MYFORTIC 180 MG 120 TB

Myfortic (generic name: Mycophenolate mofetil) is an immunosuppressant medication used primarily to prevent organ rejection in patients who have received kidney, heart, or liver transplants. Myfortic is a modified form of mycophenolate mofetil, designed to improve gastrointestinal tolerability compared to the original formulation. It is often prescribed in combination with other immunosuppressive agents to reduce the risk of transplant rejection by suppressing the immune system’s activity.

How Myfortic Works

Mechanism of Action

1. Inhibition of Lymphocyte Proliferation:
   • Myfortic works by inhibiting the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). This enzyme is critical for the de novo purine synthesis pathway, which is essential for the proliferation of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
2. Reduced Lymphocyte Activation:
   • By blocking IMPDH, Myfortic effectively limits the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are involved in the immune response that can lead to organ rejection.
3. Selective Immunosuppression:
   • Myfortic selectively targets lymphocytes, which have a high dependence on this purine synthesis pathway, thus reducing the risk of rejection while causing less overall suppression of the immune system compared to some other immunosuppressants.
4. Improved Gastrointestinal Tolerability:
   • The modified formulation of Myfortic is designed to minimize gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, which are more common with mycophenolate mofetil.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea:
  • Diarrhea is a common side effect and may occur in varying degrees of severity.
• Nausea and Vomiting:
  • Some patients experience nausea and vomiting, though it is generally less severe with Myfortic compared to mycophenolate mofetil.
• Abdominal Pain:
  • Abdominal discomfort or pain can occur, often related to gastrointestinal side effects.
• Headache:
  • Mild to moderate headaches are reported by some patients.
• Infections:
  • Increased susceptibility to infections due to immune system suppression.

Serious Side Effects

• Bone Marrow Suppression:
  • Myfortic can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to conditions like anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.
• Severe Gastrointestinal Effects:
  • Severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as persistent vomiting, dehydration, or significant abdominal pain may occur.
• Liver Damage:
  • In rare cases, Myfortic can cause liver enzyme abnormalities or liver damage.
• Increased Risk of Lymphomas:
  • Long-term use of immunosuppressants, including Myfortic, is associated with an increased risk of lymphomas and other malignancies.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions:
  • Allergic reactions, including rash, itching, or severe skin reactions, though rare, may occur.

Indications

Myfortic is indicated for:

• Prevention of Organ Rejection:
  • Used in combination with other immunosuppressive agents to prevent organ rejection in kidney, heart, or liver transplant recipients.
• Autoimmune Conditions:
  • Sometimes used off-label for certain autoimmune conditions where immune suppression is required.

Contraindications

Myfortic should not be used in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity:
  • Known hypersensitivity to mycophenolate mofetil or any of its components.
• Pregnancy:
  • Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects. Effective contraception is required during treatment.
• Severe Renal Impairment:
  • Use in patients with severe renal impairment should be approached with caution, as the drug is metabolized and excreted through the kidneys.
• Active Infection:
  • Should be avoided in patients with active infections due to the risk of worsening the infection.
• Lactation:
  • Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to potential risks to the infant.

Price in Different Countries

The price of Myfortic 180 mg can vary depending on the country and specific healthcare system. Below is a table showing the approximate price range in various countries.

Country	Price (Per 180 mg Tablet)	Reference
United States	$1,200 – $1,500 (for 120 tablets)	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£900 – £1,200 (for 120 tablets)	NHS UK
Canada	CAD $1,500 – $2,000 (for 120 tablets)	Canada Drugs
Australia	AUD $1,800 – $2,300 (for 120 tablets)	PBS Australia
India	₹70,000 – ₹90,000 (for 120 tablets)	1mg

Top 5 Global Brands

1. Myfortic – Novartis:
   • The original brand of mycophenolate sodium, widely used and recognized for its effectiveness in organ transplant procedures.
2. CellCept – Roche:
   • The original mycophenolate mofetil formulation, which Myfortic is designed to improve upon in terms of gastrointestinal tolerability.
3. Mycophenolate Sodium – Mylan:
   • A generic version of mycophenolate sodium, offering similar efficacy to Myfortic at a potentially lower cost.
4. Mycophenolate – Teva Pharmaceuticals:
   • Another major manufacturer of mycophenolate sodium, providing alternatives in various markets.
5. Mycophenolate – Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories:
   • A well-known generic option available in many regions, ensuring broader access to this vital immunosuppressant.