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Quick facts
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 485020
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
• Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are an antimetabolite immunosuppressant indicated for prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving kidney transplants and in pediatric patients at least 5 years of age and older who are at least 6 months post kidney transplant. ( 1.1 ) • Use in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use: • Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets and mycophenolate mofetil tablets and capsules should not be used interchangeably. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Kidney Transplant Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving a kidney transplant. Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in pediatric patients 5 years of age and older who are at least 6 months post kidney transplant. Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are to be used in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. 1.2 Limitations of Use Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) tablets and capsules should not be used interchangeably without physician supervision because the rate of absorption following the administration of these two products is not equivalent.
About this medicine
Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets, USP are an enteric formulation of mycophenolate sodium that delivers the active moiety mycophenolic acid (MPA). Mycophenolic acid is an immunosuppressive agent. As the sodium salt, MPA is chemically designated as (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methylhex-4-enoic acid sodium salt. Its empirical formula is C 17 H 19 O 6 Na. The molecular weight is 342.32 g/mol and the structural formula is: Mycophenolic acid, as the sodium salt, is a white to off-white, crystalline powder and is highly soluble in aqueous media at physiological pH and practically insoluble in 0.1N hydrochloric acid. Mycophenolic acid, is available for oral use as delayed-release tablets containing either 180 mg or 360 mg of mycophenolic acid as the sodium salt. Inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, crospovidone, magnesium stearate and povidone (K-30). The enteric coating of the tablet consists of colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Blue #2/Indigo carmine Aluminium lake (180 mg), hypromellose phthalate (HP-50), iron oxide red (360 mg), iron oxide yellow, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate, imprinted with edible ink consist of iron oxide black, propylene glycol, shellac. myco-str
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Mycophenolic acid (MPA), an immunosuppressant, is an uncompetitive and reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), and therefore inhibits the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis without incorporation to DNA. T- and B-lymphocytes are critically dependent for their proliferation on de novo synthesis of purines, whereas other cell types can utilize salvage pathways. MPA has cytostatic effects on lymphocytes. Mycophenolate sodium has been shown to prevent the occurrence of acute rejection in rat models of kidney and heart allotransplantation. Mycophenolate sodium also decreases antibody production in mice.
Who should not take it
Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolic acid (MPA), mycophenolate mofetil, or to any of its excipients. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. History of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolic acid (MPA), mycophenolate mofetil, or to any of its excipients. ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
New or Reactivated Viral Infections: Consider reducing immunosuppression. ( 5.5 ) Blood Dyscrasias, including Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA): Monitor for neutropenia or anemia; consider treatment interruption or dose reduction. ( 5.6 ) Serious GI Tract Complications (gastrointestinal bleeding, perforations and ulcers): Administer with caution to patients with active digestive system disease. ( 5.7 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue Myfortic; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.9 ) Immunizations: Avoid live attenuated vaccines. ( 5.10 ) Patients with Hereditary Deficiency of Hypoxanthine-guanine Phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT): May cause exacerbation of disease symptoms; avoid use. ( 5.11 ) Blood Donation: Avoid during therapy and for 6 weeks thereafter. ( 5.12 ) Semen Donation: Avoid during therapy and for 90 days thereafter. ( 5.13 ) 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Use of mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of congenital malformations, especially external ear and other facial abnormalities, including cleft lip and palate, and anomalies of the distal limbs, heart, esophagus, kidney, and nervous system. Females of reproductive potential must be aware of these risks and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning. Avoid use of mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets during pregnancy if safer treatment options are available [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )]. 5.2 Management of Immunosuppression Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should prescribe mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets. Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physicians responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient [see Boxed Warning ]. […]
