) Liver Transplant 1.5 g twice daily orally (2.4) PEDIATRICS Kidney Transplant 600 mg/m 2 twice daily, up to maximum of 2 g daily (2.2) Heart Transplant 600 mg/m 2 orally twice daily (starting dose) up to a maximum of 900 mg/m 2 twice daily (2.3) Liver Transplant 600 mg/m 2 orally twice daily (starting dose) up to a maximum of 900 mg/m 2 twice daily (2.4)
Reduce or interrupt dosing in the event of neutropenia. (2.5) See full prescribing information (FPI) for: adjustments for renal impairment and neutropenia (2.5). 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Mycophenolate mofetil should not be used without the supervision of a physician with experience in immunosuppressive therapy. Mycophenolate Mofetil Tablets Mycophenolate mofetil oral dosage forms (tablets) should not be used interchangeably with mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets without supervision of a physician with experience in immunosuppressive therapy because the rates of absorption following the administration of mycophenolate mofetil oral dosage forms and mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are not equivalent. Mycophenolate mofetil tablets should not be crushed. The initial oral dose of mycophenolate mofetil should be given as soon as possible following kidney, heart or liver transplant. It is recommended that mycophenolate mofetil be administered on an empty stomach. In stable transplant patients, however, mycophenolate mofetil may be administered with food if necessary [see Clinical Pharmacology (12 .3)]. Patients should be instructed to take a missed dose as soon as they remember, except if it is closer than 2 hours to the next scheduled dose; in this case, they should continue to take mycophenolate mofetil at the usual times. 2.2 Dosage Recommendations for Kidney Transplant Patients Adults The recommended dosage for adult kidney transplant patients is 1 g orally, twice daily (total daily dose of 2 g). Pediatrics (3 months and older) Pediatric dosing is based on body surface area (BSA). Pediatric patients with BSA ≥ 1.25 m 2 may be dosed with tablets as follows: Table 1 Pediatric Kidney Transplant: Dosage Using Tablets Body Surface Area Dosing ≥ 1.5 m 2 Mycophenolate mofetil tablets 1 g twice daily (2 g total daily dose) 2.3 Dosage Recommendations for Heart Transplant Patients Adults The recommended dosage of mycophenolate mofetil tablets for adult heart transplant patients is 1.5 g orally administered twice daily (total daily dose of 3 g). Pediatrics (3 months and older) Pediatric patients with BSA ≥ 1.25 m 2 may be started on therapy with tablets as follows: Table 2 Pediatric Heart Transplant: Pediatric Starting Dosage Using Tablets *Maximum maintenance dose: 3 g total daily. Body Surface Area Starting Dosage* ≥ 1.5 m 2 Mycophenolate mofetil tablets 1 g twice daily (2 g total daily dose) 2.4 Dosage Recommendations for Liver...Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
Embryofetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Lymphomas and Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Blood Dyscrasias: Neutropenia, Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Gastrointestinal Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials (20 % or greater) include diarrhea, leukopenia, infection, vomiting, and there is evidence of a higher frequency of certain types of infections e.g., opportunistic infection. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-866-901-DRUG (3784) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.com. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. An estimated total of 1557 adult patients received mycophenolate mofetil during pivotal clinical trials in the prevention of acute organ rejection. Of these, 991 were included in the three renal studies, 277 were included in one hepatic study, and 289 were included in one cardiac study. Patients in all study arms also received cyclosporine and corticosteroids. The data described below primarily derive from five randomized, active-controlled double-blind 12-month trials of mycophenolate mofetil in de novo kidney (3) heart (1) and liver (1) transplant patients [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2, 14.3)] . Mycophenolate Mofetil Oral The incidence of adverse reactions for mycophenolate mofetil was determined in five randomized, comparative, double-blind trials in the prevention of rejection in kidney, heart and liver transplant patients (two active- and one placebo-controlled trials, one active-controlled trial, and one active-controlled trial, respectively) [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2 and 14.3)] . The three de novo kidney studies with 12-month duration compared two dose levels of oral mycophenolate mofetil (1 g twice daily and 1.5 g twice daily) with azathioprine (2 studies) or placebo (1 study) when administered in combination with cyclosporine (Sandimmune ® ) and corticosteroids to prevent acute rejection episodes. One study also included anti-thymocyte globulin (ATGAM ® ) induction therapy. In the de novo heart transplantation study with 12-month duration, patients received mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g twice daily (n=289) or azathioprine 1.5 to 3 mg/kg/day (n=289), in combination with cyclosporine (Sandimmune ® or Neoral ® ) and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. In the de novo liver transplantation study with 12-month duration, patients received mycophenolate mofetil 1 g twice daily intravenously for up to 14 days followed by mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g twice daily orally or azathioprine 1 to 2 mg/kg/day intravenously followed by azathioprine 1 to 2 mg/kg/day orally, in combination with cyclosporine (Neoral ® ) and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. The total number of patients enrolled was 565. Approximately 53% of the kidney transplant patients, 65% of the heart transplant patients, and 48% of the liver transplant patients were treated for more than 1 year. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 20% of patients in the mycophenolate mofetil treatment groups are presented below. The safety data of three kidney transplantation studies are pooled together. Table 5 Adverse Reactions in Controlled Studies of De Novo Kidney, Heart or Liver Transplantation Reported in ≥20% of Patients in the Mycophenolate Mofetil Group a : "-" Indicates that the incidence was...Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
