Mycophenolate sodium and Precedex

• Generic Name: mycophenolic acid
• Dosage Forms: tablet, delayed release
• Other Brand Names: Myfortic

Mycophenolate belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. It is used with other medicines to lower the body's natural immunity in patients who receive kidney transplants.

When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Mycophenolate prevents the white blood cells from rejecting the transplanted organ.

Mycophenolate sodium is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: dexmedetomidine
• Dosage Forms: injection, solution
• Other Brand Names: Precedex

Precedex is a sedative that is used to sedate a patient who is under intensive medical care and needs a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine).

Before a ventilator is used, a breathing tube must be inserted through the mouth and into the patient's airway, a procedure called intubation. The tube is then attached to the ventilator, which pumps air slowly into the lungs to control the patient's breathing. Sedation with Precedex can help keep the patient relaxed and comfortable while the ventilator and tube are in place.

Precedex is also used during anesthesia to get a patient ready for a surgery or other medical procedure.

Precedex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.