Mycophenolate Mofetil - Mycophenolate Mofetil powder, For Suspension prescribing information
WARNING: EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY, MALIGNANCIES and SERIOUS INFECTIONS
- Use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of first trimester 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 Special Populations (8.1 , 8.3 )] .
- Increased risk of development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 ) ] .
- Increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections and viral reactivation of hepatitis B and C, which may lead to hospitalizations and fatal outcomes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 ) ] .
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection, in adult and pediatric recipients 3 months of age and older of allogeneic kidney [see Clinical Studies (14.1 )] , heart [see Clinical Studies (14.2 ) ] or liver transplants [see Clinical Studies (14.3 ) ] , in combination with other immunosuppressants.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Important Administration Instructions
Mycophenolate mofetil should not be used without the supervision of a physician with experience in immunosuppressive therapy.
Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension
Mycophenolate mofetil oral dosage forms (capsules, tablets or oral suspension) should not be used interchangeably with mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets without supervision of a physician with experience in immunosuppressive therapy because the rates of absorption following the administration of mycophenolate mofetil oral dosage forms and mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are not equivalent.
Patients should avoid inhalation or contact of the skin or mucous membranes with the powder contained in mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension. If such contact occurs, they must wash the area of contact thoroughly with soap and water. In case of ocular contact, rinse eyes with plain water.
The initial oral dose of mycophenolate mofetil should be given as soon as possible following kidney, heart or liver transplant. It is recommended that mycophenolate mofetil be administered on an empty stomach. In stable transplant patients, however, mycophenolate mofetil may be administered with food if necessary [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )] . Once reconstituted, mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension must not be mixed with any liquids prior to dose administration. If needed, mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension can be administered via a nasogastric tube with a minimum size of 8 French (minimum 1.7 mm interior diameter).
Patients should be instructed to take a missed dose as soon as they remember, except if it is closer than 2 hours to the next scheduled dose; in this case, they should continue to take mycophenolate mofetil at the usual times.
CellCept Intravenous
CellCept intravenous is recommended for patients unable to take oral mycophenolate mofetil. CellCept intravenous should be administered within 24 hours following transplant. CellCept intravenous can be administered for up to 14 days; however, patients should be switched to oral mycophenolate mofetil as soon as they can tolerate oral medication.
Dosage Recommendations for Kidney Transplant Patients
Adults
The recommended dosage for adult kidney transplant patients is 1 g orally or intravenously infused over no less than 2 hours, twice daily (total daily dose of 2 g).
Pediatrics (3 months and older)
Pediatric dosing is based on body surface area (BSA). The recommended dosage of mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension for pediatric kidney transplant patients 3 months and older is 600 mg/m 2 , administered twice daily (maximum total daily dose of 2 g or 10 mL of the oral suspension). Pediatric patients with BSA ≥ 1.25 m 2 may be dosed with capsules or tablets as follows:
Table 1 Pediatric Kidney Transplant: Dosage Using Capsules or Tablets
| Body Surface Area | Dosage |
| 1.25 m 2 to <1.5 m 2 | CellCept capsule 750 mg twice daily (1.5 g total daily dose) |
| ≥1.5 m 2 | CellCept capsules or tablets 1 g twice daily (2 g total daily dose) |
Dosage Recommendations for Heart Transplant Patients
Adults
The recommended dosage of mycophenolate mofetil for adult heart transplant patients is 1.5 g orally or intravenously infused over no less than 2 hours administered twice daily (total daily dose of 3 g).
Pediatrics (3 months and older)
The recommended starting dosage of mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension for pediatric heart transplant patients 3 months and older is 600 mg/m 2 , administered twice daily. If well tolerated, the dose can be increased to a maintenance dosage of 900 mg/m 2 twice daily (maximum total daily dose of 3 g or 15 mL of the oral suspension). The dose may be individualized based on clinical assessment .
Pediatric patients with BSA ≥1.25 m 2 may be started on therapy with capsules or tablets as follows:
Table 2 Pediatric Heart Transplant: Pediatric Starting Dosage Using Capsules or Tablets
| Body Surface Area | Starting Dosage• |
| 1.25 m 2 to <1.5 m 2 | CellCept capsule 750 mg twice daily (1.5 g total daily dose) |
| ≥1.5 m 2 | CellCept capsules or tablets 1 g twice daily (2 g total daily dose) |
• Maximum maintenance dose: 3 g total daily.
Dosage Recommendations for Liver Transplant Patients
Adults
The recommended dosage of mycophenolate mofetil for adult liver transplant patients is 1.5 g administered orally twice daily (total daily dose of 3 g) or 1 g infused intravenously over no less than 2 hours, twice daily (total daily dose of 2 g).
Pediatrics (3 months and older)
The recommended starting dosage of mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension for pediatric liver transplant patients 3 months of age and older is 600 mg/m 2 , administered twice daily. If well tolerated, the dose can be increased to a maintenance dosage of 900 mg/m 2 twice daily (maximum total daily dose of 3 g or 15 mL of the oral suspension). The dose may be individualized based on clinical assessment .
Pediatric patients with BSA ≥1.25 m 2 may be started on therapy with capsules or tablets as follows:
Table 3 Pediatric Liver Transplant: Pediatric Starting Dosage Using Capsules or Tablets
| Body Surface Area | Starting Dosage• |
| 1.25 m 2 to <1.5 m 2 | CellCept capsule 750 mg twice daily (1.5 g total daily dose) |
| ≥1.5 m 2 | CellCept capsules or tablets 1 g twice daily (2 g total daily dose) |
• Maximum maintenance dose: 3 g total daily.
Dosage Modifications: Patients with Renal Impairment, Neutropenia
Renal Impairment
No dosage modifications are needed in kidney transplant patients with delayed graft function postoperatively [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )] . In kidney transplant patients with severe chronic impairment of the graft (GFR <25 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), do not administer doses of mycophenolate mofetil greater than 1 g twice a day. These patients should be carefully monitored [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )] .
Preparation Instructions of Oral Suspension for Pharmacists
General Preparation Instructions Before Handling the Formulations
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has demonstrated teratogenic effects in humans. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures 1 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 ), Adverse Reactions (6.2 ), Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3 ), How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.1 )] .
Care should be taken to avoid inhalation or direct contact with skin or mucous membranes of the dry powder or the constituted suspension because MMF has demonstrated teratogenic effects in humans . Wearing disposable gloves is recommended during reconstitution and when wiping the outer surface of the bottle/cap and the table surface after reconstitution. If such contact occurs, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes with water.
Alert patients that they and others should also avoid inhalation or contact of the skin or mucous membranes with the oral suspension. Advise them to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water if such contact occurs; if ocular contact occurs, rinse eyes with plain water.
Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension
Mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension must be reconstituted by the pharmacist prior to dispensing to the patient. Mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension should not be mixed with any other medication. After reconstitution, the oral suspension contains 200 mg/mL MMF.
Before proceeding with the reconstitution steps read the general preparation instructions above [see General Preparation Instructions Before Handling the Formulations ]. The following are the steps for reconstitution:
- Tap the closed bottle several times to loosen the powder.
- Measure 94 mL of water in a graduated cylinder.
- Add approximately half the total amount of water for reconstitution to the bottle and shake the closed bottle well for about 1 minute.
- Add the remainder of water and shake the closed bottle well for about 1 minute.
- Remove the child-resistant cap and push bottle adapter into neck of bottle.
- Close bottle with child-resistant cap tightly. This will assure the proper seating of the bottle adapter in the bottle and child-resistant status of the cap.
- Write the date of expiration of the constituted suspension on the bottle label. (The shelf-life of the constituted suspension is 60 days.)
- Dispense with the "Instruction for Use" and oral dispensers. Alert patients to read the important handling information described in the instructions for use.
Store reconstituted suspension at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Storage in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) is acceptable. Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion 60 days after constitution.
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension, USP is available in the following dosage form and strength:
For oral suspension: 35 g mycophenolate mofetil white or almost white powder, 200 mg/mL upon reconstitution.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to mycophenolate during pregnancy and those becoming pregnant within 6 weeks of discontinuing mycophenolate mofetil treatment. To report a pregnancy or obtain information about the registry, visit www.mycophenolateREMS.com or call 1-800-617-8191.
Risk Summary
Use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of multiple congenital malformations in multiple organ systems [see Human Data ] . Oral administration of mycophenolate to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis produced congenital malformations and pregnancy loss at doses less than the recommended clinical dose (0.01 to 0.05 times the recommended clinical doses in kidney and heart transplant patients) [see Animal Data ] .
Consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity. Risks and benefits of mycophenolate mofetil should be discussed with the pregnant woman.
The estimated background risk of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations in organ transplant populations is not clear. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Human Data
A spectrum of congenital malformations (including multiple malformations in individual newborns) has been reported in 23 to 27% of live births in MMF exposed pregnancies, based on published data from pregnancy registries. Malformations that have been documented include external ear, eye, and other facial abnormalities including cleft lip and palate, and anomalies of the distal limbs, heart, esophagus, kidney, and nervous system.
Based on published data from pregnancy registries, the risk of first trimester pregnancy loss has been reported at 45 to 49% following MMF exposure.
