Ceptava is indicated in combination with ciclosporin and corticosteroids for the prophylaxis of acute transplant rejection in adult patients receiving allogeneic renal transplants.

Treatment with Ceptava should be initiated and maintained by appropriately qualified transplant specialists.

The recommended dose is 720 mg administered twice daily (1,440 mg daily dose). This dose of mycophenolate sodium corresponds to 1 g mycophenolate mofetil administered twice daily (2g daily dose) in terms of mycophenolic acid (MPA) content.

For additional information about the corresponding therapeutic doses of mycophenolate sodium and mycophenolate mofetil, see sections 4.4 and 5.2.

In de novo patients, Ceptava should be initiated within 72 hours following transplantation.

Ceptava can be taken with or without food. Patients may select either option but must adhere to their selected option (see section 5.2).

In order to retain the integrity of the enteric coating, Ceptava tablets should not be crushed. Where crushing of Ceptava tablets is necessary, avoid inhalation of the powder or direct contact of the powder with skin or mucous membrane. If such contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes with plain water.

This is due to the teratogenic effects of mycophenolate.

Paediatric population and adolescents

Insufficient data are available to support the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate sodium in children and adolescents. Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for paediatric renal transplant patients (see section 5.2).

Elderly

The recommended dose in elderly patients is 720mg twice daily.

Renal impairment

In patients experiencing delayed renal graft function post-operatively, no dose adjustments are needed (see section 5.2).

Patients with severe renal impairment (glomerular filtration rate <25ml· min^-1· 1.73m^-2) should be carefully monitored and the daily dose of Ceptava should not exceed 1,440mg.

Hepatic impairment

No dose adjustments are needed for renal transplant patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Treatment during rejection episodes

Renal transplant rejection does not lead to changes in mycophenolic acid (MPA) pharmacokinetics; dosage modification or interruption of Ceptava is not required.

Hypersensitivity to mycophenolate sodium, mycophenolic acid or mycophenolate mofetil or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Ceptava must not be used in women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) who are not using highly effective contraception methods.

Ceptava must not be initiated in women of childbearing potential without providing a pregnancy test result to rule out unintended use in pregnancy (see section 4.6).

Ceptava must not be used in pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment to prevent transplant rejection (see section 4.6).

Ceptava must not be given to women who are breastfeeding (see section 4.6).

Patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens involving combinations of drugs, including Ceptava, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin (see section 4.8). The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. As general advice to minimise the risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.

Patients receiving Ceptava should be instructed to immediately report any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising, bleeding or any other manifestation of bone marrow depression.

Patients treated with immunosuppressants, including Ceptava, are at increased risk for opportunistic infections (bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoal), fatal infections and sepsis (see section 4.8). Among the opportunistic infections are BK virus associated nephropathy and JC virus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). These infections are often related to a high total immunosuppressive burden and may lead to serious or fatal conditions that physicians should consider in the differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients with deteriorating renal function or neurological symptoms. Mycophenolic acid has a cytostatic effect on B- and T-lymphocytes, therefore an increased severity of COVID-19 may occur, and appropriate clinical action should be considered.

There have been reports of hypogammaglobulinemia in association with recurrent infections in patients receiving Ceptava in combination with other immunosuppressants. In some of these cases, switching MPA derivatives to an alternative immunosuppressant resulted in serum IgG levels returning to normal. Patients on Ceptava who develop recurrent infections should have their serum immunoglobulins measured. In cases of sustained, clinically relevant hypogammaglobulinemia, appropriate clinical action should be considered taking into account the potent cytostatic effects that mycophenolic acid has on T- and B-lymphocytes.

There have been reports of bronchiectasis in patients who received mycophenolate sodium in combination with other immunosuppressants. In some of these cases, switching MPA derivatives to another immunosuppressant resulted in improvement in respiratory symptoms. The risk of bronchiectasis may be linked to hypogammaglobulinemia or to a direct effect on the lung. There have been also isolated reports of interstitial lung disease (see section 4.8). It is recommended that patients who develop persistent pulmonary symptoms, such as cough and dyspnoea, are investigated for any evidence of underlying interstitial lung disease.

