Shortage of mycophenolate sodium tablets

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of mycophenolate sodium tablets. Novartis gives no reason for the shortage of this drug, their brand name Myfortic. Mycophenolate is routinely given to prevent rejection when a kidney that is genetically different (allogenic) is transplanted, along with cyclosporine and a corticosteroid such as prednisone. Since continued use of this drug over the long term is necessary to prevent rejection of the kidney, many people are endangered by this shortage. There is another formulation available, CellCept, which is mycophenolate mofetil. Because the availability in the body of CellCept and Myfortic differs, these two drugs are not directly interchangeable.