Mycophenolate Mofetil

CELLCEPT [mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)] is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection, in adult and pediatric recipients 3 months of age and older of allogeneic kidney [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ], heart [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] or liver transplants [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] , in combination with other immunosuppressants. CELLCEPT is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult and pediatric recipients 3 months of age and older of allogeneic kidney, heart or liver transplants, in combination with other immunosuppressants. ( 1 )

CELLCEPT is available in the following dosage forms and strengths: Capsules 250 mg mycophenolate mofetil, two-piece hard gelatin capsules, blue-brown, "CELLCEPT 250" printed in black on the blue cap and "Roche" on the brown body Tablets 500 mg mycophenolate mofetil, lavender-colored, caplet-shaped, film-coated tablets engraved with "CELLCEPT 500" on one side and "Roche" on the other For oral suspension 35 g mycophenolate mofetil white to off-white powder for reconstitution (200 mg/mL upon reconstitution) For injection 500 mg mycophenolate mofetil white to off-white lyophilized powder, in a single-dose vial for reconstitution Capsules: 250 mg Tablets: 500 mg For Oral Suspension: 35 g mycophenolate mofetil, powder for reconstitution (200 mg/mL upon reconstitution) For Injection: 500 mg mycophenolate mofetil in a single-dose vial for reconstitution.

CELLCEPT is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mycophenolic acid (MPA) or any component of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . CELLCEPT Intravenous is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to Polysorbate 80 (TWEEN). History of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid or any component of the drug product ( 4 ) Patients allergic to Polysorbate 80 (present in CELLCEPT IV) ( 4 )

Blood Dyscrasias (Neutropenia, Red Blood Cell Aplasia): Monitor with blood tests; consider treatment interruption or dose reduction. ( 5.4 ) Gastrointestinal Complications: Monitor for complications such as bleeding, ulceration and perforations, particularly in patients with underlying gastrointestinal disorders. ( 5.5 ) Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyl-Transferase Deficiency: Avoid use of CELLCEPT. ( 5.6 ) Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products: Monitor for this paradoxical inflammatory reaction. ( 5.7 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue CELLCEPT; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.8 ) Immunizations: Avoid live attenuated vaccines. ( 5.9 ) Local Reactions with Rapid Intravenous Administration: CELLCEPT Intravenous must not be administered by rapid or bolus intravenous injection. ( 5.10 ) Phenylketonurics: Oral suspension contains aspartame. ( 5.11 ) Blood Donation: Avoid during therapy and for 6 weeks thereafter. ( 5.12 ) Semen Donation: Avoid during therapy and for 90 days thereafter. ( 5.13 ) Potential Impairment on Driving and Use of Machinery: CELLCEPT may affect ability to drive or operate machinery. ( 5.15 )

5.1 Embryofetal Toxicity Use of MMF during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of congenital malformations, especially external ear and other facial abnormalities including cleft lip and palate, and anomalies of the distal limbs, heart, esophagus, kidney and nervous system. Females of reproductive potential must be made aware of these risks and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning. Avoid use of MMF during pregnancy if safer treatment options are available [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ].

5.2 Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including CELLCEPT, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. For patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) developed in 0.4% to 1% of patients receiving CELLCEPT (2 g or 3 g) with other immunosuppressive agents in controlled clinical trials of kidney, heart and liver transplant patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. The majority of PTLD cases appear to be related to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection. The risk of PTLD appears greatest in those individuals who are EBV seronegative, a population which includes many young children. In pediatric patients, no other malignancies besides PTLD were observed in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].