Reactivation of hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including the mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivatives mycophenolate sodium and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Monitoring infected patients for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV or HCV infection is recommended.

Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with MPA derivatives (which include mycophenolate mofetil and mycophenolate sodium) in combination with other immunosuppressants. The mechanism for MPA derivatives induced PRCA is unknown. PRCA may resolve with dose reduction or cessation of therapy. Changes to Ceptava therapy should only be undertaken under appropriate supervision in transplant recipients in order to minimise the risk of graft rejection (see Section 4.8).

Patients receiving Ceptava should be monitored for blood disorders (e.g neutropenia or anemia - see section 4.8), which may be related to MPA itself, concomitant medications, viral infections, or some combination of these causes. Patients taking Ceptava should have complete blood counts weekly during the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months of treatment, then monthly through the first year. If blood disorders occur (e.g neutropenia with absolute neutrophil count <1.5 x 10³/µ l or anemia) it may be appropriate to interrupt or discontinue Ceptava.

Patients should be advised that during treatment with MPA vaccinations may be less effective and the use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided (see section 4.5). Influenza vaccination may be of value. Prescribers should refer to national guidelines for influenza vaccination.

Because MPA derivatives have been associated with an increased incidence of digestive system adverse events, including infrequent cases of gastrointestinal tract ulceration and haemorrhage and perforation, Ceptava should be administered with caution in patients with active serious digestive system disease.

It is recommended that Ceptava not be administered concomitantly with azathioprine because concomitant administration of these drugs has not been evaluated.

Mycophenolic acid (as sodium salt) and mycophenolate mofetil should not be indiscriminately interchanged or substituted because of their different pharmacokinetic profiles.

Mycophenolate sodium has been administered in combination with corticosteroids and ciclosporin.

There is limited experience with its concomitant use with induction therapies such as anti-T-lymphocyte globulin or basiliximab. The efficacy and safety of the use of mycophenolate sodium with other immunosuppressive agents (for example, tacrolimus) have not been studied.

Ceptava contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

The concomitant administration of Ceptava and drugs which interfere with enterohepatic circulation, for example cholestyramine or activated charcoal, may result in sub-therapeutic systemic MPA exposure and reduced efficacy.

Mycophenolate sodium is an IMPDH (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase) inhibitor. Therefore, it should be avoided in patients with rare hereditary deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) such as Lesch-Nyhan and Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome.

Ceptava therapy should not be initiated until a negative pregnancy test has been obtained. Effective contraception must be used before beginning Ceptava therapy, during therapy and for six weeks following therapy discontinuation (see section 4.6).

Teratogenic effects

Mycophenolate is a powerful human teratogen. Spontaneous abortion (rate of 45-49%) and congenital malformations (estimated rate of 23-27%) have been reported following mycophenolate mofetil exposure during pregnancy.

Therefore, Ceptava is contraindicated in pregnancy unless there are no suitable alternative treatments to prevent transplant rejection. Female patients of childbearing potential should be made aware of the risks and follow the recommendations provided in section 4.6. (e.g. contraceptive methods, pregnancy testing) prior to, during, and after therapy with Ceptava. Physicians should ensure that women taking mycophenolate understand the risk of harm to the baby, the need for effective contraception, and the need to immediately consult their physician if there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Contraception (see section 4.6)

Because of robust clinical evidence showing a high risk of abortion and congenital malformations when mycophenolate mofetil is used in pregnancy every effort to avoid pregnancy during treatment should be taken. Therefore, women with childbearing potential must use at least one form of reliable contraception (see section 4.3) before starting Ceptava therapy, during therapy, and for six weeks after stopping the therapy, unless abstinence is the chosen method of contraception. Two complementary forms of contraception simultaneously are preferred to minimise the potential for contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy.

For contraception advice for men see section 4.6.

Educational materials

In order to assist patients in avoiding foetal exposure to mycophenolate and to provide additional important safety information, the Marketing Authorisation holder will provide educational materials to healthcare professionals. The educational materials will reinforce the warnings about the teratogenicity of mycophenolate, provide advice on contraception before therapy is started and guidance on the need for pregnancy testing. Full patient information about the teratogenic risk and the pregnancy prevention measures should be given by the physician to women of childbearing potential and, as appropriate, to male patients.

