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Mycophenolic Acid Coupon - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg tablet

mycophenolic acid

Generic Myfortic
Used for Organ Transplant
Used for Organ Transplant

Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a transplant medication that helps prevent rejection after a kidney transplant in people 5 years and older. It's an immunosuppressant, which means that it works by weakening the immune system. Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a tablet that's taken by mouth two times a day. The tablets have a special coating on them, which can help lessen gastrointestinal-related side effects such as upset stomach and diarrhea. Your transplant team might refer to the medication by its generic name, mycophenolic acid, or by its brand name, Myfortic.

Last reviewed on August 11, 2024
basics-icon

What is Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

What is Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) used for?

  • Prevention of kidney transplant rejection in people 5 years and older

How Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) works

Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a type of immunosuppressant medication called an antiproliferative agent. The medication lowers the activity of your immune system by blocking your body from making certain immune system cells. You need a suppressed or weakened immune system after you receive a kidney transplant so that your body doesn't reject the new kidney.

Are you looking for information on mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) or Myhibbin (mycophenolate mofetil) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMyfortic
Drug ClassImmunosuppressant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$808.340
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$808.34
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What are the side effects of Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Constipation (38%)
  • Nausea (29%)
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI, 29%)
  • Diarrhea (24%)
  • Trouble sleeping (24%)
  • Vomiting (23%)
  • Upset stomach or indigestion (23%)
  • Anemia (low red blood count, 22%)
  • Viral infection (cytomegalovirus or CMV, 20%)

Other Side Effects

  • Swelling caused by fluid retention (holding onto fluid)
  • Headache
  • Passing gas
  • Upper stomach pain
  • Joint pain
  • Back pain
  • Tremor (shakiness)
  • Fever
  • High blood pressure
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Change in lab test results (e.g., electrolyte levels, cholesterol levels)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Stomach bleeding: black, tarry stool; bright red blood in vomit or stool
  • Serious infection: fever, cough, chills, night sweats, stiff neck, headache, pain while urinating
  • Cancer

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bladder pain

bleeding gums

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

body aches or pain

bone pain

burning or stinging of the skin

chest pain

cloudy urine

confusion

constipation

convulsions

cough

decrease in the amount of urine

decreased frequency or amount of urine

depression

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dizziness or lightheadedness

drowsiness

dry mouth

ear congestion

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

fever or chills

flushed, dry skin

frequent urge to urinate

fruit-like breath odor

headache

incoherent speech

increase in heart rate

increased blood pressure

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

loss of appetite

loss of consciousness

loss of voice

lower back, side, or stomach pain

metallic taste

muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face

muscle spasms or twitching

muscle weakness

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

noisy, rattling breathing

numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, hands, or feet

painful blisters on the trunk of the body

painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rapid breathing

red, tender, or oozing skin at incision

runny nose

sneezing

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach pain or cramps

sunken eyes

sweating

swelling

swollen glands

thirst

tightness in the chest

tremor

trouble breathing at rest or with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

weakness or heaviness of the legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

anxiety

back pain

belching

bleeding gums

blemishes on the skin

bruising

diarrhea

difficulty moving

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

facial hair growth in females

full feeling

full or round face, neck, or trunk

heartburn

increased hair growth, especially on the face

increased thirst or urination

indigestion

irritability

irritation in the mouth

itching skin

loose stools

loss of sexual desire or ability

menstrual irregularities

muscle pains or stiffness

pain

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

passing gas

pimples

redness and swelling of the gums

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sleeplessness

sore mouth or tongue

stomach discomfort or upset

trouble sleeping

upper abdominal or stomach pain

white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)

thumbs-up

Pros

Possible to have less stomach upset than if you take mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)

Approved for children age 5 years and older

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Only approved for use for people who've received a kidney transplant

Only available as tablets that must be swallowed whole; not a good option for people with trouble swallowing pills

Interacts with antacids like Mylanta

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)

pharmacist
  • Take mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) every 12 hours on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Taking the medication on an empty stomach helps it get absorbed into your body more consistently. Follow your prescriber's instructions if they told you to take the medication with food.

    • Swallow the tablets whole. Don’t cut, crush, or chew them because this can damage the outer coating and affect how the medication works.

      • Before you get any vaccines, it's important to tell the healthcare professional (HCP) that you're taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic). Your HCP will check that the vaccine is safe for you. Immunosuppressants like mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can make vaccines work less well to protect you from infection. You can also get sick from live vaccines like Varivax (chickenpox).

        • If you can become pregnant and you're sexually active, speak with your care team about which birth control method to use while you're taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) and for 6 weeks after your last dose. It's important to prevent pregnancy because mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can harm an unborn baby. Your transplant team might order routine pregnancy tests while you're taking this medication.

          • If you're sexually active, use a condom when you're having sex while you're taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) and for at least 3 months after you stop taking the medication. Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can get into semen and can negatively affect an unborn baby if you get someone pregnant.

            • Don't donate blood during treatment with mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) and for at least 6 weeks after your last dose of the medication. And don't donate semen during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose. This lowers the risk for harm to unborn babies if the donated blood or semen happens to be given to someone who could get pregnant.

