Does Mycophenilic Acid Interact with Valganciclovir?
Mycophenilic Acid and Valganciclovir have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. ( 5.2 , 7.8 ) Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir, and Other Drugs that Undergo Renal Tubular Secretion: May increase concentrations of mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) and coadministered drug; monitor blood cell counts. 7.9 Acyclovir (Valacyclovir), Ganciclovir (Valganciclovir), and Other Drugs That Undergo Renal Tubular Secretion The coadministration of MMF and acyclovir or ganciclovir may increase plasma concentrations of mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) and acyclovir/valacyclovir/ganciclovir/valganciclovir as their coexistence competes for tubular secretion. Both acyclovir/valacyclovir/ganciclovir/valganciclovir and MPAG concentrations will be also increased in the presence of renal impairment. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Mycophenilic Acid Class
- Antimetabolite Immunosuppressant
- Valganciclovir Class
- Cytomegalovirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Mycophenilic Acid and your doctor is considering prescribing Valganciclovir (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider