Medication: Mycophenolate

Your cat has been prescribed mycophenolate for the treatment of an immune-mediated disease. 

Key points: 
• Cytotoxic drug. 
• There are no licensed veterinary products containing mycophenolate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug to your pet which contains mycophenolate. Your veterinarian will explain off-license prescribing to you.  
• Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. 
• Wear disposable gloves to handle this medication. 
• Avoid contact with urine, feces or saliva from cats being treated with this medication. 
• Not to be handled by pregnant women. 
• Dosage: one to two times daily, as directed by your veterinarian.  

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name 

• Mycophenolate (my-coh-fen-oh-layt).  

Brand name 

• There are no licensed veterinary products containing mycophenolate. 

Class of medication 

• Immunosuppressant. 

Storage 

• Store at room temperature (reconstituted oral suspension can also be stored in the fridge). 

Your veterinarian has prescribed mycophenolate for the treatment of an immune-mediated condition, such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, glomerulonephritis, skin disease or myasthenia gravis. 

Mycophenolate works by suppressing the numbers of certain types of white blood cells and antibodies in the body. 

Mycophenolate is given orally (as tablets or liquid). It is important to follow dosing guidelines carefully. Do not crush or split tablets.  

Reported side-effects include reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes severe and hemorrhagic). Contact your veterinarian immediately if you feel your pet has any side-effects from this medication. 

Overdose can result in bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and an increased incidence of infections. 

Mycophenolate will prevent vaccines from working efficaciously.  

Antacids, such as omeprazole, may reduce the efficacy of mycophenolate. 

Use with caution in animals with liver or kidney disease and in diabetic patients. 

Mycophenolate tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions.  

Dispose of any unused mycophenolate safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not give to other pets. 

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the next dose is separated by at least 6 hours. 

If you accidentally give an extra dose or have any concerns, contact your veterinarian. 

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice before continuing to give mycophenolate.  

Mycophenolate should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.  

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center immediately. 

Your cat will need regular check-ups whilst they are on this medication. 

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on mycophenolate can be found on the package insert or via your veterinarian. 

Europe & UK 

• There are no licensed veterinary products containing mycophenolate available in the UK and Europe.  

US 

• There are no licensed veterinary products containing mycophenolate available in the US. 

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.