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Antiproliferative Immunosuppressant

Mycophenolate Mofetil

Brand names: CellCept, Myfenax (generic)

Mycophenolate mofetil is an oral antiproliferative immunosuppressant, used widely after solid-organ transplantation and in immune-mediated kidney disease such as lupus nephritis, usually alongside a calcineurin inhibitor and corticosteroid.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a prodrug of mycophenolic acid, which reversibly inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase and so blocks de novo purine synthesis on which proliferating T and B lymphocytes are especially dependent.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is teratogenic and strongly associated with first-trimester pregnancy loss and congenital malformations, so effective contraception and the MHRA pregnancy-prevention requirements apply to women and to male patients' partners.
  • Increased risk of serious infection and of lymphoma and skin malignancy means sun protection and vigilance for infection are essential.
  • Gastrointestinal effects and bone-marrow suppression are common, and mycophenolate mofetil and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium are not interchangeable on a milligram basis.

Monitoring

Monitor full blood count regularly (frequently at initiation), with clinical surveillance for infection and malignancy throughout treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Use reliable contraception and do not stop it or become pregnant without specialist advice.
  • Report fever, sore throat, unusual bruising or signs of infection promptly.
  • Protect your skin from strong sunlight and use a high-factor sunscreen.

Evidence & guidelines

Robust transplant trial data and randomised evidence in lupus nephritis underpin its use, with the SPC and current prescribing references detailing the pregnancy-prevention programme.

Reference: KDIGO Transplant Guidelines; ASPREVA Lupus Management Study (Appel et al, JASN 2009); MHRA PPP; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways