Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 167
A client who is taking mycophenolate mofetil must follow which of the following instructions?
A. Take with food.
B. Avoid use of corticosteroid.
C. Monitor for adverse effects.
D. Practice effective contraception.
Correct Answer: D. Practice effective contraception.
Effective contraception is essential because of the potential for teratogenic effects. The client must use acceptable birth control during her treatment, and for 6 weeks after she stops taking mycophenolate. The doctor will tell her which forms of birth control are acceptable for her to use. Mycophenolate may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills), so it is especially important to use a second form of birth control along with this type of contraceptive.
Option A: It is recommended that the drug be taken on an empty stomach. Mycophenolate comes as a capsule, a tablet, a delayed-release (releases the medication in the intestine) tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after eating or drinking, unless the doctor tells otherwise).
Option B: The drug is often given with corticosteroids. Mycophenolate (CellCept) is used with other medications to help prevent transplant organ rejection (attack of the transplanted organ by the immune system of the person receiving the organ) in adults who have received heart and liver transplants and in adults and children 3 months of age and older who have received kidney transplants. Mycophenolate (Myfortic) is used with other medications to help prevent the body from rejecting kidney transplants. Mycophenolate is in a class of medications called immunosuppressive agents. It works by weakening the body’s immune system so it will not attack and reject the transplanted organ.
Option C: All medication should be monitored for side effects. Mycophenolate may cause side effects. Tell the doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: constipation, stomach pain or swelling, nausea, vomiting, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, pain, especially in the back, muscles, or joints, headache, gas, prickling, tingling, or burning feeling on the skin muscle, stiffness or weakness.