What Is Mycophenolic Acid? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If you've recently had a kidney, heart, or liver transplant—or if you've been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition—you may have been prescribed mycophenolic acid. But what exactly is it, how does it work, how do you take it, and what do you need to know to stay safe? This guide answers all of those questions in plain language.

What Is Mycophenolic Acid?

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant medication—a drug that weakens your immune system to prevent it from attacking something it shouldn't. It belongs to a class called selective immunosuppressants and antimetabolites, and it is the active compound in two widely used medications:

Myfortic — the brand name for mycophenolate sodium (the sodium salt of MPA), an enteric-coated delayed-release tablet

CellCept — the brand name for mycophenolate mofetil (a prodrug that converts to MPA in the body), available as capsules, tablets, oral suspension, and IV formulation

Both deliver mycophenolic acid to your body, but through different pathways and with different absorption timing. They are not interchangeable without physician oversight.

Mycophenolic acid was initially discovered by Italian scientist Bartolomeo Gosio in 1893 as a compound with antibacterial properties. Its immunosuppressive properties were identified in the 1990s, and it was approved for medical use in the United States in 1995—making it a well-established medication with decades of real-world safety data.

What Is Mycophenolic Acid Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses:

Prevention of kidney transplant rejection (adults and children 5+ years for Myfortic; 3+ months for CellCept)

Prevention of heart transplant rejection (CellCept only)

Prevention of liver transplant rejection (CellCept only)

Common Off-Label Uses:

Lupus nephritis (kidney inflammation from lupus)

IgA nephropathy

Small vessel vasculitis

Pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid (blistering skin disorders)

Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease

Pulmonary fibrosis (interstitial lung disease)

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Myfortic (mycophenolate sodium):

Delayed-release tablets: 180 mg and 360 mg

Swallow whole—do not crush, cut, or chew

Can be taken with or without food (enteric coating protects the stomach)

CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil):

Capsules: 250 mg

Tablets: 500 mg (film-coated, do not crush)

Oral suspension: 200 mg/mL (ready-to-use with Myhibbin brand, or powder for reconstitution)

IV injection: 500 mg/vial (hospital use)

Typically taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals)

Typical Dosage

Myfortic for kidney transplant (adults): 720 mg twice daily (total 1,440 mg/day)

CellCept for kidney transplant (adults): 1,000 mg twice daily (total 2,000 mg/day)

CellCept for heart or liver transplant (adults): 1,500 mg twice daily (total 3,000 mg/day)

Your actual dose may differ based on your specific situation, kidney function, concomitant medications (particularly whether you're on cyclosporine or tacrolimus), and your physician's assessment. Never adjust your dose without guidance from your transplant team.

Key Things to Know When Taking Mycophenolic Acid

Do not use during pregnancy: This medication carries an FDA boxed warning for embryofetal toxicity. Use two reliable forms of contraception while taking it and for 6 weeks after stopping.

Avoid live vaccines: Do not receive live virus vaccines (such as MMR, varicella, yellow fever) while taking mycophenolate.

Regular lab monitoring: Your doctor will monitor your blood counts (CBC) and kidney function regularly while you are on this medication.

Sun protection: Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors to reduce skin cancer risk.

Want to understand how mycophenolic acid works at a molecular level? Read How Does Mycophenolic Acid Work?. And if your pharmacy is ever out of stock, medfinder can help you locate it quickly.