Additional precautions

Patients should not donate blood during therapy or for at least 6 weeks following discontinuation of mycophenolate.

Men should not donate semen during therapy or for at least 90 days following discontinuation of mycophenolate.

Ceptava contains sodium and lactose

This medicinal product contains 12.93 mg sodium per gastro-resistant tablet, equivalent to 0.65% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.

The following interactions have been reported between MPA and other medicinal products:

Aciclovir and ganciclovir

The potential for myelosuppression in patients receiving both mycophenolate sodium and aciclovir or ganciclovir has not been studied. Increased levels of mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) and aciclovir/ganciclovir may be expected when aciclovir/ganciclovir and mycophenolate sodium are administered concomitantly, possibly as a result of competition for the tubular secretion pathway.

The changes in MPAG pharmacokinetics are unlikely to be of clinical significance in patients with adequate renal function. In the presence of renal impairment, the potential exists for increases in plasma MPAG and aciclovir/ganciclovir concentrations; dose recommendations for aciclovir/ganciclovir should be followed and patients carefully observed.

Gastroprotective agents:

Magnesium and aluminium containing antacids:

MPA AUC and C_max have been shown to decrease by approximately 37% and 25%, respectively, when a single dose of magnesium-aluminium containing antacids is given concomitantly with mycophenolate sodium. Magnesium aluminium-containing antacids may be used intermittently for the treatment of occasional dyspepsia. However, the chronic, daily use of magnesium-aluminium containing antacids with Ceptava is not recommended due to the potential for decreased mycophenolic acid exposure and reduced efficacy.

Proton pump inhibitors:

In healthy volunteers, no changes in the pharmacokinetics of MPA were observed following concomitant administration of Ceptava and pantoprazole given at 40 mg twice daily during the four previous days. No data are available with other proton pump inhibitors given at high doses.

Oral contraceptives

Interaction studies between MMF and oral contraceptives indicate no interaction. Given the metabolic profile of MPA, no interactions would be expected for Ceptava and oral contraceptives.

Cholestyramine and drugs that bind bile acids

Caution should be used when co-administering drugs or therapies that may bind bile acids, for example bile acid sequestrates or oral activated charcoal, because of the potential to decrease MPA exposure and thus reduce the efficacy of Ceptava.

Ciclosporin

When studied in stable renal transplant patients, ciclosporin pharmacokinetics were unaffected by steady state dosing of mycophenolate sodium. When co-administered with mycophenolate mofetil, ciclosporin is known to decrease the exposure of MPA. When co-administered with Ceptava, ciclosporin may decrease the concentration of MPA as well (by approximately 20%, extrapolated from mycophenolate mofetil data), but the exact extent of this decrease is unknown because such an interaction has not been studied. However, as efficacy studies were conducted in combination with ciclosporin, this interaction does not modify the recommended posology of Ceptava. In case of interruption or discontinuation of ciclosporin, Ceptava dosage should be re-evaluated depending on the immunosuppressive regimen.

Tacrolimus

In a calcineurin cross-over study in stable renal transplant patients, steady-state mycophenolate sodium pharmacokinetics were measured during both Neoral and tacrolimus treatment. Mean MPA AUC was 19% higher (90% CI: -3, +47), whereas mean MPAG AUC was about 30% lower (90% CI: 16, 42) on tacrolimus compared to Neoral treatment. In addition, MPA AUC intra-subject variability was doubled when switching from Neoral to tacrolimus. Clinicians should note this increase both in MPA AUC and variability, and adjustments to Ceptava dosing should be dictated by the clinical situation. Close clinical monitoring should be performed when a switch from one calcineurin inhibitor to another is planned.

Live attenuated vaccines

Live vaccines should not be given to patients with an impaired immune response. The antibody response to other vaccines may be diminished.

Women of childbearing potential

Pregnancy whilst taking mycophenolate must be avoided. Therefore, women of childbearing potential must use at least one form of reliable contraception (see section 4.3) before starting Ceptava therapy, during therapy, and for six weeks after stopping the therapy, unless abstinence is the chosen method of contraception. Two complementary forms of contraception simultaneously are preferred.