              • If you forget to take a dose of mycophenolic acid (Myfortic), take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you usually take it. Don't take two doses at the same time because this can raise your risk for side effects. Set up reminders to take the medication as instructed because missing doses can lead to transplant rejection.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)

                Is mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) the same as CellCept?
                No. Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) isn't the same as mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept), even though they're similar medications. They both weaken the immune system to prevent rejection after a kidney transplant. But mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) and mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) get absorbed into the body differently and are dosed differently, so they're not interchangeable. This means that you can't just replace mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) with mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) without your transplant specialist's guidance. Your transplant specialist will need to work with you closely if you need to switch between the two medications. Speak with your transplant specialist to learn more about comparing between mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) and mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept).
                Does mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) cause hair loss?
                Although hair loss isn't a common side effect of mycophenolic acid (Myfortic), it appears to be possible. Some people have had hair loss while they took the medication; these instances of hair loss were reported after the medication was approved and became available on the market. Note that it's also possible that hair loss might be from other transplant medications that you might be taking at the same time, like tacrolimus (Prograf). Tell your transplant team if you notice hair loss while you're taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic). Your transplant team can help you figure out what might be causing hair loss and suggest ways to manage hair loss.
                Does mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) cause weight gain?
                Weight gain wasn't a commonly reported side effect of mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) during clinical studies. Keep in mind that some people noticed swelling in the body that's caused by fluid retention (when the body holds onto more water). A lot of fluid retention in the body (water weight) can sometimes appear as weight gain. Tell your transplant team if you notice any concerning weight gain while you're taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic).
                What drug interactions does mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) have?
                Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can interact with many different medications. For example, mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) interacts with antacids like Mylanta and certain phosphorus binders like sevelamer (Renvela). These drug interactions cause the immunosuppressant to work less well, which can possibly raise your risk for organ rejection. You'll need to take these medications at different times than mycophenolic acid (Myfortic). In addition, mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can make hormonal birth control work less well; your transplant team will recommend that you use other birth control methods, like a condom, during sex to prevent pregnancy. These aren't the only medications that can interact with mycophenolic acid (Myfortic), so tell your transplant team about all the medications you're taking to make sure they're safe for you.
                What are some serious warnings about taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) that I should know?
                Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can harm an unborn baby if it's taken during pregnancy; talk to your transplant team about other options for immunosuppression if you have plans to become pregnant. Additionally, long-term use of mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can raise the risk for certain cancers, such as skin cancer or lymphomas (cancers of the immune system); speak with your care team about concerns for cancer and ways to lower your risk for skin cancer. Another important warning to be aware of is that taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can raise your risk for serious or life-threatening infections. Tell your transplant team right away if you develop symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, change in appetite, vomiting, or skin rash, during treatment.
                Why can't I donate blood or semen while I'm taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
                There's a risk for harm to an unborn baby if your donated blood or semen happens to be given to someone who could get pregnant. This is because mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is in your blood and can also get into semen while you're taking the medication. And mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can be very dangerous to an unborn baby. To avoid potential problems for the person who's receiving your donated blood or semen, you shouldn't donate blood while you're taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) and for at least 6 weeks after you stop the medication. You also shouldn't donate any semen until 90 days after you stop taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic).
                How long should you take mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?
                You should continue to take mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) and your other anti-rejection medications until your transplant specialist tells you to stop. This makes sure to keep your body from rejecting the transplanted kidney. Usually, your transplant specialist will tell you to stop taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) only if you're having a side effect that's too bothersome for you or if you're having a very serious side effect. Your transplant specialist might also tell you to stop taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) if they're working with you to switch you to a different medication.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

                Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Harm to unborn baby

                • Risk factors: People who can become pregnant | Currently pregnant

                  Avoid taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) while pregnant if there are safer treatment options available because the medication can harm an unborn baby if it's taken during pregnancy. Studies show that taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) during pregnancy can raise the risk for miscarriage (pregnancy loss) in the first trimester and for birth defects. Talk to your transplant specialist or pharmacist if you have questions about your options for birth control. Discuss with your transplant team about other treatment options if you're interesting in becoming pregnant in the future.

                  risk-warning

                  Risk for cancer

                  • Risk factors: Long-term use

                    People who take immunosuppressant medications like mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) for a long time might be at higher risk for cancer. These cancers can include skin cancer and lymphomas (cancers of the immune system), among others. Speak with your transplant specialist if you're concerned about the risk for cancer with mycophenolic acid (Myfortic).

                    To lower your risk for skin cancer, limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light (e.g., tanning beds). Also wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you're outside, even on cloudy days. Be sure to check your skin for any unusual changes and tell your care team if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

                    risk-warning

                    Serious infections

                    • Risk factors: Taking other immunosuppressants

                      People who take immunosuppressants like mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) are at higher risk for serious and sometimes life-threatening infections, including those caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In some cases, infections can happen when an inactive germ in your body, like the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) or the hepatitis B virus (HBV), reactivates and makes you sick again.