Animal Data
In animal reproductive toxicology studies, there were increased rates of fetal resorptions and malformations in the absence of maternal toxicity. Oral administration of MMF to pregnant rats from Gestational Day 7 to Day 16 produced increased embryofetal lethality and fetal malformations including anophthalmia, agnathia, and hydrocephaly at doses equivalent to 0.015 and 0.01 times the recommended human doses for renal and cardiac transplant patients, respectively, when corrected for BSA. Oral administration of MMF to pregnant rabbits from Gestational Day 7 to Day 19 produced increased embryofetal lethality and fetal malformations included ectopia cordis, ectopic kidneys, diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical hernia at dose equivalents as low as 0.05 and 0.03 times the recommended human doses for renal and cardiac transplant patients, respectively, when corrected for BSA.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of mycophenolate in human milk, or the effects on milk production. There are limited data in the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry on the effects of mycophenolate on a breastfed child [see Data ] . Studies in rats treated with MMF have shown mycophenolic acid (MPA) to be present in milk. Because available data are limited, it is not possible to exclude potential risks to a breastfeeding infant.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for mycophenolate mofetil and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from mycophenolate mofetil or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Limited information is available from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry. Of seven infants reported by the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry to have been breastfed while the mother was taking mycophenolate, all were born at 34-40 weeks gestation, and breastfed for up to 14 months. No adverse events were reported.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Females of reproductive potential must be made aware of the increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and congenital malformations and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning.
Pregnancy Planning
For patients who are considering pregnancy, consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity whenever possible. Risks and benefits of mycophenolate mofetil should be discussed with the patient.
Pregnancy Testing
To prevent unplanned exposure during pregnancy, all females of reproductive potential should have a serum or urine pregnancy test with a sensitivity of at least 25 mIU/mL immediately before starting mycophenolate mofetil. Another pregnancy test with the same sensitivity should be done 8 to 10 days later. Repeat pregnancy tests should be performed during routine follow-up visits. Results of all pregnancy tests should be discussed with the patient. In the event of a positive pregnancy test, consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity whenever possible.
Contraception
Female Patients
Females of reproductive potential taking mycophenolate mofetil must receive contraceptive counseling and use acceptable contraception (see Table 9 for acceptable contraception methods). Patients must use acceptable birth control during the entire mycophenolate mofetil therapy, and for 6 weeks after stopping mycophenolate mofetil, unless the patient chooses abstinence.
Patients should be aware that mycophenolate mofetil reduces blood levels of the hormones from the oral contraceptive pill and could theoretically reduce its effectiveness [see Drug Interactions (7.2 )] .
| Pick from the following birth control options: | |||
| Option 1 | |||
| Methods to Use Alone |
| ||
| OR | |||
| Option 2 | Hormone Methods choose 1 | Barrier Methods choose 1 | |
| Choose One Hormone Method AND One Barrier Method | Estrogen and Progesterone
| AND |
|
| OR | |||
| Option 3 | Barrier Methods choose 1 | Barrier Methods choose 1 | |
| Choose One Barrier Method from each column (must choose two methods) |
| AND |
|
Male Patients
Genotoxic effects have been observed in animal studies at exposures exceeding the human therapeutic exposures by approximately 1.25 times. Thus, the risk of genotoxic effects on sperm cells cannot be excluded. Based on this potential risk, sexually active male patients and/or their female partners are recommended to use effective contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment. Also, based on the potential risk of genotoxic effects, male patients should not donate sperm during treatment with mycophenolate mofetil and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment [see Use in Special Populations (8.1 ), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1 ), Patient Counseling Information (17.9 )] .
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have been established in pediatric patients 3 months and older for the prophylaxis of organ rejection of allogeneic kidney, heart or liver transplants.
Kidney Transplant
Use of mycophenolate mofetil in this population is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of mycophenolate mofetil in adults with additional data from one open-label, pharmacokinetic and safety study of mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric patients after receiving allogeneic kidney transplant (100 patients, 3 months to 18 years of age) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 ), Adverse Reactions (6.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ), Clinical Studies (14.1 )].
Heart Transplant and Liver Transplant
Use of mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric heart transplant and liver transplant patients is supported by adequate and well-controlled studies and pharmacokinetic data in adult heart transplant and liver transplant patients. Additional supportive data include pharmacokinetic data in pediatric kidney transplant and pediatric liver transplant patients (8 liver transplant patients, 9 months to 5 years of age, in an open-label, pharmacokinetic and safety study) and published evidence of clinical efficacy and safety in pediatric heart transplant and pediatric liver transplant patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.3 , 2.4 ), Adverse Reactions (6.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ), Clinical Studies (14.1 )].
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of mycophenolate mofetil did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between geriatric and younger patients. In general, dose selection for a geriatric patient should take into consideration the presence of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function and of concomitant drug therapies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 ), Drug Interactions (7 )].
Patients with Renal Impairment
Patients with Kidney Transplant
No dosage adjustments are needed in kidney transplant patients experiencing delayed graft function postoperatively but patients should be carefully monitored [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )]. In kidney transplant patients with severe chronic impairment of the graft (GFR <25 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), no dose adjustments are necessary; however, doses greater than 1 g administered twice a day should be avoided.
Patients with Heart and Liver Transplant
No data are available for heart or liver transplant patients with severe chronic renal impairment. Mycophenolate mofetil may be used for heart or liver transplant patients with severe chronic renal impairment if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Patients with Kidney Transplant
No dosage adjustments are recommended for kidney transplant patients with severe hepatic parenchymal disease. However, it is not known whether dosage adjustments are needed for hepatic disease with other etiologies [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )].
Patients with Heart Transplant
No data are available for heart transplant patients with severe hepatic parenchymal disease.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Mycophenolate mofetil is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mycophenolic acid (MPA) or any component of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.000000000000000e+00 8 )] .
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Embryofetal Toxicity
Use of MMF 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 made aware of these risks and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning. Avoid use of MMF during pregnancy if safer treatment options are available [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3 )].
Lymphoma and Other Malignancies
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including mycophenolate mofetil, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 )] . The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. 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) developed in 0.4% to 1% of patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (2 g or 3 g) with other immunosuppressive agents in controlled clinical trials of kidney, heart and liver transplant patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 )] . The majority of PTLD cases appear to be 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. In pediatric patients, no other malignancies besides PTLD were observed in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 )].
Serious Infections
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including mycophenolate mofetil, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, fungal, protozoal and new or reactivated viral infections, including opportunistic infections. The risk increases with the total immunosuppressive load. These infections may lead to serious outcomes, including hospitalizations and death [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2 )].
Serious viral infections reported include:
- Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), especially due to BK virus infection
- JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections: CMV seronegative transplant patients who receive an organ from a CMV seropositive donor are at highest risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease.
- Viral reactivation in patients infected with Hepatitis B and C
- COVID-19
Consider dose reduction or discontinuation of mycophenolate mofetil in patients who develop new infections or reactivate viral infections, weighing the risk that reduced immunosuppression represents to the functioning allograft.
PVAN, especially due to BK virus infection, is associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss [see Adverse Reactions (6.2 )]. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for PVAN.
PML, which is sometimes fatal, commonly presents with hemiparesis, apathy, confusion, cognitive deficiencies, and ataxia [see Adverse Reactions (6.2 )] . In immunosuppressed patients, physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients reporting neurological symptoms.
The risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease is highest among transplant recipients seronegative for CMV at time of transplant who receive a graft from a CMV seropositive donor. Therapeutic approaches to limiting CMV disease exist and should be routinely provided. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for CMV disease.
Viral reactivation has been reported in patients infected with HBV or HCV. Monitoring infected patients for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV or HCV infection is recommended.
Blood Dyscrasias: Neutropenia and Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA)
Severe neutropenia [absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5 × 10 3 /μL] developed in transplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil 3 g daily [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 )] . Patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil should be monitored for neutropenia. Neutropenia has been observed most frequently in the period from 31 to 180 days post-transplant in patients treated for prevention of kidney, heart and liver rejection. The development of neutropenia may be related to mycophenolate mofetil itself, concomitant medications, viral infections, or a combination of these causes. If neutropenia develops (ANC <1.3 × 10 3 /μL), dosing with mycophenolate mofetil should be interrupted or the dose reduced, appropriate diagnostic tests performed, and the patient managed appropriately [see Dosage and Administration (2.5 )].
Patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil should be instructed to report immediately any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising, bleeding or any other manifestation of bone marrow depression.
Consider monitoring with complete blood counts weekly for the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months, and monthly for the remainder of the first year.
Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. In some cases, PRCA was found to be reversible with dose reduction or cessation of mycophenolate mofetil therapy. In transplant patients, however, reduced immunosuppression may place the graft at risk.
Gastrointestinal Complications
Gastrointestinal bleeding requiring hospitalization, ulceration and perforations were observed in clinical trials. Physicians should be aware of these serious adverse effects particularly when administering mycophenolate mofetil to patients with a gastrointestinal disease.
Patients with Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyl-Transferase Deficiency (HGPRT)
Mycophenolate mofetil is an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor; therefore it should be avoided in patients with hereditary deficiencies of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) such as Lesch-Nyhan and Kelley-Seegmiller syndromes because it may cause an exacerbation of disease symptoms characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of uric acid leading to symptoms associated with gout such as acute arthritis, tophi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis and renal disease including renal failure.
Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products
Acute inflammatory syndrome (AIS) has been reported with the use of MMF and mycophenolate products, and some cases have resulted in hospitalization. AIS is a paradoxical pro-inflammatory reaction characterized by fever, arthralgias, arthritis, muscle pain and elevated inflammatory markers including, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, without evidence of infection or underlying disease recurrence. Symptoms occur within weeks to months of initiation of treatment or a dose increase. After discontinuation, improvement of symptoms and inflammatory markers are usually observed within 24 to 48 hours.
Monitor patients for symptoms and laboratory parameters of AIS when starting treatment with mycophenolate products or when increasing the dosage. Discontinue treatment and consider other treatment alternatives based on the risk and benefit for the patient.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Postmarketing cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis, have been reported with mycophenolate mofetil. These reactions generally occurred within hours to the next day after initiating mycophenolate mofetil. If signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction occur, discontinue mycophenolate mofetil; treat and monitor until symptoms resolve [see Contraindications (4 )] .
