Mycophenolate use in dermatology: a clinical audit.

Mycophenolate use in dermatology is growing due to its reputation as a steroid-sparing agent with a favourable side-effect profile. However, there are limited data on the efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate for many dermatological indications. We conducted a retrospective clinical audit in 33 dermatology patients who had received mycophenolate at our institution between April 2010 and January 2012. The top indication was pyoderma gangrenosum (14 patients) followed by atopic dermatitis (seven patients). Overall 70 per cent of patients showed some benefit from mycophenolate treatment, with 12 per cent failing to respond. Side-effects were experienced by 45 per cent of patients, two of whom had serious side-effects. Female sex appears to be a risk factor for adverse effects. We conclude that although mycophenolate is a promising agent across a variety of dermatological conditions, further randomised controlled trials are required.