Long-term safety of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine: a review.
The prevailing notion in dermatology is that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is safer than cyclosporine (CsA), but that CsA has greater efficacy. This literature review evaluates the available long-term safety data of MMF and CsA. Literature in the fields of dermatology, autoimmune disease, and transplantation were retrieved from PubMed. Data regarding immunosuppressive and non-immunosuppressive side effects of MMF and CsA are presented along with available pregnancy safety data. Surprisingly, there is a paucity of data on long-term MMF monotherapy. Transplant data is presented separately due to the concomitant use of other immunosuppressants along with MMF. Trends that can be identified include a less discernable cancer or end-organ damage risk in MMF compared to CsA. However, MMF appears to have a greater risk in pregnancy and increased reports of herpes simplex and zoster infection compared to CsA.
Buell
Catherine
C
University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA. catherinebuell@hotmail.com
Koo
John
J
D000328:Adult; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D008134:Long-Term Care; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012449:Safety
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid