Pangraf 5mg Capsule

Product Description

Pangraf 5mg Capsule contains Mycophenolate Mofetil, an immunosuppressive drug that is commonly used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney, heart, or liver transplant. It works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the body from attacking the transplanted organ, which is recognized as foreign by the immune system.

Indications

Pangraf 5mg (Mycophenolate Mofetil) is used for:

1. Prevention of Organ Rejection:
   • In transplant patients (kidney, heart, liver), Pangraf is used in combination with other immunosuppressive medications like cyclosporine or tacrolimus to prevent acute organ rejection.
2. Autoimmune Disorders:
   • In some cases, Mycophenolate Mofetil may be used to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to reduce inflammation caused by an overactive immune system.

Mechanism of Action

Mycophenolate Mofetil is a prodrug that is converted into its active form, mycophenolic acid, in the body. Mycophenolic acid inhibits the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), which is crucial for the synthesis of guanosine. Guanosine is essential for the proliferation of B and T lymphocytes (white blood cells that play a role in immune response).

By inhibiting B and T cell proliferation, Mycophenolate Mofetil suppresses the immune system, preventing it from attacking the transplanted organ or attacking the body's own tissues in autoimmune diseases.

Dosage and Administration

• Typical Dosage:

  • The usual dose of Pangraf 5mg for adult transplant patients is typically 1“2 g per day, divided into two doses.
    • For kidney transplants, it is often dosed at 1 g twice daily.
    • For heart and liver transplants, the dose may vary but usually starts around 1 g twice daily.
  • For Autoimmune Conditions like lupus nephritis, a typical starting dose is around 1 g twice daily, but the dosage may vary depending on the condition and the patient's response to treatment.

• Renal and Hepatic Impairment: The dosage of Pangraf 5mg may be adjusted in patients with kidney or liver impairment, and it is important to monitor the function of these organs regularly.

• Administration:

  • Pangraf 5mg capsules should be taken orally, with or without food.
  • It's important to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels in the body.
  • The capsule should be swallowed whole, and not chewed or crushed, to ensure the medication works effectively.
  • It is also important to stay well-hydrated and avoid infections during treatment.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Pangraf 5mg (Mycophenolate Mofetil) may include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common.
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Loss of appetite
• Increased risk of infection due to the suppression of the immune system.

Serious side effects (though less common) may include:

• Infections: Due to immune suppression, there is an increased risk of serious infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
• Blood Disorders: Leukopenia (low white blood cell count), anemia (low red blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) can occur, which may increase the risk of infections, bleeding, or fatigue.
• Liver or Kidney Toxicity: Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function is necessary as Mycophenolate Mofetil can cause damage to these organs.
• Pregnancy: Mycophenolate Mofetil can cause birth defects and is classified as a Category D drug (high risk of harm to the fetus). It is contraindicated during pregnancy, and both men and women should use effective contraception while taking this medication.

Precautions and Warnings

• Pregnancy and Contraception: Due to its teratogenic effects (ability to cause birth defects), Pangraf (Mycophenolate Mofetil) should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use two forms of contraception during treatment and for at least 6 weeks after discontinuing the drug. Male patients are also advised to use contraception while on treatment.

• Infection Risk: Mycophenolate Mofetil suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients should be vigilant about avoiding exposure to infections and promptly seek medical attention for signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, or cough).

• Blood Monitoring: Regular blood tests are required to monitor the blood cell counts and to assess liver and kidney function. White blood cell counts should be checked frequently, especially in the first few months of treatment.

• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Because gastrointestinal issues are common, patients should be encouraged to report any severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea to their healthcare provider.

• Vaccines: Patients taking Pangraf (Mycophenolate Mofetil) should avoid live vaccines (e.g., the yellow fever vaccine) as the immunosuppressive effect of the drug can interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine and increase the risk of infection.

Important Considerations

• Adherence to Therapy: It's crucial to follow the prescribed dosing schedule. Skipping doses or stopping treatment can increase the risk of organ rejection or worsening of autoimmune diseases.

• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important, as Mycophenolate Mofetil may affect kidney function, and dehydration can increase this risk.

• Infection Vigilance: As Pangraf 5mg suppresses the immune system, patients should be aware of signs of infections and seek medical help promptly if symptoms occur.

Conclusion

Pangraf 5mg Capsule (Mycophenolate Mofetil) is an immunosuppressive medication commonly used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients and manage certain autoimmune diseases. It works by inhibiting the activity of white blood cells involved in immune responses. While effective, it requires careful monitoring for side effects such as infections, blood disorders, and liver or kidney toxicity.