Pregnancy

Ceptava is contraindicated during pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment available to prevent transplant rejection.

Treatment should not be initiated without providing a negative pregnancy test result to rule out unintended use in pregnancy.

Female patients of reproductive potential must be made aware of the increased risk of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations at the beginning of the treatment and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning.

Before starting Ceptava treatment, women of childbearing potential should have two negative serum or urine pregnancy tests with a sensitivity of at least 25 mIU/mL in order to exclude unintended exposure of the embryo to mycophenolate. It is recommended that the second test) should be performed 8 - 10 days after the first test. For transplants from deceased donors, if it is not possible to perform two tests 8-10 days apart before treatment starts (because of the timing of transplant organ availability), a pregnancy test must be performed immediately before starting treatment and a further test performed 8-10 days later. Pregnancy tests should be repeated as clinically required (e.g. after any gap in contraception is reported). Results of all pregnancy tests should be discussed with the patient. Patients should be instructed to consult their physician immediately should pregnancy occur.

Mycophenolate is a powerful human teratogen, with an increased risk of spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations in case of exposure during pregnancy:

• Spontaneous abortions have been reported in 45 to 49% of pregnant women exposed to mycophenolate mofetil, compared to a reported rate of between 12 and 33% in solid organ transplant patients treated with immunosuppressants other than mycophenolate mofetil.

• Based on literature reports, malformations occurred in 23 to 27% of live births in women exposed to mycophenolate mofetil during pregnancy (compared to 2 to 3 % of live births in the overall population and approximately 4 to 5% of live births in solid organ transplant recipients treated with immunosuppressants other than mycophenolate mofetil)

Congenital malformations, including reports of multiple malformations, have been observed post-marketing in children of patients exposed to mycophenolate mofetil in combination with other immunosuppressants during pregnancy. The following malformations were most frequently reported:

• Abnormalities of the ear (e.g. abnormally formed or absent external ear), external auditory canal atresia (middle ear);

• Facial malformations such as cleft lip, cleft palate, micrognathia and hypertelorism of the orbits;

• Abnormalities of the eye (e.g. coloboma);

• Congenital heart disease such as atrial and ventricular septal defects;

• Malformations of the fingers (e.g. polydactyly, syndactyly);

• Tracheo-Oesophageal malformations (e.g. oesophageal atresia);

• Nervous system malformations such as spina bifida;

• Renal abnormalities.

In addition, there have been isolated reports of the following malformations:

• Microphthalmia;

• congenital choroid plexus cyst;

• septum pellucidum agenesis;

• olfactory nerve agenesis.

Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Breastfeeding

Limited data show that mycophenolic acid is excreted in human milk Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to MPA in breast-fed infants, Ceptava is contra-indicated in women who are breast-feeding (see section 4.3).

Fertility

No specific studies with mycophenolate sodium in humans have been conducted to evaluate effects on fertility. In a study on male and female fertility in rats no effects were seen up to a dose of 40 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg respectively (see section 5.3).

Men

Limited clinical evidence does not indicate an increased risk of malformations or miscarriage following paternal exposure to mycophenolate mofetil.

MPA is a powerful teratogen. It is not known if MPA is present in semen. Calculations based on animal data show that the maximum amount of MPA that could potentially be transferred to woman is so low that it would be unlikely to have an effect. Mycophenolate has been shown to be genotoxic in animal studies at concentrations exceeding the human therapeutic exposures by small margins, such that the risk of genotoxic effects on sperm cells cannot completely be excluded.

Therefore, the following precautionary measures are recommended: sexually active male patients or their female partners are recommended to use reliable contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of mycophenolate mofetil. Male patients of reproductive potential should be made aware of and discuss the potential risks of fathering a child with a qualified health-care professional.

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. The mechanism of action and pharmacodynamic profile and the reported adverse reactions indicate that an effect is unlikely.

The following undesirable effects cover adverse drug reactions from clinical trials:

Malignancies

Patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens involving combinations of drugs, including MPA, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin (see section 4.4). Lymphoproliferative disease or lymphoma developed in 2 de novo (0.9%) patients and in 2 maintenance patients (1.3%) receiving mycophenolate sodium for up to 1 year. Non-melanoma skin carcinomas occurred in 0.9% of de novo and 1.8% of maintenance patients receiving mycophenolate sodium for up to 1 year; other types of malignancy occurred in 0.5% of de novo and 0.6% of maintenance patients.

