Mycophenolate Mofetil and Cyclosporine Ophthalmic: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Cyclosporine Ophthalmic
Mycophenolate Mofetil
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Reduced mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure and reduced efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil
Interaction Deep Dive
Coadministration of cycloSPORINE (interfere with enterohepatic recirculation) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may reduce mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure and may reduce efficacy of MMF. Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or mycophenolate mofetil-related adverse reactions. In a drug interaction study in renal transplant patients, the mean mycophenolic acid exposures were increased by approximately 30% to 50% when mycophenolate mofetil was administered without cycloSPORINE compared to coadministration with cycloSPORINE. Inhibition of multidrug-resistant-associated protein 2 transporter in the biliary tract by cycloSPORINE prevents excretion of the phenolic glucuronide of mycophenolic acid into the bile and results in decreased enterohepatic recirculation of mycophenolic acid. Obtaining MPA plasma levels before and after the initiation or discontinuation of concomitant medications may be necessary to ensure MPA levels remain stable12.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of enterohepatic recirculation of mycophenolic acid by cycloSPORINE
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) In a drug interaction study in renal transplant patients, the mean mycophenolic acid exposures were increased by approximately 30 to 50% when mycophenolate mofetil was administered without cycloSPORINE compared to coadministration with cycloSPORINE. Stable renal transplant patients (n=10) received cycloSPORINE doses, ranging from 275 to 415 mg/day, concomitantly with either single or multiple doses of mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g twice daily. There were no significant changes in cycloSPORINE pharmacokinetics. The mean +/- standard deviation cycloSPORINE AUC(0 to 12 hours) and Cmax following 14 days of multiple mycophenolate mofetil doses were 3290 +/- 822 nanograms(ng) x hr/mL and 753 +/- 161 ng/mL, respectively, compared to AUC(0 to 12 hours) and Cmax values of 3245 +/- 1088 ng x hr/mL and 700 +/- 246 ng/mL, respectively, 1 week prior to mycophenolate mofetil administration 12.
Common questions
Can I take Mycophenolate Mofetil and Cyclosporine Ophthalmic together?
Reduced mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure and reduced efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Mycophenolate Mofetil and Cyclosporine Ophthalmic interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "established". Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Mycophenolate Mofetil or Cyclosporine Ophthalmic need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (2)
- Product Information: CELLCEPT(R) oral capsules, oral tablets, oral suspension, intravenous injection, mycophenolate mofetil oral capsules, oral tablets, oral suspension, intravenous injection. Genentech USA Inc (per FDA), South San Francisco, CA, 2022. DailyMed
- Product Information: MYHIBBIN oral suspension, mycophenolate mofetil oral suspension. Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(per Manufacturer), Woburn, MA, 2024. DailyMed
Keep reading about Cyclosporine Ophthalmic
Keep reading about Mycophenolate Mofetil
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