Mycophenolate: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant. It is a prescription medicine used for prevention of organ transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases and lupus nephritis. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 6 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Mycophenolate works
Mycophenolate blocks an enzyme that lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, need in order to make DNA and multiply. Because these immune cells cannot expand in number, the immune system is less able to attack a transplanted organ or the body's own tissues.
What is Mycophenolate used for?
- Prevention of organ transplant rejection
- Autoimmune diseases
- Lupus nephritis
Mycophenolate is used together with other medicines, such as ciclosporin or tacrolimus and steroids, to stop the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney, liver or heart. Specialists also prescribe it for some autoimmune conditions, including lupus affecting the kidneys, vasculitis and certain inflammatory skin, liver and muscle diseases, often to reduce the need for long-term steroids.
Side effects of Mycophenolate
Stomach and bowel upset are the most frequent complaints with Mycophenolate, and others include:
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Low blood counts
- More frequent infections
Contact your doctor at once if you have a fever, sore throat or other signs of infection, unexplained bruising or bleeding, severe diarrhoea, or new skin changes or lumps.
Precautions and warnings
- Mycophenolate can cause miscarriage and serious birth defects, so women need pregnancy tests and must use reliable contraception before, during and for a period after treatment, as advised by the doctor.
- Men taking it should use condoms during treatment and for a period after stopping, as advised by the doctor.
- Regular blood tests are needed to check your blood counts and how well the treatment is working.
- Because it weakens the immune system, avoid live vaccines, stay away from people with chickenpox or shingles, and protect your skin from the sun, as the risk of skin cancer is increased.
- Do not breastfeed while taking it, and tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines, including antacids, which can reduce its absorption.
Frequently asked questions about Mycophenolate
What is the price of Mycophenolate in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Mycophenolate products currently in stock range from Rs 2,304 to Rs 71,885 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Tab Suprimun 500mg Tablet at Rs 2,304. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Mycophenolate are available in Pakistan?
Mycophenolate is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Myfortic (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd), Cellcept (Roche Pakistan Limited), Salver (Avior Pharma), Suprimun (All Med Ltd), Mygraf (Platinum Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Mofelet (Rotex Pharmaceutical) and Tab (Allmed Labs).Do I need a prescription for Mycophenolate?
Yes. Mycophenolate is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Mycophenolate be used during pregnancy?
Mycophenolate can cause miscarriage and serious birth defects, so women need pregnancy tests and must use reliable contraception before, during and for a period after treatment, as advised by the doctor.
Are all Mycophenolate brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Mycophenolate in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Mycophenolate brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 7 products containing Mycophenolate from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
