International reference: 1 US FDA recall for this ingredient
Labeling: Label Mixup: MYCOPHENOLIC ACID DR, Tablet, 180 mg may have potentially been mislabeled as the following drug: METHAZOLAMIDE, Tablet, 50 mg, NDC 00781107101, Pedigree: AD37072_11, EXP: 5/13/2014. (mycophenolic)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in South Africa.
MICASSYL EC 360
Mycophenolic Acid
What it does
Mycophenolic is a medicine that helps prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs.
Commonly used for: organ transplant rejection prevention, kidney transplant, heart transplant, liver transplant
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:11:38 · updated 2026-09-16 04:00:04
About this medicine
Mycophenolic is a medicine that helps prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs.
What it treats
- organ transplant rejection prevention
- kidney transplant
- heart transplant
- liver transplant
How it works
Mycophenolic works by suppressing the immune system to stop it from attacking the new organ.
Who it's for
This medicine is for patients who have received a transplant and need help keeping their body from rejecting the new organ.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: mycophenolic
Mycophenolic acid is an immunosuppressive agent derived from the mold Penicillium brevicompactum, primarily used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. It inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and reduces antibody formation, making it beneficial in various autoimmune diseases as well.
Indications
- Prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplantation
- Prophylaxis of organ rejection in heart transplantation
- Prophylaxis of organ rejection in liver transplantation
- Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
- Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Mycophenolic acid exerts its effects primarily by inhibiting inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), which is crucial in the de novo pathway of purine synthesis. This leads to decreased lymphocyte proliferation, particularly affecting T and B lymphocytes, which rely heavily on this pathway for their proliferation and function.
Pharmacodynamics
The inhibition of IMPDH results in reduced synthesis of purines, which are essential for the proliferation of lymphocytes. This immunosuppressive action helps to prevent graft rejection in transplant patients and controls autoimmune conditions. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a prodrug of mycophenolic acid, is often used due to its enhanced bioavailability and safety profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Mycophenolic acid is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1 to 2 hours post-dose. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily to its active form, mycophenolic acid. The drug has a half-life of approximately 16 to 18 hours, and its elimination is predominantly via the renal route. Dosing adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to mycophenolate mofetil or any component of the formulation
- Pregnant women, due to the risk of teratogenicity
- Active infections, particularly viral infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Increased risk of infections due to immunosuppression
- Bone marrow suppression leading to leukopenia and thrombocytopenia
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Renal impairment
Interactions
- Antacids and cholestyramine may reduce absorption of mycophenolate
- Concomitant use with other immunosuppressants increases the risk of infections and malignancies
- Certain antibiotics, such as rifampicin, may affect mycophenolate metabolism
Precautions
- Monitor white blood cell counts regularly due to the risk of leukopenia
- Assess for signs of infection, especially in patients on long-term therapy
- Use caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders
- Avoid pregnancy during treatment and provide effective contraception
Pregnancy
Mycophenolate is contraindicated in pregnancy due to significant risks of fetal malformations and pregnancy loss. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment.
Breast-feeding
Mycophenolate is excreted in breast milk; caution is recommended when administering to breastfeeding mothers as potential adverse effects on the infant are possible.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Mycophenolate mofetil capsules
- Mycophenolate mofetil tablets
- Mycophenolate mofetil oral suspension
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.