What is mycophenolate?
Mycophenolate is a medicine used to help treat uveitis, it works by slowing down certain white blood cells so they do not attack the eye as much.
Doctors also use mycophenolate in people who have had organ transplants, so it is a well-known medicine.
For uveitis, it is usually used when eye drops or steroid pills are not enough or cannot be used for a long time.
How is it given?
Mycophenolate is a pill take by mouth twice a day. You should take it the same way every day, with or without food, as your doctor tells you.
Sometimes the dose starts low and is slowly increased to help your body get used to the medicine and make sure there a minimal side effects.
You will still need regular eye doctor visits while taking the pills so your doctor can check that the uveitis is getting better.
Is it safe?
Mycophenolate can be helpful, but it is a strong medicine, so doctors watch you closely to keep you safe.
Common side effects include stomach upset, like nausea or diarrhea, and feeling more tired than usual.
Because it weakens the immune system, it can make it easier to get infections, so your doctor will check blood tests regularly.
Because it weakens the immune system, it can make it easier to get infections, so your doctor will check blood tests regularly. They often check a test called a complete blood count, or CBC, which looks at white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to see if the medicine is making your blood counts too low or causing anemia or bleeding risk. They also check liver tests, sometimes called AST and ALT, to be sure the liver is not being hurt, and kidney tests, such as creatinine, to make sure the kidneys are working properly. These blood tests are usually done more often when you first start or change the dose, and then every few months once everything is stable.
Very serious problems are rare, but your doctor will talk with you about warning signs and when to call for help right away.
Mycophenolate can hurt a growing baby, so it is not safe to use during pregnancy. If someone who can become pregnant takes this medicine, the doctor will recommend to use birth control the whole time they are on it and for a while after stopping it. If you think you might be pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking mycophenolate, you should tell your doctor right away.
What to expect when taking mycophenolate
Mycophenolate does not work right away; it will take weeks or even a few months before the eye gets less inflamed.
Your doctor may tell you to stay away from people who are very sick and to be careful with live vaccines because of infection risk.
If you notice new symptoms like bad stomach pain, black stools, very bad headache, or big changes in vision, you should tell an adult and call your doctor right away.