Reported side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label. • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] • Lymphomas and Other Malignancies [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] • Serious Infections [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] • New or Reactivated Viral Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5) ] • Blood Dyscrasias, Including Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] • Serious GI Tract Complications [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] • Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] • Rare Hereditary Deficiencies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥20%): anemia, leukopenia, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, CMV infection, insomnia, and postoperative pain. ( 6.2 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ascend Laboratories, LLC at 1-877-272-7901 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies 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. The data described below derive from two randomized, comparative, active-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy trials in prevention of acute rejection in de novo and converted stable kidney transplant patients. In the de novo trial, patients were administered either mycophenolic acid 1.44 grams per day (N=213) or MMF 2 grams per day (N=210) within 48 hours post-transplant for 12 months in combination with cyclosporine, USP MODIFIED and corticosteroids. Forty-one percent of patients also received antibody therapy as induction treatment. […]
Interactions with other medicines
Antacids with Magnesium and Aluminum Hydroxides: Decreases concentrations of MPA; concomitant use is not recommended. ( 7.1 ) Azathioprine: Competition for purine metabolism; concomitant administration is not recommended. ( 7.2 ) Cholestyramine, Bile Acid Sequestrates, Oral Activated Charcoal, and Other Drugs that Interfere with Enterohepatic Recirculation: May decrease MPA concentrations; concomitant use is not recommended. ( 7.3 ) Sevelamer: May decrease MPA concentrations; concomitant use is not recommended. ( 7.4 ) Cyclosporine: May decrease MPA concentrations; exercise caution when switching from cyclosporine to other drugs or from other drugs to cyclosporine. ( 7.5 ) Norfloxacin and Metronidazole: May decrease MPA concentrations; concomitant use with both drugs is not recommended. ( 7.6 ) Rifampin: May decrease MPA concentrations; concomitant use is not recommended unless the benefit outweighs the risk. ( 7.7 ) Hormonal Contraceptives: May reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Additional barrier contraceptive methods must be used. ( 5.2 , 7.8 ) Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir, and Other Drugs that Undergo Renal Tubular Secretion: May increase concentrations of mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) and coadministered drug; monitor blood cell counts. ( 7.9 ) 7.1 Antacids With Magnesium and Aluminum Hydroxides Concomitant use of mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets and antacids decreased plasma concentrations of mycophenolic acid (MPA). It is recommended that mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets and antacids not be administered simultaneously [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. 7.2 Azathioprine Given that azathioprine and MMF inhibit purine metabolism, it is recommended that mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets not be administered concomitantly with azathioprine or MMF. 7.3 Cholestyramine, Bile Acid Sequestrates, Oral Activated Charcoal and Other Drugs That Interfere With Enterohepatic Recirculation Drugs that interrupt enterohepatic recirculation may decrease MPA plasma concentrations when coadministered with MMF. […]
Use in specific groups
• Male Patients: Sexually active male patients and/or their female partners are recommended to use effective contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment. ( 8.3 ) 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 mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets treatment. To report a pregnancy or obtain information about the registry, visit www.mycophenolateREMS.com or call 1-800-617-8191. Risk Summary Following oral or intravenous (IV) administration, MMF is metabolized to mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active ingredient in mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets and the active form of the drug. Use of 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 (0.05 and 1.1 times exposure at the recommended clinical doses in kidney transplant patients for rats and rabbits, respectively) ( see Animal Data) . Risks and benefits of mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets should be discussed with the patient. When appropriate, consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryo-fetal toxicity. 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. […]
If too much is taken
Signs and Symptoms There have been anecdotal reports of deliberate or accidental overdoses with mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets, whereas not all patients experienced related adverse reactions. In those overdose cases in which adverse reactions were reported, the reactions fall within the known safety profile of the class. Accordingly, an overdose of mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets could possibly result in oversuppression of the immune system and may increase the susceptibility to infection, including opportunistic infections, fatal infections and sepsis. If blood dyscrasias occur (e.g., neutropenia with absolute neutrophil count less than 1.5 x 10 3 /mcL or anemia), it may be appropriate to interrupt or discontinue mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets. Possible signs and symptoms of acute overdose could include the following: hematological abnormalities, such as leukopenia and neutropenia, and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and dyspepsia. Treatment and Management General supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be followed in all cases of overdosage. Although dialysis may be used to remove the inactive metabolite mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG), it would not be expected to remove clinically significant amounts of the active moiety, mycophenolic acid, due to the 98% plasma protein binding of mycophenolic acid. By interfering with enterohepatic circulation of mycophenolic acid, activated charcoal or bile sequestrates, such as cholestyramine, may reduce the systemic mycophenolic acid exposure.
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This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 25 March 2026. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.