American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

How many months must mycophenolate mofetil be stopped before a patient attempts to become pregnant?

1. 1

2. 2

3. 3

4. 6

The correct answer is: 3

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive medication commonly used in organ transplant patients and for autoimmune disorders. It is known to be teratogenic, which means it can cause developmental issues in a fetus if taken during pregnancy. To minimize the risk of fetal exposure to the drug, it is generally recommended that women discontinue MMF at least three months prior to attempting conception. Stopping MMF three months before pregnancy allows for the drug to be effectively eliminated from the body and reduces the risk of potential anomalies that could arise from exposure during the critical early stages of fetal development. This timeframe is particularly important given that MMF has a half-life that necessitates a longer washout period to ensure that the medication is no longer present in the system when conception occurs. The recommendation to wait three months is consistent with guidelines from health organizations and studies that emphasize the importance of careful planning and management for women of childbearing age who are on teratogenic medications.