Immunizations
During treatment with mycophenolate mofetil, the use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided (e.g., intranasal influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, and TY21a typhoid vaccines) and patients should be advised that vaccinations may be less effective. Advise patients to discuss with the physician before seeking any immunizations.
Risks in Patients with Phenylketonuria
Phenylalanine can be harmful to patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). Mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine (0.56 mg phenylalanine/mL suspension). Before prescribing mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension to a patient with PKU, consider the combined daily amount of phenylalanine from all sources, including mycophenolate mofetil.
Blood Donation
Patients should not donate blood during therapy and for at least 6 weeks following discontinuation of mycophenolate mofetil because their blood or blood products might be administered to a female of reproductive potential or a pregnant woman.
Semen Donation
Based on animal data, men should not donate semen during therapy and for 90 days following discontinuation of mycophenolate mofetil [see Use In Specific Populations (8.3 )] .
Effect of Concomitant Medications on Mycophenolic Acid Concentrations
A variety of drugs have potential to alter systemic MPA exposure when co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil. Therefore, determination of MPA concentrations in plasma before and after making any changes to immunosuppressive therapy, or when adding or discontinuing concomitant medications, may be appropriate to ensure MPA concentrations remain stable.
Potential Impairment of Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery
Mycophenolate mofetil may impact the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should avoid driving or using machines if they experience somnolence, confusion, dizziness, tremor, or hypotension during treatment with mycophenolate mofetil [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 )] .
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
- Embryofetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 )]
- Lymphomas and Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 ) ]
- Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 ) ]
- Blood Dyscrasias: Neutropenia, Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 ) ]
- Gastrointestinal Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5 ) ]
- Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 )]
- Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8 )]
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
An estimated total of 1557 adult patients received mycophenolate mofetil during pivotal clinical trials in the prevention of acute organ rejection. Of these, 991 were included in the three renal studies, 277 were included in one hepatic study, and 289 were included in one cardiac study. Patients in all study arms also received cyclosporine and corticosteroids.
The data described below primarily derive from five randomized, active-controlled double-blind 12-month trials of mycophenolate mofetil in de novo kidney (3) heart (1) and liver (1) transplant patients [see Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2 , and 14.3 )] .
Mycophenolate Mofetil Oral
The incidence of adverse reactions for mycophenolate mofetil was determined in five randomized, comparative, double-blind trials in the prevention of rejection in kidney, heart and liver transplant patients (two active- and one placebo-controlled trials, one active-controlled trial, and one active-controlled trial, respectively) [see Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2 , and 14.3 )] .
The three de novo kidney studies with 12-month duration compared two dose levels of oral mycophenolate mofetil (1 g twice daily and 1.5 g twice daily) with azathioprine (2 studies) or placebo (1 study) when administered in combination with cyclosporine (Sandimmune ® ) and corticosteroids to prevent acute rejection episodes. One study also included anti-thymocyte globulin (ATGAM ® ) induction therapy.
In the de novo heart transplantation study with 12-month duration, patients received mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g twice daily (n=289) or azathioprine 1.5 to 3 mg/kg/day (n=289), in combination with cyclosporine (Sandimmune ® or Neoral ® ) and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy.
In the de novo liver transplantation study with 12-month duration, patients received mycophenolate mofetil 1 g twice daily intravenously for up to 14 days followed by mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g twice daily orally or azathioprine 1 to 2 mg/kg/day intravenously followed by azathioprine 1 to 2 mg/kg/day orally, in combination with cyclosporine (Neoral ® ) and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. The total number of patients enrolled was 565.
Approximately 53% of the kidney transplant patients, 65% of the heart transplant patients, and 48% of the liver transplant patients were treated for more than 1 year. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 20% of patients in the mycophenolate mofetil treatment groups are presented below. The safety data of three kidney transplantation studies are pooled together.
| Adverse drug reaction | Kidney Studies | Heart Study | Liver Study | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mycophenolate Mofetil 2g/day (n=501) or 3g/day (n=490) | AZA 1 to 2 mg/kg/day or 100 to 150 mg/day | Placebo | Mycophenolate Mofetil 3g/day | AZA 1.5 to 3 mg/kg/day | Mycophenolate Mofetil 3g/day | AZA 1 to 2 mg/kg/day | |
| (n=991) | (n=326) | (n=166) | (n=289) | (n=289) | (n=277) | (n=287) | |
| System Organ Class | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
| Infections and infestations | |||||||
| Bacterial infections | 39.9 | 33.7 | 37.3 | - | - | 27.4 | 26.5 |
| Viral infections | - "-" Indicates that the incidence was below the cutoff value of 20% for inclusion in the table. | - | - | 31.1 | 24.9 | - | - |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | |||||||
| Anemia | 20.0 | 23.6 | 2.4 | 45.0 | 47.1 | 43.0 | 53.0 |
| Ecchymosis | - | - | - | 20.1 | 9.7 | - | - |
| Leukocytosis | - | - | - | 42.6 | 37.4 | 22.4 | 21.3 |
| Leukopenia | 28.6 | 24.8 | 4.2 | 34.3 | 43.3 | 45.8 | 39.0 |
| Thrombocytopenia | - | - | - | 24.2 | 28.0 | 38.3 | 42.2 |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | |||||||
| Hypercholesterolemia | - | - | - | 46.0 | 43.9 | - | - |
| Hyperglycemia | - | - | - | 48.4 | 53.3 | 43.7 | 48.8 |
| Hyperkalemia | - | - | - | - | - | 22.0 | 23.7 |
| Hypocalcemia | - | - | - | - | - | 30.0 | 30.0 |
| Hypokalemia | - | - | - | 32.5 | 26.3 | 37.2 | 41.1 |
| Hypomagnesemia | - | - | - | 20.1 | 14.2 | 39.0 | 37.6 |
| Psychiatric disorders | |||||||
| Depression | - | - | - | 20.1 | 15.2 | - | - |
| Insomnia | - | - | - | 43.3 | 39.8 | 52.3 | 47.0 |
| Nervous system disorders | |||||||
| Dizziness | - | - | - | 34.3 | 33.9 | - | - |
| Headache | - | - | - | 58.5 | 55.4 | 53.8 | 49.1 |
| Tremor | - | - | - | 26.3 | 25.6 | 33.9 | 35.5 |
| Cardiac disorders | |||||||
| Tachycardia | - | - | - | 22.8 | 21.8 | 22.0 | 15.7 |
| Vascular disorders | |||||||
| Hypertension | 27.5 | 32.2 | 19.3 | 78.9 | 74.0 | 62.1 | 59.6 |
| Hypotension | - | - | - | 34.3 | 40.1 | - | - |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | |||||||
| Cough | - | - | - | 40.5 | 32.2 | - | - |
| Dyspnea | - | - | - | 44.3 | 44.3 | 31.0 | 30.3 |
| Pleural effusion | - | - | - | - | - | 34.3 | 35.9 |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | |||||||
| Abdominal pain | 22.4 | 23.0 | 11.4 | 41.9 | 39.4 | 62.5 | 51.2 |
| Constipation | - | - | - | 43.6 | 38.8 | 37.9 | 38.3 |
| Decreased appetite | - | - | - | - | - | 25.3 | 17.1 |
| Diarrhea | 30.4 | 20.9 | 13.9 | 52.6 | 39.4 | 51.3 | 49.8 |
| Dyspepsia | - | - | - | 22.1 | 22.1 | 22.4 | 20.9 |
| Nausea | - | - | - | 56.1 | 60.2 | 54.5 | 51.2 |
| Vomiting | - | - | - | 39.1 | 34.6 | 32.9 | 33.4 |
| Hepatobiliary disorders | |||||||
| Blood lactate dehydrogenase increased | - | - | - | 23.5 | 18.3 | - | - |
| Hepatic enzyme increased | - | - | - | - | - | 24.9 | 19.2 |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissues disorders | |||||||
| Rash | - | - | - | 26.0 | 20.8 | - | - |
| Renal and urinary disorders | |||||||
| Blood creatinine increased | - | - | - | 42.2 | 39.8 | - | - |
| Blood urea increased | - | - | - | 36.7 | 34.3 | - | - |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | |||||||
| Asthenia | - | - | - | 49.1 | 41.2 | 35.4 | 33.8 |
| Edema "Edema" includes peripheral edema, facial edema, scrotal edema. | 21.0 | 28.2 | 8.4 | 67.5 | 55.7 | 48.4 | 47.7 |
| Pain "Pain" includes musculoskeletal pain (myalgia, neck pain, back pain). | 24.8 | 32.2 | 9.6 | 79.2 | 77.5 | 74.0 | 77.5 |
| Pyrexia | - | - | - | 56.4 | 53.6 | 52.3 | 56.1 |
In the three de novo kidney studies, patients receiving 2 g/day of mycophenolate mofetil had an overall better safety profile than did patients receiving 3 g/day of mycophenolate mofetil.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD, pseudolymphoma) developed in 0.4% to 1% of patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (2 g or 3 g daily) with other immunosuppressive agents in controlled clinical trials of kidney, heart and liver transplant patients followed for at least 1 year [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )]. Non-melanoma skin carcinomas occurred in 1.6% to 4.2% of patients, other types of malignancy in 0.7% to 2.1% of patients. Three-year safety data in kidney and heart transplant patients did not reveal any unexpected changes in incidence of malignancy compared to the 1-year data. In pediatric patients, PTLD was observed in 1.35% (2/148) by 12 months post-transplant.
Cytopenias, including leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia are a known risk associated with mycophenolate and may lead or contribute to the occurrence of infections and hemorrhages [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 )] . Severe neutropenia (ANC <0.5 × 10 3 /μL) developed in up to 2% of kidney transplant patients, up to 2.8% of heart transplant patients and up to 3.6% of liver transplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil 3 g daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 ) and Dosage and Administration (2.5 )].
The most common opportunistic infections in patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil with other immunosuppressants were mucocutaneous candida, CMV viremia/syndrome, and herpes simplex. The proportion of patients with CMV viremia/syndrome was 13.5%. In patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (2 g or 3 g) in controlled studies for prevention of kidney, heart or liver rejection, fatal infection/sepsis occurred in approximately 2% of kidney and heart patients and in 5% of liver patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 )].
The most serious gastrointestinal disorders reported were ulceration and hemorrhage, which are known risks associated with mycophenolate mofetil. Mouth, esophageal, gastric, duodenal, and intestinal ulcers often complicated by hemorrhage, as well as hematemesis, melena, and hemorrhagic forms of gastritis and colitis were commonly reported during the pivotal clinical trials, while the most common gastrointestinal disorders were diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Endoscopic investigation of patients with mycophenolate mofetil-related diarrhea revealed isolated cases of intestinal villous atrophy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5 )] .
The following adverse reactions were reported with 3% to <20% incidence in kidney, heart, and liver transplant patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil, in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids.
| System Organ Class | Adverse Reactions |
|---|---|
| Body as a Whole | cellulitis, chills, hernia, malaise |
| Infections and Infestations | fungal infections |
| Hematologic and Lymphatic | coagulation disorder, ecchymosis, pancytopenia |
| Urogenital | hematuria |
| Cardiovascular | hypotension |
| Metabolic and Nutritional | acidosis, alkaline phosphatase increased, hyperlipemia, hypophosphatemia, weight loss |
| Digestive | esophagitis, flatulence, gastritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatitis, ileus, nausea and vomiting, stomach ulcer, stomatitis |
| Neoplasm benign, malignant and unspecified | neoplasm |
| Skin and Appendages | skin benign neoplasm, skin carcinoma |
| Psychiatric | confusional state |
| Nervous | hypertonia, paresthesia, somnolence |
| Musculoskeletal | arthralgia, myasthenia |
Pediatrics
The type and frequency of adverse events in a clinical study for prevention of kidney allograft rejection in 100 pediatric patients 3 months to 18 years of age dosed with mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension 600 mg/m 2 twice daily (up to 1 g twice daily) were generally similar to those observed in adult patients dosed with CellCept capsules at a dose of 1 g twice daily with the exception of abdominal pain, fever, infection, pain, sepsis, diarrhea, vomiting, pharyngitis, respiratory tract infection, hypertension, leukopenia, and anemia, which were observed in a higher proportion in pediatric patients.
Safety information in pediatric heart transplant or pediatric liver transplant patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil is supported by an open-label study in pediatric liver transplant patients and publications; the type and frequency of the reported adverse reactions are consistent with those observed in pediatric patients following renal transplant and in adults.
Geriatrics
Geriatric patients (≥65 years), particularly those who are receiving mycophenolate mofetil as part of a combination immunosuppressive regimen, may be at increased risk of certain infections (including cytomegalovirus [CMV] tissue invasive disease) and possibly gastrointestinal hemorrhage and pulmonary edema, compared to younger individuals [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 ) and Adverse Reactions (6.1 )] .
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of mycophenolate mofetil. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure:
- Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Congenital malformations and spontaneous abortions, mainly in the first trimester, have been reported following exposure to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in combination with other immunosuppressants during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 ), and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 ), (8.3 )] . Congenital malformations include:
- Facial malformations: cleft lip, cleft palate, micrognathia, hypertelorism of the orbits
- Abnormalities of the ear and eye: abnormally formed or absent external/middle ear, coloboma, microphthalmos
- Malformations of the fingers: polydactyly, syndactyly, brachydactyly
- Cardiac abnormalities: atrial and ventricular septal defects
- Esophageal malformations: esophageal atresia
- Nervous system malformations: such as spina bifida .
- Cardiovascular : Venous thrombosis has been reported in patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil administered intravenously.
- Digestive : Colitis, pancreatitis
- Hematologic and Lymphatic : Bone marrow failure, cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and hypogammaglobulinemia have been reported in patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil in combination with other immunosuppressive agents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 ) ] .
- Immune : Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8 ) ], hypogammaglobinemia.
- Infections : Meningitis, infectious endocarditis, tuberculosis, atypical mycobacterial infection, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, BK virus infection, viral reactivation of hepatitis B and hepatitis C, protozoal infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 ) ] .
- Respiratory : Bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, fatal pulmonary fibrosis, have been reported rarely and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary symptoms ranging from dyspnea to respiratory failure in post-transplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil.
- Vascular : Lymphocele
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Effect of Other Drugs on Mycophenolate Mofetil
| Antacids with Magnesium or Aluminum Hydroxide | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use with an antacid containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide decreases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )] , which may reduce mycophenolate mofetil efficacy. |
| Prevention or Management | Administer magnesium or aluminum hydroxide containing antacids at least 2h after mycophenolate mofetil administration. |
| Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use with PPIs decreases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ] , which may reduce mycophenolate mofetil efficacy. |
| Prevention or Management | Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy when PPIs are co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil. |
| Examples | Lansoprazole, pantoprazole |
| Drugs that Interfere with Enterohepatic Recirculation | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use with drugs that directly interfere with enterohepatic recirculation, or indirectly interfere with enterohepatic recirculation by altering the gastrointestinal flora, can decrease MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ] , which may reduce mycophenolate mofetil efficacy. |
| Prevention or Management | Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or mycophenolate mofetil related adverse reactions when these drugs are co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil. |
| Examples | Cyclosporine A, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine), rifampin as well as aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone and penicillin classes of antimicrobials |
| Drugs Modulating Glucuronidation | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use with drugs inducing glucuronidation decreases MPA systemic exposure, potentially reducing mycophenolate mofetil efficacy, while use with drugs inhibiting glucuronidation increases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ] , which may increase the risk of mycophenolate mofetil related adverse reactions. |
| Prevention or Management | Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or mycophenolate mofetil related adverse reactions when these drugs are co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil. |
| Examples | Telmisartan (induces glucuronidation); isavuconazole (inhibits glucuronidation). |
| Calcium Free Phosphate Binders | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use with calcium free phosphate binders decrease MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ] , which may reduce mycophenolate mofetil efficacy. |
| Prevention or Management | Administer calcium free phosphate binders at least 2 hours after mycophenolate mofetil. |
| Examples | Sevelamer |
Effect of Mycophenolate Mofetil on Other Drugs
| Drugs that Undergo Renal Tubular Secretion | |
| Clinical Impact | When concomitantly used with mycophenolate mofetil, its metabolite MPAG, may compete with drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion which may increase plasma concentrations and/or adverse reactions associated with these drugs. |
| Prevention or Management | Monitor for drug-related adverse reactions in patients with renal impairment. |
| Examples | Acyclovir, ganciclovir, probenecid, valacyclovir, valganciclovir |
| Combination Oral Contraceptives | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use with mycophenolate mofetil decreased the systemic exposure to levonorgestrel, but did not affect the systemic exposure to ethinylestradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ] , which may result in reduced combination oral contraceptive effectiveness. |
| Prevention or Management | Use additional barrier contraceptive methods. |
DESCRIPTION
Mycophenolate mofetil is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant. It is the 2-morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolic acid (MPA), an immunosuppressive agent; inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor.
The chemical name for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is 2-morpholinoethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-5-isobenzofuranyl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate. It has an empirical formula of C 23 H 31 NO 7 , a molecular weight of 433.49 g/mole, and the following structural formula:
MMF is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water (43 μg/mL at pH 7.4); the solubility increases in acidic medium (4.27 mg/mL at pH 3.6). It is freely soluble in acetone, soluble in methanol, and sparingly soluble in ethanol. The apparent partition coefficient in 1-octanol/water (pH 7.4) buffer solution is 238. The pKa values for MMF are 5.6 for the morpholino group and 8.5 for the phenolic group.
Mycophenolate mofetil is available for oral administration as a powder for oral suspension which, when reconstituted, contains 200 mg/mL of MMF.
Inactive ingredients in Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension, USP include aspartame, citric acid anhydrous, colloidal silicon dioxide, methylparaben, sodium citrate dihydrate, sorbitol, de-oiled soy lecithin, tutti-frutti flavor, and xanthan gum.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is absorbed following oral administration and hydrolyzed to mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite. MPA is a selective uncompetitive inhibitor of the two isoforms (type I and type II) of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) leading to inhibition of the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis and blocks DNA synthesis. The mechanism of action of MPA is multifaceted and includes effects on cellular checkpoints responsible for metabolic programming of lymphocytes. MPA shifts transcriptional activities in lymphocytes from a proliferative state to catabolic processes. In vitro studies suggest that MPA modulates transcriptional activities in human CD4 + T-lymphocytes by suppressing the Akt/mTOR and STAT5 pathways that are relevant to metabolism and survival, leading to an anergic state of T-cells whereby the cells become less responsive to antigenic stimulation. Additionally, MPA enhanced the expression of negative co-stimulators such as CD70, PD-1, CTLA-4, and transcription factor FoxP3 as well as decreased the expression of positive co-stimulators CD27 and CD28.
MPA decreases proliferative responses of T- and B-lymphocytes to both mitogenic and allo-antigenic stimulation, antibody responses, as well as the production of cytokines from lymphocytes and monocytes such as GM-CSF, IFN-Ɣ, IL-17, and TNF-α. Additionally, MPA prevents the glycosylation of lymphocyte and monocyte glycoproteins that are involved in intercellular adhesion to endothelial cells and may inhibit recruitment of leukocytes into sites of inflammation and graft rejection.