Opportunistic infections

All transplant patients are at increased risk of opportunistic infections; the risk increased with total immunosuppressive load (see section 4.4). The most common opportunistic infections in de novo renal transplant patients receiving mycophenolate sodium with other immunosuppressants in controlled clinical trials of renal transplant patients followed for 1 year were cytomegalovirus (CMV), candidiasis and herpes simplex. CMV infection (serology, viraemia or disease) was reported in 21.6% of de novo and in 1.9% of maintenance renal transplant patients.

Elderly

Elderly may generally be at increased risk of adverse drug reactions due to immunosuppression.

Other adverse drug reactions

Table 1 below contains adverse drug reactions possibly or probably related to mycophenolate sodium reported in the controlled clinical trials in renal transplant patients, in which mycophenolate sodium was administered together with ciclosporin microemulsion and corticosteroids at a dose of 1,440mg/day for 12 months. It is compiled according to MedDRA system organ class.

Adverse reactions are listed according to the following categories:

Table 1

* event reported in a single patient (out of 372) only.

Note: renal transplant patients were treated with 1,440mg mycophenolate sodium daily up to one year. A similar profile was seen in the de novo and maintenance transplant population although the incidence tended to be lower in the maintenance patients.

Rash and agranulocytosis have been identified as adverse drug reactions from post marketing experience

The following additional adverse reactions are attributed to MPA derivatives as a class effect:

Infections and infestations:

Serious, life-threatening infections, including meningitis, infectious endocarditis, tuberculosis, and atypical mycobacterial infection. Cases of BK virus associated nephropathy, as well as cases of JC virus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including mycophenolate sodium (see section 4.4).

Blood and lymphatic system disorders:

Neutropenia, pancytopenia.

Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with MPA derivatives (see section 4.4).

Immune system disorders:

Hypogammaglobulinaemia has been reported in patients receiving mycophenolate sodium in combination with other immunosuppressants.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:

There have been isolated reports of interstitial lung disease in patients treated with mycophenolate sodium in combination with other immunosuppressants. There have also been reports of bronchiectasis in combination with other immunosuppressants.

Isolated cases of abnormal neutrophil morphology, including the acquired Pelger-Huet anomaly, have been observed in patients treated with MPA derivatives. These changes are not associated with impaired neutrophil function. These changes may suggest a 'left shift' in the maturity of neutrophils in haematological investigations, which may be mistakenly interpreted as a sign of infection in immunosuppressed patients such as those that receive mycophenolate sodium.

Gastrointestinal disorders:

Colitis, CMV gastritis, intestinal perforation, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers.

Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions:

Cases of spontaneous abortion have been reported in patients exposed to mycophenolate mainly in the first trimester (see section 4.6).

Congenital, familial and genetic disorders:

Congenital malformations have been observed post-marketing in children of patients exposed to mycophenolate in combination with other immunosuppressants (see section 4.6).

General disorders and administration site conditions

De novo purine synthesis inhibitors-associated acute inflammatory syndrome has been described from post-marketing experience as a paradoxical proinflammatory reaction associated with mycophenolate mofetil and mycophenolic acid, characterised by fever, arthralgia, arthritis, muscle pain and elevated inflammatory markers. Literature case reports showed rapid improvement following discontinuation of the medicinal product.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

There have been reports of intentional or accidental overdoses with mycophenolate sodium, whereas not all patients experienced related adverse events.

In those overdose cases in which adverse events were reported, the events fall within the known safety profile of the class (mainly blood dyscrasias, sepsis… ) (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Although dialysis may be used to remove the inactive metabolite MPAG, it would not be expected to remove clinically significant amounts of the active moiety MPA. This is in large part due to the very high plasma protein binding of MPA, 97%. By interfering with enterohepatic circulation of MPA, bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, may reduce the systemic MPA exposure.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: immunosuppressant, selective immunosuppressants ATC code: L04AA06

MPA is a potent, selective, uncompetitive and reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, and therefore inhibits the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis without incorporation into DNA. Because T-and B-lymphocytes are critically dependent for their proliferation on de novo synthesis of purines whereas other cell types can utilize salvage pathways, MPA has more potent cytostatic effects on lymphocytes than on other cells.

