Myfortic Capsules – Complete Product Information for EZ Chemist Online Pharmacy
Immunosuppressant for Kidney Transplant Rejection Prevention | Clinically Approved Therapy

What is Myfortic used for?
Myfortic is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant patients. It contains mycophenolic acid, which inhibits lymphocyte proliferation by targeting inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. It is typically used in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids to maintain transplant acceptance.

Product Name:
Myfortic Capsules

Active Ingredient:
Mycophenolic Acid (Enteric-coated sodium salt form)

Other Common Names / Brands:
Myfortic EC

Mycophenolic acid delayed-release capsules

Not to be confused with CellCept (contains mycophenolate mofetil, a prodrug)

Drug Classification:
Therapeutic Class: Immunosuppressant

Pharmacologic Class: Selective inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor

ATC Code: L04AA06

Prescription Status: Schedule H (Rx only) in India

Mechanism of Action (MoA):
Mycophenolic acid selectively inhibits IMPDH, an enzyme essential for de novo guanosine nucleotide synthesis in T and B lymphocytes. This blocks lymphocyte proliferation, which is necessary for immune-mediated graft rejection. The enteric-coated form minimizes GI irritation by releasing the drug in the intestine.

Indications & Clinical Uses:
FDA-Approved Use:
Prophylaxis of organ rejection in renal transplant patients

Used in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids

Off-label Uses (Clinically Studied):
Maintenance therapy in lupus nephritis

Autoimmune disorders (case-specific, under specialist care)

Liver and heart transplant rejection (non-FDA approved)

Dosage and Administration:
Standard Adult Dosage for Kidney Transplant Patients:
720 mg orally twice daily (total 1,440 mg/day)

Initiate within 72 hours of transplantation

Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) to maximize absorption

Pediatric Use:
Safety and efficacy not established in children <5 years

In children ≥5 years: Dosing is body surface area (BSA) based

Administration Tips:
Do not crush or chew the enteric-coated tablets or capsules

Swallow whole with water

Maintain strict dosing schedule to avoid rejection episodes

Prescribing Information:
Form Available: Delayed-release (enteric-coated) capsules

Strengths: 180 mg and 360 mg

Route: Oral

Storage: Store below 25°C. Keep in original packaging

Shelf Life: Refer to manufacturer labeling

Safety Information & Monitoring:
Laboratory Monitoring Required:
CBC with differential (monitor leukopenia, anemia)

Renal function tests

Liver function tests

Pregnancy tests (before and during use in women of childbearing potential)

Pregnancy Risk Category:
Category D – Evidence of risk; avoid unless no alternatives

REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program required in the US

Common Side Effects:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Headache

Leukopenia (low white cell count)

Anemia

Increased susceptibility to infections (viral, fungal, bacterial)

Serious Adverse Reactions:
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Malignancies (lymphoma, skin cancer)

Severe neutropenia

Opportunistic infections (CMV, BK virus)

Warnings and Precautions:
Infection risk: Increased susceptibility to life-threatening infections

Malignancy: Increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders

Pregnancy: Teratogenic; avoid in pregnancy unless life-saving

GI complications: Enteric-coated form reduces but does not eliminate GI risk

Live vaccines: Avoid use; may not mount immune response

Sun exposure: Use sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to reduce cancer risk

Drug Interactions (Clinically Validated):
Interacting Drug Clinical Effect Recommendation
Antacids (Mg/Al) Decrease mycophenolic acid absorption Separate doses by ≥2 hours
Cholestyramine Reduces plasma concentration Avoid concomitant use
Cyclosporine Competes for metabolism Monitor MPA levels
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) May reduce exposure Monitor clinical effect
Live vaccines Reduced efficacy Avoid during and 6 weeks after therapy
Rifampin Induces metabolism of MPA Avoid or monitor closely

FAQs About Myfortic Capsules
Q: What is Myfortic used for?
A: Myfortic is used to prevent rejection in kidney transplant patients by suppressing the immune system. It is used with other immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and corticosteroids.

Q: Is Myfortic the same as CellCept?
A: No. CellCept contains mycophenolate mofetil, which is converted in the body to mycophenolic acid. Myfortic contains mycophenolic acid directly in a delayed-release formulation.

Q: How should I take Myfortic?
A: Take on an empty stomach, preferably 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, and do not crush or chew the capsule.

Q: Can Myfortic cause cancer?
A: Long-term immunosuppression may increase the risk of lymphoma and skin cancers. Regular monitoring and sun protection are advised.

Q: Can I take vaccines while on Myfortic?
A: Live vaccines should be avoided. Inactivated vaccines may be less effective. Always consult your transplant specialist.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?
A: Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is close to your next dose. Do not double up.