Myfortic

Clinical summary

Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Myfortic is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant indicated for prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving kidney transplants and in pediatric patients at least 5 years of age and older who are at least 6 months post kidney transplant. ( 1.1 ) Use in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use : Myfortic delayed-release tablets and mycophenolate mofetil tablets and capsules should not be used interchangeably. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Kidney Transplant Myfortic ® (mycophenolic acid) is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving a kidney transplant. Myfortic is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in pediatric patients 5 years of age and older who are at least 6 months post kidney transplant. Myfortic is to be used in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. 1.2 Limitations of Use Myfortic delayed-release tablets and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) tablets and capsules should not be used interchangeably without physician supervision because the rate of absorption following the administration of these two products is not equivalent. Dosage and administration 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION In adults: 720 mg by mouth, twice daily (1,440 mg total daily dose) on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food intake. ( 2.1 ) In children: 5 years of age and older (who are at least 6 months post kidney transplant), 400 mg/m 2 by mouth, twice daily (up to a maximum of 720 mg twice daily). ( 2.2 ) Do not crush, chew, or cut tablet prior to ingestion. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosage in Adult Kidney Transplant Patients The recommended dose of Myfortic is 720 mg administered twice daily (1,440 mg total daily dose). 2.2 Dosage in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patients The recommended dose of Myfortic in conversion (at least 6 months post-transplant) pediatric patients age 5 years and older is 400 mg/m 2 body surface area (BSA) administered twice daily (up to a maximum dose of 720 mg administered twice daily). 2.3 Administration Myfortic tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food intake [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Myfortic tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or cut prior to ingesting. The tablets should be swallowed whole in order to maintain the integrity of the enteric coating. Pediatric patients with a BSA of 1.19 m 2 to 1.58 m 2 may be dosed either with three Myfortic 180 mg tablets, or one 180 mg tablet plus one 360 mg tablet twice daily (1,080 mg daily dose). Patients with a BSA of > 1.58 m 2 may be dosed either with four Myfortic 180 mg tablets, or two Myfortic 360 mg tablets twice daily (1,440 mg daily dose). Pediatric doses for patients with BSA < 1.19 m 2 cannot be accurately administered using currently available formulations of Myfortic tablets. Warnings and cautions 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS New or Reactivated Viral Infections: Consider reducing immunosuppression. ( 5.5 ) Blood Dyscrasias, including Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA): Monitor for neutropenia or anemia; consider treatment interruption or dose reduction. ( 5.6 ) Serious GI Tract Complications (gastrointestinal bleeding, perforations and ulcers): Administer with caution to patients with active digestive system disease. ( 5.7 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue Myfortic; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.9 ) Immunizations: Avoid live attenuated vaccines. ( 5.10 ) Patients with Hereditary Deficiency of Hypoxanthine-guanine Phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT): May cause exacerbation of disease symptoms; avoid use. ( 5.11 ) Blood Donation: Avoid during therapy and for 6 weeks thereafter. ( 5.12 ) Semen Donation: Avoid during therapy and for 90 days thereafter. ( 5.13 ) 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Use of Myfortic 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 aware of these risks and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning. Avoid use of Myfortic during pregnancy if safer treatment options are available [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)] . 5.2 Management of Immunosuppression Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should prescribe Myfortic. Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physicians responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient [see Boxed Warning] . 5.3 Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Myfortic, are at increased risk of