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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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MYFORTIC (NDA-050791)

(MYCOPHENOLIC ACID)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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06/30/2025 (SUPPL-40)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

4 Contraindications

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Myfortic is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolic acid (MPA), mycophenolate mofetil, or to any of its excipients. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.9 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Newly added subsection:

Postmarketing cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis, have been reported with Myfortic. These reactions generally occurred within hours to the next day after initiating Myfortic. If signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur, discontinue Myfortic; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve [see Contraindications (4)].

6 Adverse Reactions

Addition of the following to the bulleted line listing:

  • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

    6.2 Postmarketing Experience

    Additions and/or revisions underlined:

      • Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Inform patients of the potential risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Advise patients to stop taking Myfortic and seek immediate medical attention if signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur (such as swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing) [see Warning and Precautions (5.9)].

MEDICATION GUIDE

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Who should not take Myfortic?

Do not take Myfortic if you have a history of allergic reactions to mycophenolic acid (MPA), mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolate mofetil, or any of the ingredients in Myfortic. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Myfortic.

What are the possible side effects of Myfortic?

  • Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions. Allergic reactions, including a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, can happen after taking Myfortic. Stop taking Myfortic and get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:

  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

  • trouble breathing or swallowing

  • rash, hives, or itching

  •  fast heartbeat

  • fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded

  • chest pain

 

03/15/2022 (SUPPL-35)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.5 New or Reactivated Viral Infections

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Polyomavirus associated nephropathy (PVAN), JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, reactivation of hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV), SARS- CoV-2 infection, have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including MPA derivatives Myfortic and MMF. Reduction in immunosuppression should be considered for patients who develop evidence of new or reactivated viral infections. Physicians should also consider the risk that reduced immunosuppression represents to the functioning allograft.

5.8 Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products

Newly added subsection:

Acute inflammatory syndrome (AIS) has been reported with the use of 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. Symptoms occur within weeks to months of initiation of treatment or a dose increase. After discontinuation, improvement of symptoms and inflammatory markers are usually observed within 24 to 48 hours.

Monitor patients for symptoms and laboratory parameters of AIS when starting treatment with mycophenolate products or when increasing the dosage. Discontinue treatment and consider other treatment alternatives based on the risk and benefit for the patient.

6 Adverse Reactions

Addition of the following to the bulleted line listing:

  • Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Myfortic: agranulocytosis, asthenia, osteomyelitis, lymphadenopathy, lymphopenia, wheezing, dry mouth, gastritis, peritonitis, anorexia, alopecia, pulmonary edema, Kaposi’s sarcoma, de novo purine synthesis inhibitors-associated acute inflammatory syndrome.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

MEDICATION GUIDE

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

    • Viral infections. Certain viruses can live in your body and cause active infections when your immune system is weak. Viral infections that can happen with Myfortic include:

      • Shingles, other herpes infections, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV can cause serious tissue and blood infections.

      • BK virus. BK virus can affect how your kidney works and cause your transplanted kidney to fail.

      • Hepatitis B and C viruses. Hepatitis viruses can affect how your liver works. Talk to your doctor about how hepatitis viruses may affect you.

      • COVID-19

What are the possible side effects of Myfortic? Myfortic can cause serious side effects.

See "What is the most important information I should know about Myfortic?"

Stomach and intestinal bleeding can happen in people who take Myfortic. Bleeding can be severe and you may have to be hospitalized for treatment.

Some people taking Myfortic may have an inflammatory reaction with fever, joint stiffness, joint pain, and muscle pain. Some of these reactions may require hospitalization. This reaction could happen within weeks to months after you start treatment with Myfortic or if your dose is increased. Call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

  • Advise sexually active male patients and/or their partners to use effective contraception during the treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment. This recommendation is based on findings of animal studies.

Acute Inflammatory Syndrome

Inform patients that acute inflammatory reactions have been reported in some patients who received mycophenolate products. Some reactions were severe, requiring hospitalization. Advise patients to contact their physician if they develop fever, joint stiffness, joint pain or muscle pains [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

04/28/2020 (SUPPL-30)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

(additions underlined)

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, MALIGNANCIES, AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS

  • Use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations. Avoid if safer treatment options are available. Females of reproductive potential must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning.

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

(additions underlined)

Use of Myfortic 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 aware of these risks and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning. Avoid use of Myfortic during pregnancy if safer treatment options are available.

