MYCOPHENOLIC ACID
MYCOPHENOLIC ACID — mycophenolate sodium tablet, delayed release
A-S Medication Solutions
WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, MALIGNANCIES, and SERIOUS INFECTIONS
• Use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations. Avoid if safer treatment options are available. Females of reproductive potential must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].
• Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should prescribe mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets. Patients receiving mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physician responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
• Increased risk of development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin, due to immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].
• Increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4, 5.5)].
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
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.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Dosage in Adult Kidney Transplant Patients
The recommended dose of mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are 720 mg administered twice daily (1,440 mg total daily dose).
2.2 Dosage in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patients
The recommended dose of mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets in conversion (at least 6 months post-transplant) pediatric patients age 5 years and older is 400 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA) administered twice daily (up to a maximum dose of 720 mg administered twice daily).
2.3 Administration
Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets
should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food intake [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or cut prior to ingesting. The tablets should be swallowed whole in order to maintain the integrity of the enteric coating.Pediatric patients with a BSA of 1.19 m2 to 1.58 m2 may be dosed either with three mycophenolic acid delayed-release
180 mg tablets, or one 180 mg tablet plus one 360 mg tablet twice daily (1,080 mg daily dose). Patients with a BSA of greater than 1.58 m2 may be dosed either with four mycophenolic acid delayed-release 180 mg tablets, or two mycophenolic acid delayed-release
360 mg tablets twice daily (1,440 mg daily dose). Pediatric doses for patients with BSA less than 1.19 m2 cannot be accurately administered using currently available formulations of mycophenolic acid delayed-release
tablets.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets, USP are available as 360 mg and 180 mg tablets.
Table 1: Description of mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets
Dosage Strength | 360 mg tablet | 180 mg tablet |
Active ingredient | mycophenolic acid as mycophenolate sodium,USP | mycophenolic acid as mycophenolate sodium, USP |
Appearance | Pale orange-red colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets | Lime green colored, round shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets |
Imprint | Imprinted “MA 360” with black ink on one side and plain on other side | Imprinted “MA 180” with black ink on one side and plain on other side |
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
4.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions
Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolic acid (MPA), mycophenolate mofetil, or to any of its excipients. Reactions like rash, pruritus, hypotension, and chest pain have been observed in clinical trials and post marketing reports [see Adverse Reactions (6) ].
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
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 ].
5.3 Lymphoma and Other Malignancies
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent.
As usual for patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) has been reported in immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients. The majority of PTLD events appear related to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection. The risk of PTLD appears greatest in those individuals who are EBV seronegative, a population which includes many young children.
5.4 Serious Infections
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, and new or reactivated viral infections, including opportunistic infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. These infections may lead to serious, including fatal outcomes. Because of the danger of oversuppression of the immune system which can increase susceptibility to infection, combination immunosuppressant therapy should be used with caution.
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