Overall, the effect of MPA is cytostatic and reversible.
Pharmacodynamics
There is a lack of information regarding the pharmacodynamic effects of MMF.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Following oral and intravenous administration, MMF undergoes complete conversion to MPA, the active metabolite. In 12 healthy volunteers, the mean absolute bioavailability of oral MMF relative to intravenous MMF was 94%. Two 500 mg CellCept tablets have been shown to be bioequivalent to four 250 mg CellCept capsules. Five mL of the 200 mg/mL constituted mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension have been shown to be bioequivalent to four 250 mg capsules.
The mean (±SD) pharmacokinetic parameters estimates for MPA following the administration of MMF given as single doses to healthy volunteers, and multiple doses to kidney, heart, and liver transplant patients, are shown in Table 10 . The area under the plasma-concentration time curve (AUC) for MPA appears to increase in a dose-proportional fashion in kidney transplant patients receiving multiple oral doses of MMF up to a daily dose of 3 g (1.5 g twice daily) (see Table 10 ).
| Healthy Volunteers | Dose/Route | T max (h) | C max (mcg/mL) | Total AUC (mcg∙h/mL) |
| Single dose | 1 g/oral | 0.80 (±0.36) (n=129) | 24.5 (±9.5) (n=129) | 63.9 (±16.2) (n=117) |
| Kidney Transplant Patients (twice daily dosing) Time After Transplantation | Dose/Route | T max (h) | C max (mcg/mL) | Interdosing Interval AUC(0-12h) (mcg∙h/mL) |
| 5 days | 1 g/iv | 1.58 (±0.46) (n=31) | 12.0 (±3.82) (n=31) | 40.8 (±11.4) (n=31) |
| 6 days | 1 g/oral | 1.33 (±1.05) (n=31) | 10.7 (±4.83) (n=31) | 32.9 (±15.0) (n=31) |
| Early (Less than 40 days) | 1 g/oral | 1.31 (±0.76) (n=25) | 8.16 (±4.50) (n=25) | 27.3 (±10.9) (n=25) |
| Early (Less than 40 days) | 1.5 g/oral | 1.21 (±0.81) (n=27) | 13.5 (±8.18) (n=27) | 38.4 (±15.4) (n=27) |
| Late (Greater than 3 months) | 1.5 g/oral | 0.90 (±0.24) (n=23) | 24.1 (±12.1) (n=23) | 65.3 (±35.4) (n=23) |
| Heart Transplant Patients (twice daily dosing) Time After Transplantation | Dose/Route | T max (h) | C max (mcg/mL) | Interdosing Interval AUC(0-12h) (mcg∙h/mL) |
| Early (Day before discharge) | 1.5 g/oral | 1.8 (±1.3) (n=11) | 11.5 (±6.8) (n=11) | 43.3 (±20.8) (n=9) |
| Late (Greater than 6 months) | 1.5 g/oral | 1.1 (±0.7) (n=52) | 20.0 (±9.4) (n=52) | 54.1 AUC(0-12h) values quoted are extrapolated from data from samples collected over 4 hours. (±20.4) (n=49) |
| Liver Transplant Patients (twice daily dosing) Time After Transplantation | Dose/Route | T max (h) | C max (mcg/mL) | Interdosing Interval AUC(0-12h) (mcg∙h/mL) |
| 4 to 9 days | 1 g/iv | 1.50 (±0.517) (n=22) | 17.0 (±12.7) (n=22) | 34.0 (±17.4) (n=22) |
| Early (5 to 8 days) | 1.5 g/oral | 1.15 (±0.432) (n=20) | 13.1 (±6.76) (n=20) | 29.2 (±11.9) (n=20) |
| Late (Greater than 6 months) | 1.5 g/oral | 1.54 (±0.51) (n=6) | 19.3 (±11.7) (n=6) | 49.3 (±14.8) (n=6) |
In the early post-transplant period (less than 40 days post-transplant), kidney, heart, and liver transplant patients had mean MPA AUCs approximately 20% to 41% lower and mean C max approximately 32% to 44% lower compared to the late transplant period (i.e., 3 to 6 months post-transplant) (non-stationarity in MPA pharmacokinetics).
Mean MPA AUC values following administration of 1 g twice daily intravenous mycophenolate mofetil over 2 hours to kidney transplant patients for 5 days were about 24% higher than those observed after oral administration of a similar dose in the immediate post-transplant phase.
In liver transplant patients, administration of 1 g twice daily intravenous mycophenolate mofetil followed by 1.5 g twice daily oral mycophenolate mofetil resulted in mean MPA AUC estimates similar to those found in kidney transplant patients administered 1 g mycophenolate mofetil twice daily.
Effect of Food
Food (27 g fat, 650 calories) had no effect on the extent of absorption (MPA AUC) of MMF when administered at doses of 1.5 g twice daily to kidney transplant patients. However, MPA C max was decreased by 40% in the presence of food [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 )] .
Distribution
The mean (±SD) apparent volume of distribution of MPA in 12 healthy volunteers was approximately 3.6 (±1.5) L/kg. At clinically relevant concentrations, MPA is 97% bound to plasma albumin. The phenolic glucuronide metabolite of MPA (MPAG) is 82% bound to plasma albumin at MPAG concentration ranges that are normally seen in stable kidney transplant patients; however, at higher MPAG concentrations (observed in patients with kidney impairment or delayed kidney graft function), the binding of MPA may be reduced as a result of competition between MPAG and MPA for protein binding. Mean blood to plasma ratio of radioactivity concentrations was approximately 0.6 indicating that MPA and MPAG do not extensively distribute into the cellular fractions of blood.
In vitro studies to evaluate the effect of other agents on the binding of MPA to human serum albumin (HSA) or plasma proteins showed that salicylate (at 25 mg/dL with human serum albumin) and MPAG (at ≥ 460 mcg/mL with plasma proteins) increased the free fraction of MPA. MPA at concentrations as high as 100 mcg/mL had little effect on the binding of warfarin, digoxin or propranolol, but decreased the binding of theophylline from 53% to 45% and phenytoin from 90% to 87%.
Elimination
Mean (±SD) apparent half-life and plasma clearance of MPA are 17.9 (±6.5) hours and 193 (±48) mL/min following oral administration and 16.6 (±5.8) hours and 177 (±31) mL/min following intravenous administration, respectively.
Metabolism
The parent drug, MMF, can be measured systemically during the intravenous infusion; however, approximately 5 minutes after the infusion is stopped or after oral administration, MMF concentrations are below the limit of quantitation (0.4 mcg/mL).
Metabolism to MPA occurs pre-systemically after oral dosing. MPA is metabolized principally by glucuronyl transferase to form MPAG, which is not pharmacologically active. In vivo , MPAG is converted to MPA during enterohepatic recirculation. The following metabolites of the 2-hydroxyethyl-morpholino moiety are also recovered in the urine following oral administration of MMF to healthy subjects: N-(2-carboxymethyl)-morpholine, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morpholine, and the N-oxide of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morpholine.
Due to the enterohepatic recirculation of MPAG/MPA, secondary peaks in the plasma MPA concentration-time profile are usually observed 6 to 12 hours post-dose. Bile sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, reduce MPA AUC by interfering with this enterohepatic recirculation of the drug [see Overdosage (10 ) and Drug Interaction Studies below ] .
Excretion
Negligible amount of drug is excreted as MPA (less than 1% of dose) in the urine. Orally administered radiolabeled MMF resulted in complete recovery of the administered dose, with 93% of the administered dose recovered in the urine and 6% recovered in feces. Most (about 87%) of the administered dose is excreted in the urine as MPAG. At clinically encountered concentrations, MPA and MPAG are usually not removed by hemodialysis. However, at high MPAG plasma concentrations (> 100 mcg/mL), small amounts of MPAG are removed.
Increased plasma concentrations of MMF metabolites (MPA 50% increase and MPAG about a 3-fold to 6-fold increase) are observed in patients with renal insufficiency [see Specific Populations ] .
Specific Populations
Patients with Renal Impairment
The mean (±SD) pharmacokinetic parameters for MPA following the administration of oral MMF given as single doses to non-transplant subjects with renal impairment are presented in Table 11 .
In a single-dose study, MMF was administered as a capsule or as an intravenous infusion over 40 minutes. Plasma MPA AUC observed after oral dosing to volunteers with severe chronic renal impairment (GFR < 25 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) was about 75% higher relative to that observed in healthy volunteers (GFR > 80 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). In addition, the single-dose plasma MPAG AUC was 3-fold to 6-fold higher in volunteers with severe renal impairment than in volunteers with mild renal impairment or healthy volunteers, consistent with the known renal elimination of MPAG. No data are available on the safety of long-term exposure to this level of MPAG.
Plasma MPA AUC observed after single-dose (1 g) intravenous dosing to volunteers (n=4) with severe chronic renal impairment (GFR < 25 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) was 62.4 mcg∙h/mL (±19.3). Multiple dosing of MMF in patients with severe chronic renal impairment has not been studied.
Patients with Delayed Graft Function or Nonfunction
In patients with delayed renal graft function post-transplant, mean MPA AUC(0-12h) was comparable to that seen in post-transplant patients without delayed renal graft function. There is a potential for a transient increase in the free fraction and concentration of plasma MPA in patients with delayed renal graft function. However, dose adjustment does not appear to be necessary in patients with delayed renal graft function. Mean plasma MPAG AUC(0-12h) was 2-fold to 3-fold higher than in post-transplant patients without delayed renal graft function [see Dosage and Administration (2.5 )] .
