Alkixen 250 mg (mycophenolate mofetil), 60 capsules: profile, composition and research
Reference page for Alkixen 250 mg (mycophenolate mofetil), 60 capsules. Active substance: Микофенолата мофетил / Mycophenolate mofetil.
- What it is: mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressant that protects a transplanted organ.
- Presentation: 250 mg capsules, 60 capsules per pack.
- Status: prescription-only medicine.
- Research: work in kidney, heart and liver transplantation, links below.
- Where to buy: APV Pharmacy (price and availability there).
Key facts
| Active substance | Mycophenolate mofetil |
|---|---|
| Form | Capsules |
| Strength | 250 mg per capsule |
| Pack size | 60 capsules |
| Category | Prescription medicine |
| Article (SKU) |
What mycophenolate mofetil is
Alkixen is an oral immunosuppressive medicine whose active substance is mycophenolate mofetil. It is used in transplantation so that the body does not reject a transplanted organ.
It is supplied as 250 mg capsules, 60 capsules to a pack. In immunosuppressive regimens the medicine is not used on its own but alongside other agents, such as calcineurin inhibitors and glucocorticoids.
This is a prescription medicine. It is taken long term and only under the supervision of a transplant physician or immunologist, because it suppresses the activity of the immune system.
How the medicine works
A prodrug
Mycophenolate mofetil is inactive as such. After it is taken by mouth it is quickly converted in the body into the active substance, mycophenolic acid.
Blocking an enzyme
Mycophenolic acid reversibly inhibits the enzyme IMPDH, which takes part in the synthesis of guanosine nucleotides. Without these building blocks a cell cannot make DNA and RNA.
Selectivity
Lymphocytes, unlike most other cells of the body, depend on that particular synthesis pathway. The medicine therefore mainly restrains the multiplication of activated T and B lymphocytes rather than of every dividing cell.
Approved uses
The prescribing information names the prevention of acute and chronic rejection of allogeneic transplants: kidney, heart and liver. The medicine is used as part of a combined immunosuppressive regimen.
Separately, in clinical practice mycophenolate mofetil is used in some autoimmune conditions, for instance lupus nephritis and vasculitides associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Such decisions are taken by a multidisciplinary team.
The dose, the duration and the combination with other medicines are set by a physician. After transplantation treatment usually continues indefinitely, and stopping it or changing the dose without medical advice is not acceptable.
What the research shows
Mycophenolate mofetil is among the most studied immunosuppressants. Reviews confirm that it lowers the rate of acute rejection episodes compared with azathioprine in kidney transplant recipients.
Individual studies compare different ways of dosing the medicine and different combinations with calcineurin inhibitors, showing that exposure to the latter can be reduced while graft protection is maintained.
An important limitation is the higher risk of infections and of certain tumours with long-term immunosuppression. That is why treatment is accompanied by regular laboratory checks and clinic visits.
Published research
Primary sources, verified against PubMed:
- Mycophenolate mofetil in solid-organ transplantation., PubMed 14640931 (Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 2003).
- Reduced exposure to calcineurin inhibitors in renal transplantation., PubMed 18094377 (The New England journal of medicine, 2007).
- Controlled-dose versus fixed-dose mycophenolate mofetil for kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials., PubMed 23558507 (Transplantation, 2013).
- Mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine in kidney transplant recipients on steroid-free, low-dose cyclosporine immunosuppression (ATHENA): A pragmatic randomized trial., PubMed 34166370 (PLoS medicine, 2021).
Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.
Precautions
- This is a prescription medicine. Prescribing, dosing and monitoring belong to a transplant physician or immunologist.
- Mycophenolate mofetil is strongly teratogenic: in pregnancy it can cause severe malformations of the fetus.
- Women of childbearing age need reliable contraception during treatment and for several weeks afterwards; barrier contraception is also advised for men.
- The medicine lowers white cells, red cells and platelets, so regular full blood counts are required.
- Immunosuppression raises the risk of bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and with long-term use the risk of lymphoproliferative disorders and skin tumours.
- Tell your doctor about every medicine you take and about any disease of the liver, kidneys or stomach.
Frequently asked
Is Alkixen a prescription medicine?
Yes. It is a prescription immunosuppressive medicine and is not intended for use on one's own.
Is the medicine taken for life?
After an organ transplant immunosuppression is usually continued indefinitely for as long as the graft works. Only a physician decides on any change of therapy.
Why does this page not give a dosing schedule?
The dose and the length of treatment are set by a transplant physician, taking test results and blood levels of the medicine into account. A reference page does not prescribe treatment.
Where does the order ship from?
Shipping and customs handling are described on the APV Pharmacy delivery page.