Efficacy and safety of long-term mycophenolate sodium therapy in pemphigus vulgaris.

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus is a chronic immunobullous disease, characterized by formation of blisters and erosions in skin and/or mucous membranes. This severe disease requires systemic immunosuppressive therapy. However, some patients are refractory, and long-term use of immunosuppressive agents can cause serious side-effects. Mycophenolic acid is increasingly being used as a corticosteroid-sparing agent or as monotherapy in immunosuppressive regimens.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mycophenolate sodium, a sodium salt of mycophenolic acid, in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris.

METHODS

Six patients who were diagnosed as pemphigus vulgaris with active, refractory disease were treated with mycophenolate sodium. Three patients received mycophenolate sodium monotherapy; three patients received mycophenolate in combination with steroid. All patients were monitored regularly.

RESULTS

Mycophenolate sodium was well tolerated with a similar efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil, and no side-effects have been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Mycophenolate sodium appears to be an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris.