MMF (mycophenolate mofetil): description, analogues

Mofetil mycophenolate (INN Mycophenolic acid) is part of the group of immunosuppressants. Let's consider in more detail, in what cases it is necessary to use the drug, what are the contraindications to its use and side effects.

In addition, we learn whether there are similar drugs in modern pharmacology.

basic information

Mofetil mycophenolate is available in the form of hard gelatinous capsules of ivory color with white powder inside.

You can buy the drug in the pharmacy only if you have a prescription from the doctor.

The shelf life of the product is two years. Keep it at a temperature of 25 degrees.

In order to have a visual understanding of what the drug we are considering (mycophenolate mofetil) looks like, the photo above will serve as a good example.

Structure of the preparation

One capsule contains 250 mg of the active substance (mycophenolate mofetil). In addition, auxiliary components are also present, such as croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and povidone.

Pharmacokinetics

After using the drug, it is completely absorbed and complete pre-systemic metabolism. At the same time, the concentration of the active substance in the plasma is not observed because of its rapid conversion into active metabolites.

The body is excreted from the body with urine and feces.

Indications for use

In what cases is mycophenolate mofetil used? Instructions for use will quickly answer this question.

Doctors prescribe a drug for the prevention of acute graft rejection in patients after kidney, liver or heart transplant .

Contraindications for use

There are not so many cases when the use of the drug "Mofetil Mycophenolate" is strictly prohibited. These include the patient's hypersensitivity to the main active substance or other constituents of the drug, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

The effectiveness and safety of the drug in the treatment of children were not identified, so do not use it in pediatrics.

Side effects

Mofetil mycophenolate is capable of provoking the appearance of some side effects. Its use in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine can cause diarrhea, vomiting, sepsis and leukopenia. In some cases, the development of lymphomas and other malignant diseases, in particular the skin.

In addition, all patients with grafts are at risk of developing infectious diseases, which were provoked by opportunistic microorganisms. The most common among them are herpes, candidiasis and cytomegalovirus.

Other adverse reactions may manifest themselves in the form of shingles, urinary tract infection, rhinopharyngitis, hypertension, impaired liver function, esophagitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, headaches, gastroenteritis, fatigue, sinusitis, oral candidiasis , Pancreatitis, pancytopenia, neuropathy and so on.

There is a threat of severe, and in some cases even dangerous phenomena, such as tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis, atypical mycobacterial infections.

Dosing and Administration

How correctly to apply the drug "Mofetil mycophenolate"? The instruction attached to it provides the following information.

For prevention of kidney rejection. The first dose of the drug should be introduced into the body within 72 hours after the transplantation. In the future, the patient will need to take 1 g of the drug twice a day.

Mofetil mycophenolate is usually prescribed in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine.

For prevention of heart rejection. The first dose of the drug should be taken no later than 5 days after the operation. In the future, the required amount of the drug is 1.5 g twice daily

Overdose

Data on the overdose of the drug "Mofetil Mycophenolate" is not available.

It can not be removed from the body by hemodialysis. Drugs that bind bile acids (cholestyramine), can promote the excretion of IFC from the body, increasing its excretion.

Application Features

If a patient has a neuroepenia, it is necessary to reduce the dose of the drug and carefully monitor the patient's health status or interrupt the treatment with mycophenolate mofetil.

In the presence of severe chronic renal failure, you should carefully monitor your well-being and do not exceed the maximum dose of the drug, which in this case is up to 2 g per day.

Patients of advanced age (from 65 years) are recommended to use 1 g of the drug 2 times a day.

Information on the effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of patients with renal insufficiency, who suffered a liver or heart transplant, is absent. There is also no information on how effective the drug is for patients with liver damage who underwent a heart transplant operation.

Precautionary measures

In no event should you open the capsule with the drug. It is necessary to avoid direct contact with the powder: its inhalation, contact with skin or mucous membranes. If all this happens, immediately wash the affected areas with soap and water.

Analogs means

Are there any medications that can replace the drug "Mofetil Mycophenolate"? Analogues, of course, there are. They have the same INN (international non-proprietary name) or ATS-code. Only the spectrum of action of the funds and their value will differ insignificantly.

The most well-known are the following drugs:

• "Baxmoon." It is used in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine to prevent rejection of the heart, liver or kidney after their transplantation.
• "Zenapax." Used to prevent rejection of a kidney transplant in combination with cyclosporine GCS.
• "Imusporin". It is used for the prevention and treatment of transplanted organs and bone marrow, as well as for rheumatoid arthritis, endogenous uveitis, Behcet's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and other diseases.
• "Imufet". As well as the main drug, the agent is prescribed in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine to prevent the rejection of the transplanted liver or kidney.
• "Layfmun." The agent has a wide spectrum of action. It can be used to prevent and treat organ transplant rejection and bone marrow, as well as arthritis, nephrotic syndrome, active forms of systemic lupus erythematosus, Behcet's disease, endogenous uveitis and other diseases.
• "Mifenaks." The indications for use are the same as for the fixed asset.
• The Mifortic. It is designed to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney.
• "Mosfilet". Indication and method of use are similar to mycophenolate mofetil.
• "Panimun". It is used for the transplantation of the lungs, heart, kidney, bone marrow, pancreas, and also for certain diseases.
• "Sellsept." Can be prescribed for a kidney transplant.
• "Sertikan". It is prescribed for kidney or heart transplantation in patients with moderate or low immunological risk.
• "Cycloral." Used in combination with other drugs for organ transplants.
• "Ecoral". It is used for transplantation of parenchymal organs, as well as for prevention of their rejection after transplantation.

Despite the fact that they all have a similar type of action, before replacing the main medication for any other, you must first consult and consult your doctor.