5.3 Serious Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including CELLCEPT, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, fungal, protozoal and new or reactivated viral infections, including opportunistic infections. The risk increases with the total immunosuppressive load. These infections may lead to serious outcomes, including hospitalizations and death [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ]. Serious viral infections reported include: Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), especially due to BK virus infection JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections: CMV seronegative transplant patients who receive an organ from a CMV seropositive donor are at highest risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease. Viral reactivation in patients infected with Hepatitis B and C COVID-19 Consider dose reduction or discontinuation of CELLCEPT in patients who develop new infections or reactivate viral infections, weighing the risk that reduced immunosuppression represents to the functioning allograft. PVAN, especially due to BK virus infection, is associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for PVAN. PML, which is sometimes fatal, commonly presents with hemiparesis, apathy, confusion, cognitive deficiencies, and ataxia [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . In immunosuppressed patients, physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients reporting neurological symptoms. The risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease is highest among transplant recipients seronegative for CMV at time of transplant who receive a graft from a CMV seropositive donor. Therapeutic approaches to limiting CMV disease exist and should be routinely provided. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for CMV disease. Viral reactivation has been reported in patients infected with HBV or HCV. Monitoring infected patients for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV or HCV infection is recommended.

5.4 Blood Dyscrasias: Neutropenia and Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) Severe neutropenia [absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5 × 10 3 /µL] developed in transplant patients receiving CELLCEPT 3 g daily [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Patients receiving CELLCEPT should be monitored for neutropenia . Neutropenia has been observed most frequently in the period from 31 to 180 days post-transplant in patients treated for prevention of kidney, heart and liver rejection. The development of neutropenia may be related to CELLCEPT itself, concomitant medications, viral infections, or a combination of these causes. If neutropenia develops (ANC <1.3 × 10 3 /µL), dosing with CELLCEPT should be interrupted or the dose reduced, appropriate diagnostic tests performed, and the patient managed appropriately [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. Patients receiving CELLCEPT should be instructed to report immediately any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising, bleeding or any other manifestation of bone marrow depression. Consider monitoring with complete blood counts weekly for the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months, and monthly for the remainder of the first year. Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with CELLCEPT in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. In some cases, PRCA was found to be reversible with dose reduction or cessation of CELLCEPT therapy. In transplant patients, however, reduced immunosuppression may place the graft at risk.

5.5 Gastrointestinal Complications Gastrointestinal bleeding requiring hospitalization, ulceration and perforations were observed in clinical trials. Physicians should be aware of these serious adverse effects particularly when administering CELLCEPT to patients with a gastrointestinal disease.

5.6 Patients with Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyl-Transferase Deficiency (HGPRT) CELLCEPT is an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor; therefore it should be avoided in patients with hereditary deficiencies of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) such as Lesch-Nyhan and Kelley-Seegmiller syndromes because it may cause an exacerbation of disease symptoms characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of uric acid leading to symptoms associated with gout such as acute arthritis, tophi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis and renal disease including renal failure.

5.7 Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products Acute inflammatory syndrome (AIS) has been reported with the use of MMF and mycophenolate products, and some cases have resulted in hospitalization. AIS is a paradoxical pro-inflammatory reaction characterized by fever, arthralgias, arthritis, muscle pain and elevated inflammatory markers including, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, without evidence of infection or underlying disease recurrence. […]

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Embryofetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Lymphomas and Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions 5.2) ] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Blood Dyscrasias: Neutropenia, Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Gastrointestinal Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials (20 % or greater) include diarrhea, leukopenia, infection, vomiting, and there is evidence of a higher frequency of certain types of infections e.g., opportunistic infection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.com