Absorption

Following oral administration, mycophenolate sodium is extensively absorbed. Consistent with its enteric coated design, the time to maximal concentration (T_max) of MPA was approximately 1.5-2 hours. Approximately 10% of all morning pharmacokinetic profiles showed a delayed T_max, sometimes up to several hours, without any expected impact on 24 hour/daily MPA exposure.

In stable renal transplant patients on ciclosporin based immunosuppression, the gastrointestinal absorption of MPA was 93% and the absolute bioavailability was 72%. Mycophenolate sodium pharmacokinetics are dose proportional and linear over the studied dose range of 180 to 2,160mg.

Compared to the fasting state, administration of a single dose of mycophenolate sodium 720mg with a high fat meal (55g fat, 1,000calories) had no effect on the systemic exposure of MPA (AUC), which is the most relevant pharmacokinetic parameter linked to efficacy. However, there was a 33% decrease in the maximal concentration of MPA (C_max). Moreover, T_lag and T_max were on average 3-5 hours delayed, with several patients having a T_max of >15 hours. The effect of food on mycophenolate sodium may lead to an absorption overlap from one dose interval to another. However, this effect was not shown to be clinically significant.

Distribution

The volume of distribution at steady state for MPA is 50 litres. Both mycophenolic acid and mycophenolic acid glucuronide are highly protein bound (97% and 82%, respectively). The free MPA concentration may increase under conditions of decreased protein binding sites (uraemia, hepatic failure, hypoalbuminemia, concomitant use of drugs with high protein binding). This may put patients at increased risk of MPA-related adverse effects.

Biotransformation

MPA is metabolised principally by glucuronyl transferase to form the phenolic glucuronide of MPA, mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG). MPAG is the predominant metabolite of MPA and does not manifest biological activity. In stable renal transplant patients on ciclosporin-based immunosuppression, approximately 28% of the oral mycophenolate sodium dose is converted to MPAG by presystemic metabolism. The half-life of MPAG is longer than that of MPA, approximately 16 hours, and its clearance is 0.45l/h.

Elimination

The half-life of MPA is approximately 12hours and the clearance is 8.6l/h. Although negligible amounts of MPA are present in the urine (<1.0%), the majority of MPA is eliminated in the urine as MPAG. MPAG secreted in the bile is available for deconjugation by gut flora. The MPA resulting from this deconjugation may then be reabsorbed. Approximately 6-8 hours after mycophenolate sodium dosing a second peak of MPA concentration can be measured, consistent with reabsorption of the deconjugated MPA. There is large variability in the MPA trough levels inherent to MPA preparations, and high morning trough levels (C₀ > 10 µ g/ml) have been observed in approximately 2% of patients treated with mycophenolate sodium. However, across studies, the AUC at steady state (0-12h) which is indicative of the overall exposure showed a lower variability than the one corresponding to C_trough.

Pharmacokinetics in renal transplant patients on ciclosporin-based immunosuppression

Shown in Table 2 are mean pharmacokinetic parameters for MPA following the administration of mycophenolate sodium. In the early post-transplant period, mean MPA AUC and mean MPA C_max were approximately one-half of the values measured six months post-transplant.

Table 2: Mean (SD) pharmacokinetic parameters for MPA following oral administration of mycophenolate sodium to renal transplant patients on ciclosporin-based immunosuppression

* median values

Renal impairment

MPA pharmacokinetics appeared to be unchanged over the range of normal to absent renal function. In contrast, MPAG exposure increased with decreased renal function; MPAG exposure being approximately 8-fold higher in the setting of anuria. Clearance of either MPA or MPAG was unaffected by haemodialysis. Free MPA may also significantly increase in the setting of renal failure. This may be due to decreased plasma protein binding of MPA in the presence of high blood urea concentration.

Hepatic impairment

In volunteers with alcoholic cirrhosis, hepatic MPA glucuronidation processes were relatively unaffected by hepatic parenchymal disease. Effects of hepatic disease on this process probably depend on the particular disease. However, hepatic disease with predominantly biliary damage, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, may show a different effect.

