Mycophenolic Acid (Myfortic®) Delayed-Release Tablets 360 mg

What Mycophenolic Acid Is and How It Works

Mycophenolic acid is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant used with other medicines to help prevent kidney transplant rejection. The delayed-release tablet is designed to dissolve in the intestine. Common strengths are 180 mg and Mycophenolic Acid 360mg, often referred to as myfortic 360mg in brand form. Many patients compare options when paying mycophenolic acid without insurance.

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Mycophenolic acid blocks inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). This inhibits de novo guanosine nucleotide synthesis, which T and B lymphocytes rely on for proliferation. The result is reduced immune activity against the transplanted kidney. Tablets are taken by mouth, usually twice daily. Dosing is individualized and is not interchangeable on a milligram-for-milligram basis with mycophenolate mofetil. Some transplant teams monitor the mycophenolic acid level in blood to guide therapy; routine testing of mycophenolic acid in urine is not used for dose decisions.

In most regions, the brand Myfortic is mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets. Generics may be labeled as mycophenolic acid 360, mycophenolate sodium, or regional names such as Mycept S 360mg or Immutil S 360mg.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult regimen for kidney transplant prophylaxis: 720 mg by mouth twice daily (two 360 mg delayed-release tablets), with a calcineurin inhibitor and corticosteroids. Follow the transplant prescriber’s directions.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush, split, or chew the enteric-coated tablets.
• Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food) or follow a consistent schedule if food cannot be avoided.
• Do not substitute mycophenolate mofetil milligram-for-milligram. 1,000 mg mycophenolate mofetil ≠ 720 mg mycophenolic acid sodium. Product-specific dosing is required.
• If a dose is missed and it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.
• Antacids, bile acid binders (e.g., cholestyramine), and certain antivirals can affect exposure. Separate timing or review concomitant medicines with the care team.

• Store your tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets dry, in original blisters or bottle with the desiccant. Protect from moisture and light.
• Do not remove a tablet from the blister until ready to take it.
• When traveling, keep your supply in carry-on luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Use a pill organizer if needed, and keep some tablets in original packaging for identification.
• Do not use past the labeled expiry date. Keep out of reach of children.

Benefits and Savings

Mycophenolic acid reduces acute rejection when used with a calcineurin inhibitor and steroids after kidney transplant. The delayed-release design may improve gastrointestinal tolerability for some patients compared with immediate-release mycophenolate mofetil. Twice-daily dosing supports adherence and steady exposure.

Ordering from Canadian pricing can cut the mycophenolic acid cost by 60–80% compared with typical U.S. pharmacy prices. This can be helpful if paying mycophenolic acid without insurance. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions may lower the per-month mycophenolic acid price.

See current offers on our mycophenolic acid coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, headache, cough, tremor, edema.
• Hematologic: leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia; infections may occur more often.
• Laboratory changes: elevated liver enzymes, electrolytes changes, elevated creatinine (often from concomitant drugs).
• Dermatologic: rash, pruritus; photosensitivity may occur.
• Gastrointestinal: gastritis, GI upset; enteric-coating helps some patients.

Serious risks include severe infections and sepsis; malignancies (lymphoma and skin cancers); progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML); BK virus nephropathy; cytomegalovirus disease; pure red cell aplasia; and GI ulceration or bleeding. Embryo-fetal toxicity and pregnancy loss have been reported; effective contraception is needed for people who can become pregnant, and for exposed male patients per labeling guidance. Avoid live vaccines during therapy.

Onset Time

Immunosuppressive effects begin with the first doses. Therapeutic exposure typically stabilizes over several days as dosing becomes consistent. Transplant teams may check a mycophenolic acid level in plasma to assess exposure. Protection against acute rejection is most critical in the early post-transplant period and continues with ongoing therapy.

Gastrointestinal side effects, if they occur, often appear in the first weeks and may improve with stable dosing. Any dose changes are guided by the transplant provider based on clinical status and lab results.

Compare With Alternatives

Mycophenolate mofetil (often known by the brand CellCept) is a related medicine that delivers the same active moiety, mycophenolic acid, after conversion. It is not milligram-for-milligram interchangeable with mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets. Some patients prefer the delayed-release option for gastrointestinal tolerability, while others remain on immediate-release.

Azathioprine is an older antimetabolite used in some transplant regimens. It works via different pathways and requires TPMT and NUDT15 considerations. In many studies, mycophenolate-based regimens reduce acute rejection more effectively than azathioprine, but individual factors and cost can influence choice.

mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus or everolimus are alternatives in certain protocols. They have different adverse-effect profiles and drug interactions. Selection depends on organ type, concurrent medicines, and the transplant center’s protocol.

Combination Therapy

• With tacrolimus: common backbone. Monitor for additive infection risk and adjust per protocol.
• With cyclosporine: standard in labeling; note cyclosporine can lower mycophenolic acid exposure.
• With corticosteroids: usually started together early after transplant.
• With induction agents (e.g., basiliximab or anti-thymocyte globulin): per center protocols.
• Avoid combination with azathioprine due to overlapping toxicities.
• Review interactions with antivirals (valganciclovir), antacids, bile acid sequestrants, and certain antibiotics that can change exposure.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include kidney transplant recipients using a multi-drug regimen under a transplant specialist. It is not established for heart or liver transplants in some regions. People with hypersensitivity to mycophenolic acid or its components should not use it. Significant pregnancy risk exists; those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy need alternative plans per specialist guidance.

Those with active serious infections, severe untreated GI ulcers, or severe bone marrow suppression may not be suitable. Sun protection and regular skin checks are advised due to skin cancer risk. Vaccination plans should avoid live vaccines during treatment and may require scheduling around therapy.

To manage mycophenolic acid cost, consider larger fills when appropriate. Reorder reminders can help avoid gaps in therapy. Multi-pack orders can reduce the monthly mycophenolic acid price. If paying mycophenolic acid without insurance, Canadian pricing and promotions may lower out-of-pocket costs; the mycophenolic acid cash price varies by strength and brand versus generic.

Authoritative Sources

Novartis Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) product information

FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Myfortic

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Myfortic

Order Mycophenolic Acid from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is for educational purposes and does not replace your provider’s advice. Always follow the directions from your transplant team and pharmacist.