Myfortic Is an Immunosuppressant Used to Prevent Kidney Transplant Rejection

Myfortic (Mycophenolic Acid) is a prescription immunosuppressant medication used to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant patients. It works by suppressing the immune system so your body doesn't attack the transplanted kidney.

If you've been prescribed Myfortic — or your doctor is considering it — here's everything you need to know about what it is, how it's used, what it costs, and what to watch out for.

What Is Myfortic?

Here are the basics:

• Brand name: Myfortic
• Generic name: Mycophenolic Acid (as Mycophenolate Sodium)
• Drug class: Selective immunosuppressant (IMPDH inhibitor)
• Manufacturer: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
• FDA-approved: Yes — for prevention of kidney transplant rejection in adults and in pediatric patients aged 5 and older who are at least 6 months post-transplant
• Controlled substance: No — Myfortic is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes — generic Mycophenolic Acid delayed-release tablets are available

Myfortic comes as delayed-release tablets in two strengths: 180 mg and 360 mg. The enteric coating on the tablets is designed to protect your stomach and release the medication in your small intestine, which may reduce GI side effects compared to other mycophenolate products.

You may also hear Myfortic referred to as EC-MPS (enteric-coated Mycophenolate Sodium) or simply MPA (Mycophenolic Acid).

What Is Myfortic Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

Myfortic is approved for the prevention of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients. It's used in combination with two other medications:

• Cyclosporine (a calcineurin inhibitor)
• Corticosteroids (like Prednisone)

Together, these three medications form a standard immunosuppressive regimen that keeps your immune system from attacking your new kidney.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Myfortic off-label for several autoimmune conditions, including:

• Lupus nephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Vasculitis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Inflammatory myopathies
• Pemphigus and other autoimmune skin conditions

Off-label use means the FDA hasn't specifically approved Myfortic for these conditions, but research and clinical experience support its effectiveness.

How Is Myfortic Taken?

The standard dosing for adults is:

• 720 mg twice daily (1,440 mg total daily dose)

For pediatric patients (age 5 and older, at least 6 months post-transplant):

• 400 mg/m² body surface area twice daily, up to a maximum of 720 mg twice daily

Important instructions for taking Myfortic:

• Take on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal
• Swallow tablets whole — do not crush, chew, or break them. The enteric coating is essential for proper absorption and stomach protection.
• Take at consistent times — try to take your doses at the same times each day to maintain steady drug levels
• Never skip doses — missing doses increases your risk of organ rejection

Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your blood work results, kidney function, and how you're tolerating the medication.

Who Should Not Take Myfortic?

Myfortic is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Myfortic if you:

• Have a known allergy to Mycophenolate Sodium, Mycophenolic Acid, Mycophenolate Mofetil, or any inactive ingredients in the tablet
• Have had an anaphylactic reaction to any mycophenolate product

Use with extreme caution (or avoid) if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant — Myfortic can cause miscarriage and serious birth defects. Women must use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 weeks after stopping.
• Are breastfeeding — Myfortic is not recommended during breastfeeding
• Have active serious GI disease — including ulcers or GI bleeding
• Have severe kidney impairment — beyond what's typical for a transplant patient
• Have rare hereditary enzyme deficiencies — such as Lesch-Nyhan or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome

Myfortic also has important drug interactions you should know about. Always tell your doctor about every medication, supplement, and over-the-counter product you take.

How Much Does Myfortic Cost?

Myfortic can be expensive, especially without insurance:

• Brand-name Myfortic: $750–$900 for a 30-day supply (60 tablets of 360 mg)
• Generic Mycophenolic Acid (with coupons): As low as $43–$100 for a 30-day supply
• Generic (retail, no coupons): $500–$855 for a 30-day supply

The price difference between the brand and generic with a coupon is massive — potentially $700+ per month in savings.

Ways to Save

• Use a discount coupon: GoodRx and similar services can bring generic Mycophenolic Acid down to $43–$100 per month.
• Novartis savings program: Novartis offers a co-pay savings program through SaveOnMyPrescription.com for patients with commercial insurance.
• Patient assistance: The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF) provides free medication to eligible patients who can't afford it. Apply at patient.novartis.com or call 1-800-277-2254.
• Insurance coverage: Generic Mycophenolic Acid is generally covered by most commercial insurance and Medicare Part D plans, though prior authorization may be required.

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Myfortic.

Final Thoughts

Myfortic is a critical medication for kidney transplant patients and a valuable option for several autoimmune conditions. Understanding how to take it properly, what side effects to watch for, and how to manage costs can make a big difference in your treatment experience.

If you're having trouble finding Myfortic at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock near you. And for more about potential side effects or how Myfortic works, we've got you covered.