Mycophenolate Mofetil

Uses

Mycophenolate mofetil is primarily used for transplant purposes. However, it has also been used to treat certain skin disorders, such as Psoriasis, Dermatitis, and blistering diseases.

Mycophenolate mofetil (Brand name: CellCept) is mostly used in organ transplant. However, it has been proven effective in the treatment of some skin diseases especially where the skin lesions are triggered by lymphocytes, such as bullous dermatoses, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. It acts by inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production. Specifically, in the dermatological context, it can be used to treat Cutaneous lupus erythematosus, Dermatomyositis, Cutaneous vasculitis, Atopic dermatitis, Chronic photosensitivity dermatitis, Chronic dyshidrotic dermatitis, Blistering diseases, Pemphigus vulgaris, Pemphigus foliaceus, Paraneoplastic pemphigus, Bullous pemphigoid, Linear IgA bullous dermatosis, Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, Lichen planus, Pyoderma gangrenosum, Sarcoidosis, Necrobiosis lipoidica.

Dosing

Mycophenolate mofetil is typically given orally, usually in divided doses. It is taken twice a day for the treatment of psoriasis and most other skin diseases. Dosage can decrease as the skin disorder improves. The drug is typically used alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents such as ciclosporin and corticosteroids.

Side Effects

For treatment of skin disorders, side effects are mild and may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. There is, however, a slight increase in the risk of viral infections, including herpes.

Notes of Precaution

Before taking Mycophenolate mofetil, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant. There is some evidence of risk to the fetus.

Taken with aciclovir, it may cause in increase of aciclovir in the blood.

In some cases, Mycophenolate mofetil may reduce the concentration of other drugs like rifampicin, colestyramine and antacids.