Mycophenolate

Brand names: CellCept, Myfortic

A powerful immunosuppressant widely used for lupus nephritis and other serious autoimmune disease.

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Mycophenolate

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How it works · Disease-modifying medicine

Overactive immune cells

In conditions like RA and lupus, immune cells are overactive and keep sending inflammatory signals.

Lupus nephritis, lupus, systemic sclerosis lung disease, myositis and vasculitis maintenance.

It blocks an enzyme that lymphocytes (T and B cells) need to multiply.

Tablets or capsules twice a day on an empty stomach.

Nausea, diarrhea, low white counts and higher infection risk. Sun protection is important because of skin cancer risk.

Blood counts regularly, especially in the first months.

Mycophenolate causes birth defects. Reliable contraception is required, and it is stopped at least 6 weeks before trying to conceive.

At a glance

Class

Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants

Brand names

CellCept, Myfortic

Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR

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For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.