In eight patients with primary graft non-function following kidney transplantation, plasma concentrations of MPAG accumulated about 6-fold to 8-fold after multiple dosing for 28 days. Accumulation of MPA was about 1-fold to 2-fold.
The pharmacokinetics of MMF are not altered by hemodialysis. Hemodialysis usually does not remove MPA or MPAG. At high concentrations of MPAG (> 100 mcg/mL), hemodialysis removes only small amounts of MPAG.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
The mean (± SD) pharmacokinetic parameters for MPA following the administration of oral MMF given as single doses to non-transplant subjects with hepatic impairment is presented in Table 11 .
In a single-dose (1 g oral) study of 18 volunteers with alcoholic cirrhosis and 6 healthy volunteers, hepatic MPA glucuronidation processes appeared to be relatively unaffected by hepatic parenchymal disease when pharmacokinetic parameters of healthy volunteers and alcoholic cirrhosis patients within this study were compared. However, it should be noted that for unexplained reasons, the healthy volunteers in this study had about a 50% lower AUC as compared to healthy volunteers in other studies, thus making comparisons between volunteers with alcoholic cirrhosis and healthy volunteers difficult. In a single-dose (1 g intravenous) study of 6 volunteers with severe hepatic impairment (aminopyrine breath test less than 0.2% of dose) due to alcoholic cirrhosis, MMF was rapidly converted to MPA. MPA AUC was 44.1 mcg∙h/mL (±15.5).
| Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Renal Impairment | ||||
| Dose | T max (h) | C max (mcg/mL) | AUC(0-96h) (mcg∙h/mL) | |
| Healthy Volunteers GFR greater than 80 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (n=6) | 1 g | 0.75 (±0.27) | 25.3 (±7.99) | 45.0 (±22.6) |
| Mild Renal Impairment GFR 50 to 80 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (n=6) | 1 g | 0.75 (±0.27) | 26.0 (±3.82) | 59.9 (±12.9) |
| Moderate Renal Impairment GFR 25 to 49 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (n=6) | 1 g | 0.75 (±0.27) | 19.0 (±13.2) | 52.9 (±25.5) |
| Severe Renal Impairment GFR less than 25 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (n=7) | 1 g | 1.00 (±0.41) | 16.3 (±10.8) | 78.6 (±46.4) |
| Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Hepatic Impairment | ||||
| Dose | T max (h) | C max (mcg/mL) | AUC(0-48h) (mcg∙h/mL) | |
| Healthy Volunteers (n=6) | 1 g | 0.63 (±0.14) | 24.3 (±5.73) | 29.0 (±5.78) |
| Alcoholic Cirrhosis (n=18) | 1 g | 0.85 (±0.58) | 22.4 (±10.1) | 29.8 (±10.7) |
Pediatric Patients
The pharmacokinetic parameters of MPA and MPAG have been evaluated in 55 pediatric patients (ranging from 1 year to 18 years of age) receiving mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension at a dose of 600 mg/m 2 twice daily (up to a maximum of 1 g twice daily) after allogeneic kidney transplantation. The pharmacokinetic data for MPA is provided in Table 12 .
| Age Group | (n) | Time | T max (h) | Dose Adjusted adjusted to a dose of 600 mg/m 2 C max (mcg/mL) | Dose AdjustedAUC 0-12 (mcg∙h/mL) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early (Day 7) | ||||||||
| 1 to less than 2 yr | (6) a subset of 1 to <6 yr | 3.03 | (4.70) | 10.3 | (5.80) | 22.5 | (6.66) | |
| 1 to less than 6 yr | (17) | 1.63 | (2.85) | 13.2 | (7.16) | 27.4 | (9.54) | |
| 6 to less than 12 yr | (16) | 0.940 | (0.546) | 13.1 | (6.30) | 33.2 | (12.1) | |
| 12 to 18 yr | (21) | 1.16 | (0.830) | 11.7 | (10.7) | 26.3 | (9.14) n=20 | |
| Late (Month 3) | ||||||||
| 1 to less than 2 yr | (4) | 0.725 | (0.276) | 23.8 | (13.4) | 47.4 | (14.7) | |
| 1 to less than 6 yr | (15) | 0.989 | (0.511) | 22.7 | (10.1) | 49.7 | (18.2) | |
| 6 to less than 12 yr | (14) | 1.21 | (0.532) | 27.8 | (14.3) | 61.9 | (19.6) | |
| 12 to 18 yr | (17) | 0.978 | (0.484) | 17.9 | (9.57) | 53.6 | (20.3) n=16 | |
| Late (Month 9) | ||||||||
| 1 to less than 2 yr | (4) | 0.604 | (0.208) | 25.6 | (4.25) | 55.8 | (11.6) | |
| 1 to less than 6 yr | (12) | 0.869 | (0.479) | 30.4 | (9.16) | 61.0 | (10.7) | |
| 6 to less than 12 yr | (11) | 1.12 | (0.462) | 29.2 | (12.6) | 66.8 | (21.2) | |
| 12 to 18 yr | (14) | 1.09 | (0.518) | 18.1 | (7.29) | 56.7 | (14.0) | |
The mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension dose of 600 mg/m 2 twice daily (up to a maximum of 1 g twice daily) achieved mean MPA AUC values in pediatric patients similar to those seen in adult kidney transplant patients receiving CellCept capsules at a dose of 1 g twice daily in the early post-transplant period. There was wide variability in the data. As observed in adults, early post-transplant MPA AUC values were approximately 45% to 53% lower than those observed in the later post-transplant period (>3 months). MPA AUC values were similar in the early and late post-transplant period across the 1 to 18-year age range.
A comparison of dose-normalized (to 600 mg/m 2 ) MPA AUC values in 12 pediatric kidney transplant patients less than 6 years of age at 9 months post-transplant with those values in 7 pediatric liver transplant patients [median age 17 months (range: 10 – 60 months)] and at 6 months and beyond post-transplant revealed that, at the same dose, there were on average 23% lower AUC values in the pediatric liver compared to pediatric kidney patients. This is consistent with the need for higher dosing in adult liver transplant patients compared to kidney transplant patients to achieve the same exposure.
In adult transplant patients administered the same dosage of mycophenolate mofetil, there is similar MPA exposure among kidney transplant and heart transplant patients. Based on the established similarity in MPA exposure between pediatric kidney transplant and adult kidney transplant patients at their respective approved doses, it is expected that MPA exposure at the recommended dosage will be similar in pediatric heart transplant and adult heart transplant patients.
Male and Female Patients
Data obtained from several studies were pooled to look at any gender-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of MPA (data were adjusted to 1 g oral dose). Mean (±SD) MPA AUC(0-12h) for males (n=79) was 32.0 (±14.5) and for females (n=41) was 36.5 (±18.8) mcg∙h/mL while mean (±SD) MPA C max was 9.96 (±6.19) in the males and 10.6 (±5.64) mcg/mL in the females. These differences are not of clinical significance.
Geriatric Patients
The pharmacokinetics of mycophenolate mofetil and its metabolites have not been found to be altered in geriatric transplant patients when compared to younger transplant patients.
Drug Interaction Studies
Acyclovir
Coadministration of MMF (1 g) and acyclovir (800 mg) to 12 healthy volunteers resulted in no significant change in MPA AUC and C max . However, MPAG and acyclovir plasma AUCs were increased 10.6% and 21.9%, respectively.
Antacids with Magnesium and Aluminum Hydroxides
Absorption of a single dose of MMF (2 g) was decreased when administered to 10 rheumatoid arthritis patients also taking Maalox ® TC (10 mL qid). The C max and AUC(0-24h) for MPA were 33% and 17% lower, respectively, than when MMF was administered alone under fasting conditions.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Coadministration of PPIs (e.g., lansoprazole, pantoprazole) in single doses to healthy volunteers and multiple doses to transplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil has been reported to reduce the exposure to MPA. An approximate reduction of 30 to 70% in the C max and 25% to 35% in the AUC of MPA has been observed, possibly due to a decrease in MPA solubility at an increased gastric pH.
Cholestyramine
Following single-dose administration of 1.5 g MMF to 12 healthy volunteers pretreated with 4 g three times a day of cholestyramine for 4 days, MPA AUC decreased approximately 40%. This decrease is consistent with interruption of enterohepatic recirculation which may be due to binding of recirculating MPAG with cholestyramine in the intestine.
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune ® ) pharmacokinetics (at doses of 275 to 415 mg/day) were unaffected by single and multiple doses of 1.5 g twice daily of MMF in 10 stable kidney transplant patients. The mean (±SD) AUC(0-12h) and C max of cyclosporine after 14 days of multiple doses of MMF were 3290 (±822) ng∙h/mL and 753 (±161) ng/mL, respectively, compared to 3245 (±1088) ng∙h/mL and 700 (±246) ng/mL, respectively, 1 week before administration of MMF.
Cyclosporine A interferes with MPA enterohepatic recirculation. In kidney transplant patients, mean MPA exposure (AUC(0-12h)) was approximately 30-50% greater when MMF was administered without cyclosporine compared with when MMF was coadministered with cyclosporine. This interaction is due to cyclosporine inhibition of multidrug-resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP-2) transporter in the biliary tract, thereby preventing the excretion of MPAG into the bile that would lead to enterohepatic recirculation of MPA. This information should be taken into consideration when MMF is used without cyclosporine.
Drugs Affecting Glucuronidation
Concomitant administration of drugs inhibiting glucuronidation of MPA may increase MPA exposure (e.g., increase of MPA AUC(0-∞) by 35% was observed with concomitant administration of isavuconazole).
Concomitant administration of telmisartan and mycophenolate mofetil resulted in an approximately 30% decrease in MPA concentrations. Telmisartan changes MPA’s elimination by enhancing PPAR gamma (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) expression, which in turn results in an enhanced UGT1A9 expression and glucuronidation activity.