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. An estimated total of 1557 adult patients received CELLCEPT during pivotal clinical trials in the prevention of acute organ rejection. Of these, 991 were included in the three renal studies, 277 were included in one hepatic study, and 289 were included in one cardiac study. Patients in all study arms also received cyclosporine and corticosteroids. The data described below primarily derive from five randomized, active-controlled double-blind 12-month trials of CELLCEPT in de novo kidney (3) heart (1) and liver (1) transplant patients [see Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2 , and 14.3) ] . CELLCEPT Oral The incidence of adverse reactions for CELLCEPT was determined in five randomized, comparative, double-blind trials in the prevention of rejection in kidney, heart and liver transplant patients (two active- and one placebo-controlled trials, one active-controlled trial, and one active-controlled trial, respectively) [see Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2 and 14.3) ] . The three de novo kidney studies with 12-month duration compared two dose levels of oral CELLCEPT (1 g twice daily and 1.5 g twice daily) with azathioprine (2 studies) or placebo (1 study) when administered in combination with cyclosporine (Sandimmune®) and corticosteroids to prevent acute rejection episodes. One study also included anti-thymocyte globulin (ATGAM®) induction therapy. In the de novo heart transplantation study with 12-month duration, patients received CELLCEPT 1.5 g twice daily (n=289) or azathioprine 1.5 to 3 mg/kg/day (n=289), in combination with cyclosporine (Sandimmune® or Neoral®) and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. In the de novo liver transplantation study with 12-month duration, patients received CELLCEPT 1 g twice daily intravenously for up to 14 days followed by CELLCEPT 1.5 g twice daily orally or azathioprine 1 to 2 mg/kg/day intravenously followed by azathioprine 1 to 2 mg/kg/day orally, in combination with cyclosporine (Neoral®) and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. The total number of patients enrolled was 565. Approximately 53% of the kidney transplant patients, 65% of the heart transplant patients, and 48% of the liver transplant patients were treated for more than 1 year. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 20% of patients in the CELLCEPT treatment groups are presented below. The safety data of three kidney transplantation studies are pooled together. Table 5 Adverse Reactions in Controlled Studies of De Novo Kidney, Heart or Liver Transplantation Reported in ≥20% of Patients in the CELLCEPT Group Adverse drug reaction Kidney Studies Heart Study Liver Study CellCept 2g/day (n=501) or 3g/day (n=490) AZA 1 to 2 mg/kg/day or 100 to 150 mg/day Placebo CellCept 3g/day AZA 1.5 to 3 mg/kg/day CellCept 3g/day AZA 1 to 2 mg/kg/day (n=991) (n=326) (n=166) (n=289) (n=289) (n=277) (n=287) System Organ Class % % % % % % % Infections and infestations Bacterial infections 39.9 33.7 37.3 – – 27.4

26.5 Viral infections – "-" Indicates that the incidence was below the cutoff value of 20% for inclusion in the table. – – 31.1 24.9 – – Blood and lymphatic system disorders Anemia 20.0 23.6 2.4 45.0 47.1 43.0

53.0 Ecchymosis – – – 20.1 9.7 – – Leukocytosis – – – 42.6 37.4 22.4

21.3 Leukopenia 28.6 24.8 4.2 34.3 43.3 45.8

39.0 Thrombocytopenia – – – 24.2 28.0 38.3

42.2 Metabolism and nutrition disorders Hypercholesterolemia – – – 46.0 43.9 – – Hyperglycemia – – – 48.4 53.3 43.7

48.8 Hyperkalemia – – – – – 22.0

23.7 Hypocalcemia – – – – – 30.0

30.0 Hypokalemia – – – 32.5 26.3 37.2

41.1 Hypomagnesemia – – – 20.1 14.2 39.0

37.6 Psychiatric disorders Depression – – – 20.1 15.2 – – Insomnia – – – 43.3 39.8 52.3

47.0 Nervous system disorders Dizziness – – – 34.3 33.9 – – Headache – – – 58.5 55.4 53.8

49.1 Tremor – – – 26.3 25.6 33.9

35.5 Cardiac disorders Tachycardia – – – 22.8 21.8 22.0

15.7 Vascular disorders Hypertension 27.5 32.2 19.3 78.9 74.0 62.1

59.6 Hypotension – – – 34.3 40.1 – – Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Cough – – – 40.5 32.2 – – Dyspnea – – – 44.3 44.3 31.0

30.3 Pleural effusion – – – – – 34.3

35.9 Gastrointestinal disorders Abdominal pain 22.4 23.0 11.4 41.9 39.4 62.5

51.2 Constipation – – – 43.6 38.8 37.9

38.3 Decreased appetite – – – – – 25.3

17.1 Diarrhea 30.4 20.9 13.9 52.6 39.4 51.3

49.8 Dyspepsia – – – 22.1 22.1 22.4

20.9 Nausea – – – 56.1 60.2 54.5

51.2 Vomiting – – – 39.1 34.6 32.9

33.4 Hepatobiliary disorders Blood lactate dehydrogenase increased – – – 23.5 18.3 – – Hepatic enzyme increased – – – – – 24.9