See FPI for drugs that may interfere with systemic exposure and reduce mycophenolate mofetil efficacy: antacids with magnesium or aluminium hydroxide, proton pump inhibitors, drugs that interfere with enterohepatic recirculation, telmisartan, calcium-free phosphate binders. (7.1) Mycophenolate mofetil may reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use of additional barrier contraceptive methods is recommended. (7.2) See FPI for other important drug interactions. (7) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Mycophenolate Mofetil Table 7 Drug Interactions with Mycophenolate Mofetil that Affect Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) Exposure Antacids with Magnesium or Aluminum Hydroxide Clinical Impact Concomitant use with an antacid containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide decreases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may reduce mycophenolate mofetil efficacy. Prevention or Management Administer magnesium or aluminum hydroxide containing antacids at least 2h after mycophenolate mofetil administration. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use with PPIs decreases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may reduce mycophenolate mofetil efficacy. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy when PPIs are co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil. Examples Lansoprazole, pantoprazole Drugs that Interfere with Enterohepatic Recirculation Clinical Impact Concomitant use with drugs that directly interfere with enterohepatic recirculation, or indirectly interfere with enterohepatic recirculation by altering the gastrointestinal flora, can decrease MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may reduce mycophenolate mofetil efficacy. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or mycophenolate mofetil related adverse reactions when these drugs are co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil. Examples Cyclosporine A, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine), rifampin as well as aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone and penicillin classes of antimicrobials Drugs Modulating Glucuronidation Clinical Impact Concomitant use with drugs inducing glucuronidation decreases MPA systemic exposure, potentially reducing mycophenolate mofetil efficacy, while use with drugs inhibiting glucuronidation increases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may increase the risk of mycophenolate mofetil related adverse reactions. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or mycophenolate mofetil related adverse reactions when these drugs are co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil. Examples Telmisartan (induces glucuronidation); isavuconazole (inhibits glucuronidation). Calcium Free Phosphate Binders Clinical Impact Concomitant use with calcium free phosphate binders decrease MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may...Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Allergic reactions to mycophenolate mofetil have been observed; therefore, mycophenolate mofetil is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mycophenolic acid (MPA) or any component of the drug product.
Hypersensitivity to mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid or any component of the drug product (4)Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to mycophenolate during pregnancy and those becoming pregnant within 6 weeks of discontinuing mycophenolate mofetil treatment. To report a pregnancy or obtain information about the registry, visit www.mycophenolateREMS.com or call 1-800-617-8191. Risk Summary Use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of multiple congenital malformations in multiple organ systems [see Human Data] . Oral administration of mycophenolate to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis produced congenital malformations and pregnancy loss at doses less than the recommended clinical dose (0.02 to 0.1 times the recommended clinical doses in kidney and heart transplant patients) [see Animal Data]. Consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity. Risks and benefits of mycophenolate mofetil should be discussed with the pregnant woman. The estimated background risk of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations in organ transplant populations is not clear . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data A spectrum of congenital malformations (including multiple malformations in individual newborns) has been reported in 23 to 27% of live births in MMF exposed pregnancies, based on published data from pregnancy registries. Malformations that have been documented include external ear, eye, and other facial abnormalities including cleft lip and palate, and anomalies of the distal limbs, heart, esophagus, kidney, and nervous system. Based on published data from pregnancy registries, the risk of first trimester pregnancy loss has been reported at 45 to 49% following MMF exposure....
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE Possible signs and symptoms of acute overdose include hematological abnormalities such as leukopenia and neutropenia, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia. The experience with overdose of mycophenolate mofetil in humans is limited. The reported effects associated with overdose fall within the known safety profile of the drug. The highest dose administered to kidney transplant patients in clinical trials has been 4 g/day. In limited experience with heart and liver transplant patients in clinical trials, the highest doses used were 4 g/day or 5 g/day. At doses of 4 g/day or 5 g/day, there appears to be a higher rate, compared to the use of 3 g/day or less, of gastrointestinal intolerance (nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea), and occasional hematologic abnormalities, particularly neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] . Treatment and Management MPA and the phenolic glucuronide metabolite of MPA (MPAG) are usually not removed by hemodialysis. However, at high MPAG plasma concentrations (>100 μg/mL), small amounts of MPAG are removed. By increasing excretion of the drug, MPA can be removed by bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 Handling and Disposal Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has demonstrated teratogenic effects in humans [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] . Mycophenolate mofetil tablets should not be crushed [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)]. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures 1 . 16.2 Mycophenolate Mofetil Tablets, USP 500 mg Tablets Pinkish brown colored, capsule shaped, film coated tablet with "SAL" engraved on one side and engraved "725" on other side. Sizes Bottle of 30……………………………… NDC 82804-033-30 Bottle of 60……………………………… NDC 82804-033-60 Bottle of 90……………………………… NDC 82804-033-90 Storage:
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP controlled room temperature]. Dispense in light-resistant containers, such as the manufacturer's original containers.About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.