Ganciclovir
Following single-dose administration to 12 stable kidney transplant patients, no pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between MMF (1.5 g) and intravenous ganciclovir (5 mg/kg). Mean (±SD) ganciclovir AUC and C max (n=10) were 54.3 (±19.0) mcg∙h/mL and 11.5 (±1.8) mcg/mL, respectively, after coadministration of the two drugs, compared to 51.0 (±17.0) mcg∙h/mL and 10.6 (±2.0) mcg/mL, respectively, after administration of intravenous ganciclovir alone. The mean (±SD) AUC and C max of MPA (n=12) after coadministration were 80.9 (±21.6) mcg∙h/mL and 27.8 (±13.9) mcg/mL, respectively, compared to values of 80.3 (±16.4) µg∙h/mL and 30.9 (±11.2) mcg/mL, respectively, after administration of MMF alone.
Oral Contraceptives
A study of coadministration of mycophenolate mofetil (1 g twice daily) and combined oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol (0.02 mg to 0.04 mg) and levonorgestrel (0.05 mg to 0.20 mg), desogestrel (0.15 mg) or gestodene (0.05 mg to 0.10 mg) was conducted in 18 women with psoriasis over 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Mean serum levels of LH, FSH and progesterone were not significantly affected. Mean AUC(0-24h) was similar for ethinylestradiol and 3-keto desogestrel; however, mean levonorgestrel AUC(0-24h) significantly decreased by about 15%. There was large inter-patient variability (%CV in the range of 60% to 70%) in the data, especially for ethinylestradiol.
Sevelamer
Concomitant administration of sevelamer and MMF in adult and pediatric patients decreased the mean MPA C max and AUC(0-12h) by 36% and 26% respectively.
Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials eliminating beta-glucuronidase-producing bacteria in the intestine (e.g. aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone, and penicillin classes of antimicrobials) may interfere with the MPAG/MPA enterohepatic recirculation thus leading to reduced systemic MPA exposure. Information concerning antibiotics is as follows:
- Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole: Following single-dose administration of MMF (1.5 g) to 12 healthy male volunteers on day 8 of a 10-day course of trimethoprim 160 mg/sulfamethoxazole 800 mg administered twice daily, no effect on the bioavailability of MPA was observed. The mean (±SD) AUC and C max of MPA after concomitant administration were 75.2 (±19.8) mcg∙h/mL and 34.0 (±6.6) µg/mL, respectively, compared to 79.2 (±27.9) mcg∙h/mL and 34.2 (±10.7) mcg/mL, respectively, after administration of MMF alone.
- Norfloxacin and Metronidazole: Following single-dose administration of MMF (1 g) to 11 healthy volunteers on day 4 of a 5-day course of a combination of norfloxacin and metronidazole, the mean MPA AUC(0-48h) was significantly reduced by 33% compared to the administration of MMF alone (p<0.05). The mean (±SD) MPA AUC(0-48h) after coadministration of MMF with norfloxacin or metronidazole separately was 48.3 (±24) mcg∙h/mL and 42.7 (±23) mcg∙h/mL, respectively, compared with 56.2 (±24) mcg∙h/mL after administration of MMF alone.
- Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin Plus Clavulanic Acid: A total of 64 mycophenolate mofetil-treated kidney transplant recipients received either oral ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily or amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid 375 mg three times daily for 7 or at least 14 days, respectively. Approximately 50% reductions in median trough MPA concentrations (pre-dose) from baseline (mycophenolate mofetil alone) were observed in 3 days following commencement of oral ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid. These reductions in trough MPA concentrations tended to diminish within 14 days of antimicrobial therapy and ceased within 3 days of discontinuation of antibiotics.
- Rifampin: In a single heart-lung transplant patient, after correction for dose, a 67% decrease in MPA exposure (AUC(0-12h)) has been observed with concomitant administration of MMF and rifampin.
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
In a 104-week oral carcinogenicity study in mice, MMF in daily doses up to 180 mg/kg was not tumorigenic. The highest dose tested was 0.2 times the recommended clinical dose (2 g/day) in renal transplant patients and 0.15 times the recommended clinical dose (3 g/day) in cardiac transplant patients when corrected for differences in body surface area (BSA). In a 104-week oral carcinogenicity study in rats, MMF in daily doses up to 15 mg/kg was not tumorigenic. The highest dose was 0.035 times the recommended clinical dose in kidney transplant patients and 0.025 times the recommended clinical dose in heart transplant patients when corrected for BSA. While these animal doses were lower than those given to patients, they were maximal in those species and were considered adequate to evaluate the potential for human risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )] .
The genotoxic potential of MMF was determined in five assays. MMF was genotoxic in the mouse lymphoma/thymidine kinase assay and the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. MMF was not genotoxic in the bacterial mutation assay, the yeast mitotic gene conversion assay or the Chinese hamster ovary cell chromosomal aberration assay.
MMF had no effect on fertility of male rats at oral doses up to 20 mg/kg/day. This dose represents 0.05 times the recommended clinical dose in renal transplant patients and 0.03 times the recommended clinical dose in cardiac transplant patients when corrected for BSA. In a female fertility and reproduction study conducted in rats, oral doses of 4.5 mg/kg/day caused malformations (principally of the head and eyes) in the first generation offspring in the absence of maternal toxicity. This dose was 0.01 times the recommended clinical dose in renal transplant patients and 0.005 times the recommended clinical dose in cardiac transplant patients when corrected for BSA. No effects on fertility or reproductive parameters were evident in the dams or in the subsequent generation.
CLINICAL STUDIES
Kidney Transplantation
Adults
The three de novo kidney transplantation studies compared two dose levels of oral mycophenolate mofetil (1 g twice daily and 1.5 g twice daily) with azathioprine (2 studies) or placebo (1 study) to prevent acute rejection episodes. One of the two studies with azathioprine (AZA) control arm also included anti-thymocyte globulin (ATGAM ® ) induction therapy. The geographic location of the investigational sites of these studies are included in Table 13 .
In all three de novo kidney transplantation studies, the primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients in each treatment group who experienced treatment failure within the first 6 months after transplantation. Treatment failure was defined as biopsy-proven acute rejection on treatment or the occurrence of death, graft loss or early termination from the study for any reason without prior biopsy-proven rejection.
Mycophenolate mofetil, in combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine, reduced (statistically significant at 0.05 level) the incidence of treatment failure within the first 6 months following transplantation ( Table 13 ). Patients who prematurely discontinued treatment were followed for the occurrence of death or graft loss, and the cumulative incidence of graft loss and patient death combined are summarized in Table 14 . Patients who prematurely discontinued treatment were not followed for the occurrence of acute rejection after termination.
| • Does not include death and graft loss as reason for early termination. | |||
| USA Study | Mycophenolate Mofetil 2 g/day | Mycophenolate Mofetil 3 g/day | AZA 1 to 2 mg/kg/day |
| (N=499 patients) | (n=167 patients) | (n=166 patients) | (n=166 patients) |
| All 3 groups received anti-thymocyte globulin induction, cyclosporine and corticosteroids | |||
| All treatment failures | 31.1% | 31.3% | 47.6% |
| Early termination without prior acute rejection | 9.6% | 12.7% | 6.0% |
| Biopsy-proven rejection episode on treatment | 19.8% | 17.5% | 38.0% |
| Europe/Canada/Australia Study (N=503 patients) | Mycophenolate Mofetil 2 g/day (n=173 patients) | Mycophenolate Mofetil 3 g/day (n=164 patients) | AZA 100 to 150 mg/day (n=166 patients) |
| No induction treatment administered; all 3 groups received cyclosporine and corticosteroids. | |||
| All treatment failures | 38.2% | 34.8% | 50.0% |
| Early termination without prior acute rejection | 13.9% | 15.2% | 10.2% |
| Biopsy-proven rejection episode on treatment | 19.7% | 15.9% | 35.5% |
| Europe Study | Mycophenolate Mofetil 2 g/day | Mycophenolate Mofetil 3 g/day | Placebo |
| (N=491 patients) | (n=165 patients) | (n=160 patients) | (n=166 patients) |
| No induction treatment administered; all 3 groups received cyclosporine and corticosteroids. | |||
| All treatment failures | 30.3% | 38.8% | 56.0% |
| Early termination without prior acute rejection | 11.5% | 22.5% | 7.2% |
| Biopsy-proven rejection episode on treatment | 17.0% | 13.8% | 46.4% |
No advantage of mycophenolate mofetil at 12 months with respect to graft loss or patient death (combined) was established ( Table 14 ). Numerically, patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil 2 g/day and 3 g/day experienced a better outcome than controls in all three studies; patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil 2 g/day experienced a better outcome than mycophenolate mofetil 3 g/day in two of the three studies. Patients in all treatment groups who terminated treatment early were found to have a poor outcome with respect to graft loss or patient death at 1 year.
| Study | Mycophenolate Mofetil 2 g/day | Mycophenolate Mofetil 3 g/day | Control (AZA or Placebo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 8.5% | 11.5% | 12.2% |
| Europe/Canada/Australia | 11.7% | 11.0% | 13.6% |
| Europe | 8.5% | 10.0% | 11.5% |
Pediatrics- De Novo Kidney transplantation PK Study with Long Term Follow-Up
One open-label, safety and pharmacokinetic study of mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension 600 mg/m 2 twice daily (up to 1 g twice daily) in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids was performed at centers in the United States (9), Europe (5) and Australia (1) in 100 pediatric patients (3 months to 18 years of age) for the prevention of renal allograft rejection. Mycophenolate mofetil was well tolerated in pediatric patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 )] , and the pharmacokinetics profile was similar to that seen in adult patients dosed with 1 g twice daily CellCept capsules [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )]. The rate of biopsy-proven rejection was similar across the age groups (3 months to <6 years, 6 years to <12 years, 12 years to 18 years). The overall biopsy-proven rejection rate at 6 months was comparable to adults. The combined incidence of graft loss (5%) and patient death (2%) at 12 months post-transplant was similar to that observed in adult kidney transplant patients.