19.2 Skin and subcutaneous tissues disorders Rash – – – 26.0 20.8 – – Renal and urinary disorders Blood creatinine increased – – – 42.2 39.8 – – Blood urea increased – – – 36.7 34.3 – – General disorders and administration site conditions Asthenia – – – 49.1 41.2 35.4

33.8 Edema "Edema" includes peripheral edema, facial edema, scrotal edema. 21.0 28.2 8.4 67.5 55.7 48.4

47.7 Pain "Pain" includes musculoskeletal pain (myalgia, neck pain, back pain). 24.8 32.2 9.6 79.2 77.5 74.0

77.5 Pyrexia – – – 56.4 53.6 52.3

56.1 In the three de novo kidney studies, patients receiving 2 g/day of CELLCEPT had an overall better safety profile than did patients receiving 3 g/day of CELLCEPT. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD, pseudolymphoma) developed in 0.4% to 1% of patients receiving CELLCEPT (2 g or 3 g daily) with other immunosuppressive agents in controlled clinical trials of kidney, heart and liver transplant patients followed for at least 1 year [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Non-melanoma skin carcinomas occurred in 1.6% to 4.2% of patients, other types of malignancy in 0.7% to 2.1% of patients. Three-year safety data in kidney and heart transplant patients did not reveal any unexpected changes in incidence of malignancy compared to the 1-year data. In pediatric patients, PTLD was observed in 1.35% (2/148) by 12 months post-transplant. Cytopenias, including leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia are a known risk associated with mycophenolate and may lead or contribute to the occurrence of infections and hemorrhages [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Severe neutropenia (ANC <0.5 × 10 3 /µL) developed in up to 2% of kidney transplant patients, up to 2.8% of heart transplant patients and up to 3.6% of liver transplant patients receiving CELLCEPT 3 g daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. The most common opportunistic infections in patients receiving CELLCEPT with other immunosuppressants were mucocutaneous candida, CMV viremia/syndrome, and herpes simplex. The proportion of patients with CMV viremia/syndrome was 13.5%. […]

See FPI for drugs that may interfere with systemic exposure and reduce CELLCEPT efficacy: antacids with magnesium or aluminum hydroxide, proton pump inhibitors, drugs that interfere with enterohepatic recirculation, telmisartan, calcium-free phosphate binders. ( 7.1 ) CELLCEPT may reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use of additional barrier contraceptive methods is recommended. ( 7.2 ) See FPI for other important drug interactions. ( 7 )

7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on CELLCEPT Table 7 Drug Interactions with CELLCEPT that Affect Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) Exposure Antacids with Magnesium or Aluminum Hydroxide Clinical Impact Concomitant use with an antacid containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide decreases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce CELLCEPT efficacy. Prevention or Management Administer magnesium or aluminum hydroxide containing antacids at least 2h after CELLCEPT administration. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use with PPIs decreases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce CELLCEPT efficacy. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy when PPIs are co-administered with CELLCEPT. Examples Lansoprazole, pantoprazole Drugs that Interfere with Enterohepatic Recirculation Clinical Impact Concomitant use with drugs that directly interfere with enterohepatic recirculation, or indirectly interfere with enterohepatic recirculation by altering the gastrointestinal flora, can decrease MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce CELLCEPT efficacy. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or CELLCEPT related adverse reactions when these drugs are co-administered with CELLCEPT. Examples Cyclosporine A, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine), rifampin as well as aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone and penicillin classes of antimicrobials Drugs Modulating Glucuronidation Clinical Impact Concomitant use with drugs inducing glucuronidation decreases MPA systemic exposure, potentially reducing CELLCEPT efficacy, while use with drugs inhibiting glucuronidation increases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may increase the risk of CELLCEPT related adverse reactions. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or CELLCEPT related adverse reactions when these drugs are co-administered with CELLCEPT. Examples Telmisartan (induces glucuronidation); isavuconazole (inhibits glucuronidation). Calcium Free Phosphate Binders Clinical Impact Concomitant use with calcium free phosphate binders decrease MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce CELLCEPT efficacy. Prevention or Management Administer calcium free phosphate binders at least 2 hours after CELLCEPT. Examples Sevelamer

