The Safety of Mycophenolate Mofetil for Dermatomyositis

Possible toxicity needs to be considered when this effective agent is prescribed.

The immunosuppressive agent mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been reported to be beneficial for the cutaneous lesions and muscle inflammation of dermatomyositis (DM) in retrospective, open-label analyses. In a recent report (see Arch Dermatol 2006; 142:65) of a trial in which I participated, two patients with DM were presumed to have MMF-related toxicity. One developed sterile pyuria with dysuria and elevated hepatic enzymes, and the other had a B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system.

In a new study examining the effects and safety of MMF as add-on therapy, investigators reviewed the charts of 10 patients with DM whose prednisone therapy could not be reduced without disease flare. Patients with documented myopathy at study entry (evide…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD