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Published on: November 8, 2015
A retrospective study of adverse effects of mycophenolate mofetil administration to dogs with immune-mediated disease
Kenjiro Fukushima1, Michael Lappin1, Marie Legare2
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Background:
Information regarding adverse events (AEs) of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is limited.
Objectives:
To evaluate the types and frequency of potential AEs of MMF in dogs with immune-mediated disease.
Animals:
One hundred thirty-one dogs treated with MMF for management of suspected immune-mediated disease.
Methods:
Retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed to find and group suspect AEs in gastrointestinal (GI), hematologic, and other categories. Age, dosage, body weight, and sex were analyzed between dogs with and without AEs by using the Mann-Whitney U-test and chi-squared test.
Results:
The median starting dosage of MMF was 17.5 mg/kg/day (interquartile range [IQR] = 15.1-20.6 mg/kg/day) and the median treatment duration was 56 days (IQR = 14-236 days). Mycophenolate mofetil was prescribed for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (n = 31), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (n = 31), pemphigus foliaceus (n = 15), immune-mediated polyarthritis (n = 12), and others (n = 42). Overall, potential AEs of MMF were observed in 34 of 131 dogs (GI 24.4% [31/127], neutropenia 4% [3/76], anemia 4% [1/25], thrombocytopenia 4.0% [1/25], and dermatologic 1.5% [2/131]). There were no significant differences among dogs with (n = 37) or without potential AEs (n = 94) in regards to sex, age, body weight, or dosage of MMF (P = .06, .13, .24, and .26, respectively).
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
In the dogs administered MMF, GI AEs were most common. Since potential hematologic and dermatologic AEs developed in a few dogs, clinicians should be aware of these when prescribing MMF to dogs with immune-mediated disease.
Insights
Adverse events (AEs) of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in dogs with immune-mediated disease were evaluated. Gastrointestinal issues were the most frequent AEs, though hematologic and dermatologic events also occurred.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adverse events (AEs) associated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in veterinary medicine are not well-documented.
- Understanding MMF's safety profile is crucial for managing immune-mediated diseases in dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and types of potential AEs in dogs treated with MMF.
- To identify risk factors associated with MMF AEs in canine patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed medical records of 131 dogs with immune-mediated diseases treated with MMF.
- AEs were categorized into gastrointestinal, hematologic, and other groups.
- Statistical analysis compared dogs with and without AEs based on age, dosage, body weight, and sex.
Main Results:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) AEs were the most common, occurring in 24.4% of dogs.
- Hematologic AEs (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia) and dermatologic AEs were observed in a smaller percentage of dogs (4% and 1.5%, respectively).
- No significant differences in sex, age, body weight, or MMF dosage were found between dogs with and without AEs.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal adverse events are the most frequent complication of MMF treatment in dogs.
- Clinicians should monitor for less common hematologic and dermatologic AEs when prescribing MMF for immune-mediated conditions in dogs.
- MMF appears to be generally well-tolerated, but awareness of potential side effects is important for optimal patient care.