7.2 Effect of CELLCEPT on Other Drugs Table 8 Drug Interactions with CELLCEPT that Affect Other Drugs Drugs that Undergo Renal Tubular Secretion Clinical Impact When concomitantly used with CELLCEPT, its metabolite MPAG, may compete with drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion which may increase plasma concentrations and/or adverse reactions associated with these drugs. Prevention or Management Monitor for drug-related adverse reactions in patients with renal impairment. Examples Acyclovir, ganciclovir, probenecid, valacyclovir, valganciclovir Combination Oral Contraceptives Clinical Impact Concomitant use with CELLCEPT decreased the systemic exposure to levonorgestrel, but did not affect the systemic exposure to ethinylestradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may result in reduced combination oral contraceptive effectiveness. Prevention or Management Use additional barrier contraceptive methods.

Male Patients: Sexually active male patients and/or their female partners are recommended to use effective contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment ( 8.3 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of multiple congenital malformations in multiple organ systems [see Human Data ] . Oral administration of mycophenolate to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis produced congenital malformations and pregnancy loss at doses less than the recommended clinical dose (0.01 to 0.05 times the recommended clinical doses in kidney and heart transplant patients) [see Animal Data ]. Consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity. Risks and benefits of CELLCEPT should be discussed with the pregnant woman. The estimated background risk of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations in organ transplant populations is not clear . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data A spectrum of congenital malformations (including multiple malformations in individual newborns) has been reported in 23 to 27% of live births in MMF exposed pregnancies, based on published data from pregnancy registries. Malformations that have been documented include external ear, eye, and other facial abnormalities including cleft lip and palate, and anomalies of the distal limbs, heart, esophagus, kidney, and nervous system. Based on published data from pregnancy registries, the risk of first trimester pregnancy loss has been reported at 45 to 49% following MMF exposure. Animal Data In animal reproductive toxicology studies, there were increased rates of fetal resorptions and malformations in the absence of maternal toxicity. Oral administration of MMF to pregnant rats from Gestational Day 7 to Day 16 produced increased embryofetal lethality and fetal malformations including anophthalmia, agnathia, and hydrocephaly at doses equivalent to 0.015 and 0.01 times the recommended human doses for renal and cardiac transplant patients, respectively, when corrected for BSA. Oral administration of MMF to pregnant rabbits from Gestational Day 7 to Day 19 produced increased embryofetal lethality and fetal malformations included ectopia cordis, ectopic kidneys, diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical hernia at dose equivalents as low as 0.05 and 0.03 times the recommended human doses for renal and cardiac transplant patients, respectively, when corrected for BSA.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of mycophenolate in human milk, or the effects on milk production. There are limited data in the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry on the effects of mycophenolate on a breastfed child [see Data ] . Studies in rats treated with MMF have shown mycophenolic acid (MPA) to be present in milk. Because available data are limited, it is not possible to exclude potential risks to a breastfeeding infant. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for CELLCEPT and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from CELLCEPT or from the underlying maternal condition. Data Limited information is available from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry. Of seven infants reported by the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry to have been breastfed while the mother was taking mycophenolate, all were born at 34-40 weeks gestation, and breastfed for up to 14 months. No adverse events were reported.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Females of reproductive potential must be made aware of the increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and congenital malformations and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning. Pregnancy Planning For patients who are considering pregnancy, consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity whenever possible. Risks and benefits of CELLCEPT should be discussed with the patient. Pregnancy Testing To prevent unplanned exposure during pregnancy, all females of reproductive potential should have a serum or urine pregnancy test with a sensitivity of at least 25 mIU/mL immediately before starting CELLCEPT. Another pregnancy test with the same sensitivity should be done 8 to 10 days later. Repeat pregnancy tests should be performed during routine follow-up visits. Results of all pregnancy tests should be discussed with the patient. In the event of a positive pregnancy test, consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity whenever possible. Contraception Female Patients Females of reproductive potential taking CELLCEPT must receive contraceptive counseling and use acceptable contraception (see Table 9 for acceptable contraception methods). Patients must use acceptable birth control during the entire CELLCEPT therapy, and for 6 weeks after stopping CELLCEPT, unless the patient chooses abstinence. Patients should be aware that CELLCEPT reduces blood levels of the hormones from the oral contraceptive pill and could theoretically reduce its effectiveness [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. Table 9 Acceptable Contraception Methods for Females of Reproductive Potential Pick from the following birth control options: Option 1 Methods to Use Alone Intrauterine devices (IUDs) Tubal sterilization Patient's partner vasectomy OR Option 2 Hormone Methods choose 1 Barrier Methods choose 1 Choose One Hormone Method AND One Barrier Method Estrogen and Progesterone Oral Contraceptive Pill Transdermal patch Vaginal ring Progesterone-only Injection Implant AND Diaphragm with spermicide Cervical cap with spermicide Contraceptive sponge Male condom Female condom OR Option 3 Barrier Methods choose 1 Barrier Methods choose 1 Choose One Barrier Method from each column (must choose two methods) Diaphragm with spermicide Cervical cap with spermicide Contraceptive sponge AND Male condom Female condom Male Patients Genotoxic effects have been observed in animal studies at exposures exceeding the human therapeutic exposures by approximately 1.25 times. Thus, the risk of genotoxic effects on sperm cells cannot be excluded. Based on this potential risk, sexually active male patients and/or their female partners are recommended to use effective contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment. Also, based on the potential risk of genotoxic effects, male patients should not donate sperm during treatment with CELLCEPT and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment [see Use in Special Populations (8.1) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) , Patient Counseling Information (17.9) ] .

