Myfortic is a medication prescribed to lower the body's immune system response. The immune system is responsible for fighting or rejecting foreign agents in the body. This can include a transplanted organ like a liver or kidney. Doctors use Myfortic to reduce the risk of the body rejecting a new organ after surgery. As with any medication, Myfortic has the potential for side effects.
Less Serious Side Effects
Most individuals who take Myfortic experience few, if any, side effects with most of them being mild. The most common side effects are usually nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, swelling of the hands or feet, joint or muscle pain, back pain, nasal congestion, cough, anxiety, insomnia and/or weight gain, according to Drugs.com.
Serious Side Effects
Some individuals may experience more serious side effects including fever, chills, body aches, flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, white lesions in the mouth or throat, pale skin, bruising or bleeding easily, unusual weakness and trouble breathing. Others could include elevated heart rate, coughing up blood or vomit resembling coffee grounds, bloody, black or tarry stools, increased thirst and urination, hot and dry skin, chest pain, faintness, vision problems, speech or balance problems, lack of memory, weakness in the legs and/or lack of coordination, according to Drugs.com.
The medication can increase or decrease the levels of potassium in the body. The result of this could include side effects such as a slowed heart rate, weakened pulse, muscle weakness or tingling. Low potassium may cause confusion, irregular heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limping, explains Drugs.com.
Pancreatitis can also result from the use of Myfortic. Drugs.com identifies the symptoms to be severe pain in the upper abdominal area that spreads to the back, nausea and vomiting and an elevated heart rate.
Complications
Other complications of Myfortic can include an increased chance of developing lymphoma and other cancers, specifically skin cancer, according to RxList.com. Women who are pregnant or may get pregnant should not use Myfortic as it can affect the fetus by increasing the risk of birth defect or death. Blood monitoring is recommended by MyFortic.com to screen for anemia. Some patients may experience intestinal bleeding that requires hospitalization.
Allergic Reaction
Individuals who experience trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the tongue, face, throat and/or the mouth can be signs of allergy. These hazards can be severe and require medical treatment, explains RxList.com.
Member Comments