5.10 Blood Donation

(new subsection added)

Patients should not donate blood during therapy and for at least 6 weeks following discontinuation of Myfortic because their blood or blood products might be administered to a female of reproductive potential or a pregnant woman.

5.11 Semen Donation

(new subsection added)

Based on animal data, men should not donate semen during therapy and for 90 days following discontinuation of Myfortic.

5.8 Immunizations

(additions underlined)

During treatment with Myfortic, the use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided and patients should be advised that vaccinations may be less effective. Advise patients to discuss with the physician before seeking any immunizations.

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion)

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to mycophenolate during pregnancy and those becoming pregnant within 6 weeks of discontinuing Myfortic treatment. To report a pregnancy or obtain information about the registry, visit www.mycophenolateREMS.com or call 1-800-617-8191.

Risk Summary

Following oral or intravenous (IV) administration, MMF is metabolized to mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active ingredient in Myfortic and the active form of the drug. Use of 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 (0.05 and 1.1 times exposure at the recommended clinical doses in kidney transplant patients for rats and rabbits, respectively) [see Animal Data].

Risks and benefits of Myfortic should be discussed with the patient. When appropriate, consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryo-fetal toxicity.

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, congenital malformations and pregnancy loss occurred when pregnant rats and rabbits received mycophenolate at dose multiples equivalent to and less than the recommended human dose. Oral administration of mycophenolate sodium to pregnant rats from Gestational Day 7 to Day 16 at a dose as low as 1 mg per kg resulted in malformations including anophthalmia, exencephaly, and umbilical hernia. The systemic exposure at this dose represents 0.05 times the clinical exposure at the human dose of 1440 mg per day Myfortic. Oral administration of mycophenolate to pregnant rabbits from Gestational Day 7 to Day 19 resulted in embryofetal lethality and malformations including ectopia cordis, ectopic kidneys, diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical hernia at doses equal to or greater than 80 mg per kg per day, in the absence of maternal toxicity. This corresponds to about 1.1 times the recommended clinical dose based on BSA.

8.2 Lactation

(PLLR conversion)

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 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 Myfortic and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Myfortic or from the underlying maternal condition. Because available data are limited, it is not possible to exclude potential risks to a breastfeeding infant.

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 to 40 weeks gestation and breastfed for up to 14 months. No adverse events were reported.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

(PLLR conversion, please refer to label for complete information)

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

MEDICATION GUIDE

(revisions to the Medication Guide to reflect the changes to the Prescribing Information pertinent to the PLLR related sections, please refer to label for complete information)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(additions underlined)

 

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Pregnancy loss and malformations

  • Inform pregnant women and females of reproductive potential that use of Myfortic in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of congenital malformations. Advise patients that they must use an acceptable form of contraception.

    Encourage pregnant women to enroll in the Mycophenolate Pregnancy Registry (1-800-617-8191). This registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to mycophenolate

     

    Contraception

  • Discuss pregnancy testing, pregnancy prevention and planning with females of reproductive potential.

  • Females of reproductive potential must use acceptable form of birth control during the entire Myfortic therapy and for 6 weeks after stopping Myfortic, unless the patient chooses to avoid heterosexual sexual intercourse completely (abstinence). Myfortic may reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use of additional barrier contraceptive methods is recommended.

  • For patients who are considering pregnancy, discuss appropriate alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryo-fetal toxicity. Risks and benefits of Myfortic should be discussed with the patient.

 

  • Advise sexually active male patients and/or their partners to use effective contraception during the treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 after cessation of treatment. This recommendation is based on findings of animal studies.

 

 

Development of Lymphoma and Other Malignancies

 

  • Advise patients to limit exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light by wearing protective clothing and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor

 

Increased Risk of Infection

Inform patients they are at increased risk of developing a variety of infections, including opportunistic infections, due to immunosuppression and to contact their physician if they develop any symptoms of infection as explained in the Medication Guide.

Immunizations

Inform patients that Myfortic can interfere with the usual response to immunizations and that they should avoid live vaccines. Before seeking vaccines on their own, advise patients to discuss first with their physician.

Blood Donation

Advise patients not to donate blood during therapy and for at least 6 weeks following discontinuation of Myfortic.

Semen Donation

Advise males of childbearing potential not to donate semen during therapy and for 90 days following discontinuation of Myfortic.