Mycophenolate Mofetil and Mood Changes in Children with Skin Disorders

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Lisa Arkin1, Sreya Talasila1, Amy S Paller1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

Pediatric Dermatology
|April 14, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can cause rare psychiatric side effects in children. Discontinuing MMF quickly can reverse these mood disorder symptoms, with no recurrence observed in a 4-year follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Drug Safety

Background:

  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandates Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for certain drugs.
  • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) prescribing includes intensified counseling due to its teratogenic potential.
  • Potential adverse effects of MMF beyond teratogenicity require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report cases of pediatric psychiatric symptoms associated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) use.
  • To highlight the potential for mood disorders as a rare side effect of MMF.
  • To emphasize the importance of prompt medication review when psychiatric symptoms arise in patients on MMF.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of two pediatric patients prescribed MMF.
  • Observation of symptom development, medication discontinuation, and follow-up.
  • Clinical assessment of psychiatric symptoms and their resolution.

Main Results:

  • Two children developed psychiatric symptoms within weeks of starting MMF.
  • Symptoms resolved rapidly upon MMF discontinuation.
  • No recurrence of symptoms was observed over a 4-year follow-up period.

Conclusions:

  • Mood disorders are a rare but possible adverse effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
  • Healthcare providers should counsel patients and families about potential psychiatric risks.
  • Prompt discontinuation of MMF can lead to symptom reversal when the drug is implicated.

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