Paediatric population and adolescents

Limited data are available on the use of mycophenolate sodium in children and adolescents.

In Table 2 above the mean (SD) MPA pharmacokinetics are shown for stable paediatric renal transplant patients (aged 5-16 years) on ciclosporin-based immunosuppression. Mean MPA AUC at a dose of 450mg/m² was similar to that measured in adults receiving 720mg mycophenolate sodium. The mean apparent clearance of MPA was approximately 6.7l/h/m².

Gender

There are no clinically significant gender differences in mycophenolate sodium pharmacokinetics.

Elderly

Pharmacokinetics in the elderly has not formally been studied. MPA exposure does not appear to vary to a clinically significant degree by age.

The hematopoietic and lymphoid systems were the primary organs affected in repeated-dose toxicity studies conducted with mycophenolate sodium in rats and mice. Aplastic, regenerative anemia was identified as being the dose-limiting toxicity in rodents exposed to MPA. Evaluation of myelograms showed a marked decrease in erythroid cells (polychromatic erythroblasts and normoblasts) and a dose-dependent enlargement of the spleen and increase in extramedullary haematopoiesis. These effects occurred at systemic exposure levels which are equivalent to or less than the clinical exposure at the recommended dose of 1.44g/day of mycophenolate sodium in renal transplant patients.

Gastrointestinal effects were observed in the dog at systemic exposure levels equivalent to or less than the clinical exposure at the recommended doses.

The non-clinical toxicity profile of mycophenolic acid (as sodium salt) appears to be consistent with adverse events observed in human clinical trials which now provide safety data of more relevance to the patient population (see section 4.8).

Three genotoxicity assays (in vitro mouse lymphoma assay, micronucleus test in V79 Chinese hamster cells and in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test) showed a potential of mycophenolic acid to cause chromosomal aberrations. These effects can be related to the pharmacodynamics mode of action, i.e. inhibition of nucleotide synthesis in sensitive cells. Other in vitro tests for detection of gene mutation did not demonstrate genotoxic activity.

Mycophenolic acid (as sodium salt) was not tumourigenic in rats and mice. The highest dose tested in the animal carcinogenicity studies resulted in approximately 0.6-5times the systemic exposure (AUC or C_max) observed in renal transplant patients at the recommended clinical dose of 1.44g/day.

Mycophenolic acid (as sodium salt) had no effect on fertility of male or female rats up to dose levels at which general toxicity and embryotoxicity were observed.

In a teratology study performed with mycophenolic acid (as sodium salt) in rats, at a dose as low as 1mg/kg, malformations in the offspring were observed, including anophthalmia, exencephaly and umbilical hernia. The systemic exposure at this dose represents 0.05times the clinical exposure at the dose of 1.44g/day of mycophenolate sodium (see section 4.6).

In a pre- and postnatal development study in rat, mycophenolic acid (as sodium salt) caused developmental delays (abnormal pupillary reflex in females and preputial separation in males) at the highest dose of 3 mg/kg that also induced malformations.

Mycophenolic acid (as sodium salt) showed a phototoxic potential in an in vitro 3T3 NRU phototoxicity assay.

Core

Lactose, anhydrous

Crospovidone (Type A)

Povidone K30

Maize starch/Corn starch

Silica, colloidal anhydrous/Colloidal silicon dioxide

Magnesium stearate

Coating

Hypromellose phthalate HP 50

Titanium dioxide (E 171)

Iron oxide yellow (E 172)/Ferric oxide

Indigotine (Indigo Carmine), FD&C Blue No. 2-Aluminium Lake (E 132)

Not applicable.

36 months

This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.

Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture

PA/AL/PVC-aluminium blister packs.

Pack sizes:

20, 50, 100, 120, 250 gastro-resistant tablets

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

In order to retain the integrity of the enteric coating, this medicine should not be crushed (see section 4.2).

Mycophenolic acid has demonstrated teratogenic effects (see section 4.6). Where crushing of this medicine is necessary, avoid inhalation of the powder or direct contact of the powder with skin or mucous membrane.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.