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness have been established in pediatric patients 3 months and older for the prophylaxis of organ rejection of allogenic kidney, heart or liver transplants. Kidney Transplant Use of CELLCEPT in this population is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of CELLCEPT in adults with additional data from one open-label, pharmacokinetic and safety study of CELLCEPT in pediatric patients after receiving allogeneic kidney transplant (100 patients, 3 months to 18 years of age) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Heart Transplant and Liver Transplant Use of CELLCEPT in pediatric heart transplant and liver transplant patients is supported by adequate and well-controlled studies and pharmacokinetic data in adult heart transplant and liver transplant patients. […]

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is absorbed following oral administration and hydrolyzed to mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite. MPA is a selective uncompetitive inhibitor of the two isoforms (type I and type II) of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) leading to inhibition of the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis and blocks DNA synthesis. The mechanism of action of MPA is multifaceted and includes effects on cellular checkpoints responsible for metabolic programming of lymphocytes. MPA shifts transcriptional activities in lymphocytes from a proliferative state to catabolic processes. In vitro studies suggest that MPA modulates transcriptional activities in human CD4 + T-lymphocytes by suppressing the Akt/mTOR and STAT5 pathways that are relevant to metabolism and survival, leading to an anergic state of T-cells whereby the cells become less responsive to antigenic stimulation. Additionally, MPA enhanced the expression of negative co-stimulators such as CD70, PD-1, CTLA-4, and transcription factor FoxP3 as well as decreased the expression of positive co-stimulators CD27 and CD28. MPA decreases proliferative responses of T- and B-lymphocytes to both mitogenic and allo-antigenic stimulation, antibody responses, as well as the production of cytokines from lymphocytes and monocytes such as GM-CSF, IFN-ɣ, IL-17, and TNF-α. Additionally, MPA prevents the glycosylation of lymphocyte and monocyte glycoproteins that are involved in intercellular adhesion to endothelial cells and may inhibit recruitment of leukocytes into sites of inflammation and graft rejection. Overall, the effect of MPA is cytostatic and reversible.