Heart Transplantation
A double-blind, randomized, comparative, parallel-group, multicenter study in primary de novo heart transplant recipients was performed at centers in the United States (20), in Canada (1), in Europe (5) and in Australia (2). The total number of patients enrolled (ITT population) was 650; 72 never received study drug and 578 received study drug (Safety Population). Patients received mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g twice daily (n=289) or AZA 1.5 to 3 mg/kg/day (n=289), in combination with cyclosporine (Sandimmune ® or Neoral ® ) and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. The two primary efficacy endpoints were: (1) the proportion of patients who, after transplantation, had at least one endomyocardial biopsy-proven rejection with hemodynamic compromise, or were re-transplanted or died, within the first 6 months, and (2) the proportion of patients who died or were re-transplanted during the first 12 months following transplantation. Patients who prematurely discontinued treatment were followed for the occurrence of allograft rejection for up to 6 months and for the occurrence of death for 1 year.
The analyses of the endpoints showed:
- Rejection: No difference was established between mycophenolate mofetil and AZA with respect to biopsy-proven rejection with hemodynamic compromise.
- Survival: Mycophenolate mofetil was shown to be at least as effective as AZA in preventing death or re-transplantation at 1 year (see Table 15 ).
| All Patients (ITT) | Treated Patients | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZA N = 323 | Mycophenolate Mofetil N = 327 | AZA N = 289 | Mycophenolate Mofetil N = 289 | |
| Biopsy-proven rejection with hemodynamic compromise at 6 months Hemodynamic compromise occurred if any of the following criteria were met: pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≥20 mm or a 25% increase; cardiac index <2.0 L/min/m 2 or a 25% decrease; ejection fraction ≤30%; pulmonary artery oxygen saturation ≤60% or a 25% decrease; presence of new S 3 gallop; fractional shortening was ≤20% or a 25% decrease; inotropic support required to manage the clinical condition. | 121 (38%) | 120 (37%) | 100 (35%) | 92 (32%) |
| Death or re-transplantation at 1 year | 49 (15.2%) | 42 (12.8%) | 33 (11.4%) | 18 (6.2%) |
Liver Transplantation
A double-blind, randomized, comparative, parallel-group, multicenter study in primary hepatic transplant recipients was performed at centers in the United States (16), in Canada (2), in Europe (4) and in Australia (1). The total number of patients enrolled was 565. Per protocol, patients received mycophenolate mofetil 1 g twice daily intravenously for up to 14 days followed by mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g twice daily orally or AZA 1 to 2 mg/kg/day intravenously followed by AZA 1 to 2 mg/kg/day orally, in combination with cyclosporine (Neoral ® ) and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. The actual median oral dose of AZA on study was 1.5 mg/kg/day (range of 0.3 to 3.8 mg/kg/day) initially and 1.26 mg/kg/day (range of 0.3 to 3.8 mg/kg/day) at 12 months. The two primary endpoints were: (1) the proportion of patients who experienced, in the first 6 months post-transplantation, one or more episodes of biopsy-proven and treated rejection or death or re-transplantation, and (2) the proportion of patients who experienced graft loss (death or re-transplantation) during the first 12 months post-transplantation. Patients who prematurely discontinued treatment were followed for the occurrence of allograft rejection and for the occurrence of graft loss (death or re-transplantation) for 1 year.
In combination with corticosteroids and cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil demonstrated a lower rate of acute rejection at 6 months and a similar rate of death or re-transplantation at 1 year compared to AZA ( Table 16 ).
| AZA N = 287 | Mycophenolate Mofetil N = 278 | |
|---|---|---|
| Biopsy-proven, treated rejection at 6 months (includes death or re-transplantation) | 137 (47.7%) | 107 (38.5%) |
| Death or re-transplantation at 1 year | 42 (14.6%) | 41 (14.7%) |
HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
Handling and Disposal
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has demonstrated teratogenic effects in humans [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 ) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 )] . Wearing disposable gloves is recommended during reconstitution and when wiping the outer surface of the bottle/cap and the table after reconstitution. Avoid inhalation or direct contact with skin or mucous membranes of the powder contained in Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension, USP (before or after constitution) [see Dosage and Administration (2.6 )] . Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures 1 .
Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension, USP, for oral suspension
For oral suspension: 35 g mycophenolate mofetil, white or almost white powder blend for constitution to a white or almost white tutti-frutti flavor suspension
225 mL bottle with bottle adapter and 2 oral dispensers NDC 0527-5160-82
Storage
- Store dry powder at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).
- Store constituted suspension at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) for up to 60 days. Storage in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) is acceptable. Do not freeze.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE Mycophenolate Mofetil [mye” koe fen’ oh late moe’ fe til] for Oral Suspension, USP
Read this Instructions for Use before you take or give mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension for the first time and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
Important:
- Always use the oral dispenser provided with mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension to make sure you measure the right amount of medicine. If your mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension does not come with the oral dispenser, contact your pharmacist.
- Call your pharmacist if your oral dispenser is lost or damaged.
- Your pharmacist will write the expiration date on your mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension bottle label. Do not use mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension after the expiration date.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or are unsure about how to take or give the right amount of medicine.
- The mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension should not be mixed with any type of liquids before taking or giving the dose.
- Do not let the mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension come in contact with the skin. If this happens, wash the skin well with soap and water. If the mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension gets in the eyes, rinse the eyes with plain water.
- If you spill any mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension, wipe it up using paper towels wet with water. Put the child-resistant bottle cap back on the bottle and wipe the outside of the bottle with wet paper towels.
Supplies needed to take or give a dose of M ycophenolate Mofetil for O ral Suspension:
To take or give a dose of mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension, you will need the bottle of medicine and the oral dispenser provided with the medicine ( See Figure 1 ). Your pharmacist will insert the bottle adapter in the mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension bottle. Do not remove the bottle adapter from the bottle.
Figure 1
Taking or giving a dose of M ycophenolate Mofetil for O ral Suspension:
| Step 1: | With the child-resistant cap on the bottle, shake the bottle well for about 5 seconds before each use. |
| Step 2: | Open the bottle by firmly pressing down on the child-resistant bottle cap and turning it to the left (counter-clockwise). Do not throw away the child-resistant bottle cap. |
| Step 3: | Place the bottle on a flat surface. Before inserting the tip of the oral dispenser into the bottle adapter, push the blue plunger completely down toward the tip of the oral dispenser. Use 1 hand to hold the bottle upright. Insert the oral dispenser tip firmly into the opening of the bottle adapter. |
| Step 4: | Carefully turn the bottle upside down with the oral dispenser tip in place. Slowly pull the blue plunger down to withdraw your prescribed dose. Do not pull the blue plunger out of the oral dispenser (See Figure 2 ).  |
| Step 5: | Leave the oral dispenser tip in the bottle and turn the bottle to an upright position. Slowly remove the oral dispenser tip from the bottle. If there are air bubbles in the oral dispenser or if you have withdrawn the wrong dose, insert the oral dispenser tip back into the bottle adapter while the bottle is in an upright position. Push the blue plunger gently all the way up so the Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension flows back into the bottle. Repeat Step 4 . |
| Step 6: | Place the tip of the oral dispenser in the mouth directed towards the cheek and slowly push the blue plunger down until the oral dispenser is empty. |
| Step 7: | Put the child-resistant bottle cap back on the bottle and turn the cap to the right (clockwise) to close the bottle. Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use. |
| Step 8: | Rinse the oral dispenser under running tap water after each use:
|
How should I store Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension?
- Store the mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), for up to 60 days. You can also store the mycophenolate mofetil for oral suspension in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Do not freeze.
Keep Mycophenolate Mofetil for Oral Suspension and all medicines out of the reach of children.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Distributed by: Lannett Company, Inc. Philadelphia, PA 19136
CIB71993E Rev. 07/2025
Mechanism of Action
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is absorbed following oral administration and hydrolyzed to mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite. MPA is a selective uncompetitive inhibitor of the two isoforms (type I and type II) of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) leading to inhibition of the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis and blocks DNA synthesis. The mechanism of action of MPA is multifaceted and includes effects on cellular checkpoints responsible for metabolic programming of lymphocytes. MPA shifts transcriptional activities in lymphocytes from a proliferative state to catabolic processes. In vitro studies suggest that MPA modulates transcriptional activities in human CD4 + T-lymphocytes by suppressing the Akt/mTOR and STAT5 pathways that are relevant to metabolism and survival, leading to an anergic state of T-cells whereby the cells become less responsive to antigenic stimulation. Additionally, MPA enhanced the expression of negative co-stimulators such as CD70, PD-1, CTLA-4, and transcription factor FoxP3 as well as decreased the expression of positive co-stimulators CD27 and CD28.
MPA decreases proliferative responses of T- and B-lymphocytes to both mitogenic and allo-antigenic stimulation, antibody responses, as well as the production of cytokines from lymphocytes and monocytes such as GM-CSF, IFN-Ɣ, IL-17, and TNF-α. Additionally, MPA prevents the glycosylation of lymphocyte and monocyte glycoproteins that are involved in intercellular adhesion to endothelial cells and may inhibit recruitment of leukocytes into sites of inflammation and graft rejection.
Overall, the effect of MPA is cytostatic and reversible.
