Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF)
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Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is rarely used in pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage and birth defects in the baby.
What is it?
MMF (Mycophenolic acid, CellCept®, Ceptava®, Myfenax®, Myfortic®) is used to prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ.
Benefits
What are the benefits of taking MMF in pregnancy?
MMF can prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ. However, it is only used in pregnancy in very rare cases where there is no suitable alternative medicine to prevent transplant rejection.
Risks
What are the risks of using MMF in pregnancy?
MMF can cause miscarriage and severe birth defects in the baby. These include ear, eye and other facial defects, and heart malformations.
If you are taking MMF and could become pregnant, you should be enrolled in a pregnancy prevention programme. This involves using very reliable contraception during treatment and for six weeks after stopping.
Women who accidentally conceive while taking MMF should contact their doctor or specialist urgently so that their medication can be reviewed.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to using MMF in pregnancy?
Yes, in most cases other medicines can be used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ.
If you are taking MMF and planning a pregnancy, it is important that you talk to your specialist about other treatment options.
If your doctor has suggested that you continue to take MMF during pregnancy, this is because there is a high risk of transplant rejection if your medicine is changed. Your doctor will talk with you about the risks to your baby from MMF treatment.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take medicines during pregnancy?
Your doctor will only prescribe medicines when necessary and will be happy to talk with you about any concerns that you might have. If your MMF treatment is stopped, it is very important that you take alternative anti-rejection drugs during pregnancy to avoid complications for both you and your baby.
Will my baby need extra monitoring?
As part of routine antenatal care, most women will be offered a very detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s development. Women who have taken MMF in early pregnancy may be offered this scan slightly earlier, with more focussed scanning on the areas of the baby’s body that can be affected by MMF exposure.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has used MMF?
There is currently no evidence that MMF used by the father can harm the baby through effects on the sperm. However, as a precaution, the manufacturer recommends that where the female partner is taking MMF, pregnancy should be avoided during treatment and for three months after the drug is stopped. When a pregnancy is being planned and the male partner takes MMF, he should speak to his specialist about whether changing medication is the best option.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions about the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.