Approximately 45% of pregnancies within utero mycophenolate exposure result in first trimester pregnancy loss and 20% of live births have congenital anomalies.1 Given the well-known embryofetal toxicity associated with mycophenolate treatment and pregnancy, it is imperative that physicians and other health care providers (HCPs) are able to provide accurate and clear counseling on appropriate pregnancy preventive measures for their patients of reproductive potential, as well as potential alternative immunosuppressant regimens. Adequate pregnancy prevention measures for mycophenolate-treated patients include tubal sterilization, intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal contraceptives plus one barrier method, or two barrier methods. HCPs also must be comfortable counseling patients on the importance of emergency contraception if appropriate contraceptive measures were either not utilized or experienced failure.
In part two of this REMS CME Outfitters Snack series, host/moderator Dr. Steven Gabardi is joined by Dr. Michael Wu to share strategies for counseling patients of reproductive potential about the risks of pregnancy while taking mycophenolate. Recommendations on necessary contraceptive measures and potential immunosuppressant alternatives to mycophenolate are also discussed.
At the end of this CME/CE activity, participants should be able to counsel patients of reproductive potential on pregnancy prevention and/or planning during mycophenolate treatment, including contraception and alternative immunosuppressant therapies.
This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from the Mycophenolate REMS Group. This activity is intended to be fully compliant with the Mycophenolate REMS education requirements issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Primary care physicians, physician associates (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), nurses, pharmacists, and physicians specializing in transplant medicine, OB/GYN, surgery, rheumatology, immunology and cardiology
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Dr. Gibardi reports no financial relationships to disclose.
Dr. Wu reports the following financial relationships: Consultant: Musculo, Inc. (Rheumatology Advisor); Stock Shareholder (direct purchased): AbbVie Inc. (ABBV); Other Financial or Material Support: Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM); Potomac Center for Medical Education; and Rockpointe Corporation
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