                      Be sure to wash your hands often and stay away from people who are sick to lower your risk for infection. Tell your transplant care team right away if you have any symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, change in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, or skin rash.

                      risk-warning

                      Blood problems

                      • Risk factors: Taking other medications that can lower blood cell counts | Current infection

                        Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can lower your white blood cell counts (the cells that help your body fight infections). The medication can also lower your red blood cell counts (the cells that deliver oxygen to all parts of your body). You'll need regular blood tests done so that your transplant team can check your blood counts during treatment. Your prescriber might lower your mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) dose if your numbers go too low. Tell your transplant care team if you have fever, sore throat, tiredness, weakness, or pale skin that doesn’t go away. These are signs of either having low red and white blood cells in the body.

                        risk-warning

                        Stomach bleeding and ulcers

                        • Risk factors: History of medical problems that affect the digestive system

                          Some people who took mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) have had serious stomach problems, including ulcers and bleeding. These stomach problems can be dangerous and might require treatment right away. Be sure your transplant team knows if you have a history of ulcers or other digestion-related problems. Get medical help right away if you notice blood in your stool or vomit while you're taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic); these can be signs of a bleed in the digestive tract.

                          risk-warning

                          Inflammation in the body

                          Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) weakens the immune system to lower inflammation to help prevent organ rejection. But very rarely, some people have had symptoms of inflammation in the body during treatment with similar medications. Symptoms can include fever, joint or muscle pain, and changes in certain lab results. These symptoms can happen within weeks to months of starting mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) or after dose changes.

                          Your transplant team will check for signs and symptoms of inflammation during treatment. Tell your care team right away if you have any fever, joint pain, or muscle pain while you're taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic).

                          risk-warning

                          Many drug interactions

                          Ask your transplant team or pharmacist about all medications and over-the-counter products you want to take with mycophenolic acid (Myfortic), even if you only take them once in a while. Your care team should review your medication list because mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is known to interact with many medications. These interactions can either make your medications work less well, raise your risk for rejection of your transplanted kidney, or raise your risk for side effects. For example, taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) at the same time as antacids with magnesium and aluminum can cause the immunosuppressant to work less well.

                          risk-warning

                          Avoid in people with a genetic condition called hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) deficiency

                          Avoid taking mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) if you have a genetic condition called hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HPRT) deficiency. This medication can worsen your symptoms, including gout, kidney stones, other kidney problems, or even kidney failure.

                          risk-warning

                          Caution when getting vaccines during treatment

                          Always tell your healthcare professional (HCP) or pharmacist that you're taking an immunosuppressant like mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) before you get any vaccines during treatment. Your HCP and pharmacist will make sure that it's safe for you to get the vaccine.

                          Transplant medications like mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) can change the way your immune system responds to vaccines. This might make some vaccines work less well to protect you from infection. During treatment, it's important to avoid live vaccines, such as FluMist (the nasal spray version of the flu vaccine) and Varivax (chickenpox vaccine). Since this medication weakens your immune system to prevent organ rejection, it raises your risk for getting sick from the live vaccine itself.

                          dosage

                          Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 120 tablets of 360mg of Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is $1593.04 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 21.41% off the average retail price of $2027.06.
                          tablet
                          Tablet
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          180mg180 tablets$1211.20$6.73
                          360mg120 tablets$1593.04$13.28

                          Typical dosing for Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)

                          • Adults: The typical dose is 720 mg by mouth two times a day, on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food).

                          • Children age 5 and older (who are at least 6 months post-transplant): The prescriber will calculate the dose based on your child's height and weight. They'll tell you how much your child should take (each dose won't be more than 720 mg). Typically, mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is taken by mouth two times a day, on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food).

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) and other drugs

                          Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          drug-cost

                          How much does Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) cost?

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                          contraindications-icon

                          Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) will not be safe for you to take.
                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)
                          Used for:
                          • Prevention of kidney transplant rejection in people 5 years and older

                          $808.34 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          • To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney

                          • Rheumatoid arthritis

                          $29.26 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          • Prevention of kidney, heart, or liver transplant rejection in people ages 3 months and older; taken with other anti-rejection medications

                          $19.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          images

                          Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) images

                          Pink Oval Apo And Myc 360 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          This medicine is Pink, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Myc 360" And "Apo".Pink Oval Apo And Myc 360 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          Pink Oval Ap36 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          This medicine is Pink, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ap36".Pink Oval Ap36 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          Orange Oval A121 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          This medicine is Orange, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "A121".Orange Oval A121 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          Red-Orange Oblong M Mc2 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          This medicine is Red-Orange, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "M Mc2".Red-Orange Oblong M Mc2 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          Pink Oval C2 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet
                          This medicine is Pink, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "C2".Pink Oval C2 - Mycophenolic Acid 360mg Delayed-Release Tablet

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair loss: Tips for managing.

                          Apotex Corp. (2024). Mycophenolic acid tablet, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Bunnapradist, S., et al. (2008). Impact of gastrointestinal-related side effects on mycophenolate mofetil dosing and potential therapeutic strategies. Clinical Transplantation.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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