by visiting the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) website at, unexplained fever, prolonged tiredness, weight loss or lymph node swelling, a brown or black skin lesion with uneven borders, or one part of the lesion does not look like the other, shingles, other herpes infections, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The capsule forms of both drugs are typically taken twice per day. * Both drugs are used with other immunosuppressants, such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine. As a way of protecting your body, your immune system will try to get rid of it. In most cases, you should take CellCept on an empty stomach (1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating). However, unexplained weight loss can also be a sign of cancer. However, as soon as CellCept capsules, tablets, or liquid can be swallowed, discontinue the infusion form. You can also refrigerate the liquid at temperatures of 36F to 46F (2C to 8C). Using more than the recommended dosage of CellCept can lead to serious side effects. Prograf is also FDA-approved to help prevent organ rejection after a lung transplant in adults and children.. Off-label use is when a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition. Therefore, this information was not gathered in a clinical study overseen by researchers. These drugs make your body less likely to reject a transplanted organ. (Cancer is a possible serious side effect of CellCept. The injectable formulation is also contraindicated in people who have an allergy to Polysorbate 80 (TWEEN). Other medications that affect this process can slow the breakdown of CellCept in your body. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. However, its important to note that you should avoid eating at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking CellCept in most cases. For more information, see Boxed warnings under Side effect details below. The result: too much drug in your body . CellCept will stay in your system for about 1 week after your last dose. It isnt known how many people who used a placebo may have had depression. If youre not sure if youll need to get prior authorization for CellCept, contact your insurance company. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. If you have a lighter skin tone or a family history of skin cancer, your risk of getting skin cancer while using CellCept may be even higher. Researchers wanted to see how effective each treatment was at preventing treatment failure. It can also cause swelling of the ankles. People who take CellCept have a higher risk of getting lymphoma, and other cancers, especially skin cancer. All rights reserved. There are 6 disease interactions with CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) which include: Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using CellCept. Scientists are now investigating whether it may benefit, Blood circulates throughout the body, transporting substances essential to life. Both types of infusions are given by your doctor. In addition, studies show that people with higher fiber intakes tend to have healthier estrogen levels. For more information on the possible side effects of CellCept, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The actual price youll pay for any of these drugs depends on the form you use, your treatment plan, your insurance plan, your location, and if applicable, the pharmacy you use. You and your healthcare provider should report any cases of pregnancies to It isnt safe to take CellCept during pregnancy. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about CellCept. If you are a female . Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight. If you have questions about using CellCept for the treatment of myasthenia gravis, talk with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of depression while using CellCept. If you take birth control pills, talk with your doctor before using CellCept. See. If youre concerned about hair loss while using CellCept, talk with your doctor. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. If you get pregnant while taking CellCept, do not. They may also recommend treatments to help with your depression. You may need to avoid crowds and wash your hands often. However, if its within 2 hours of when youre supposed to take your next dose, just skip the missed dose. prednisone, triamcinolone, prednisolone, tacrolimus, azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, cortisone, Imuran. If your doctor has prescribed CellCept and youre interested in using mycophenolate mofetil instead, talk with your doctor. CMV can cause serious tissue and blood infections, BK virus. Email this report to a friend, doctor, or patient. CellCept and Prograf are prescribed for similar uses. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Its not known how many people may have experienced this side effect after taking CellCept in clinical studies. Its also supported by additional data from use in children. Talk with your doctor about whether youre up to date on all recommended vaccines before starting CellCept. (Infections that happen after taking medications that weaken your immune system, such as CellCept, are sometimes called opportunistic infections.) There arent any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with CellCept. CellCept has a boxed warning for the risk of congenital anomalies and pregnancy loss. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about using CellCept for lupus. Each infusion is given by your doctor over a period of about 2 hours. CellCept is rapidly absorbed and converted to its active metabolite, mycophenolic acid. Before using CellCept, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications youre taking. (See. Avoid soft mold-ripened and blue-veined cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola and Bleu or other soft, unpasteurized cheeses. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Its important to note that pregnancy registry data is self-reported, meaning the results are submitted by people taking the drug. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals. antacids that contain magnesium and aluminum (CellCept and the antacid should not be taken at the same time). CellCept is FDA-approved to help prevent organ rejection in children ages 3 months and older. CellCept is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. Symptoms can include: discoloration, heat, pain, or swelling in the infected area, 27.4% to 39.9% of adults who were given CellCept had an infection, 24.9% to 33.7% of adults using azathioprine had an infection, 37.3% of adults using a placebo had an infection, 0.4% to 1% of adults developed a type of lymphoma (depending on the condition being treated), 1.35% of children developed a type of lymphoma, 1.6% to 4.2% of adults developed skin cancer, 0.7% to 2.1% of adults developed other types of cancer, swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, 20.1% of adults who were given CellCept after a heart transplant had depression, 15.2% of adults who were given azathioprine after a heart transplant had depression, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, trouble concentrating or making decisions, 26% of adults who used CellCept had a rash, 20.8% of adults who used azathioprine had a rash, 20% to 45% of adults who used CellCept had anemia, 23.6% to 53% of adults who used azathioprine had anemia, 2.4% of adults who used a placebo had anemia, 32% of adults who used CellCept experienced an organ rejection, 35% of adults who used azathioprine experienced an organ rejection, 6.2% of adults who used CellCept required a new heart transplant or died, 11.4% of adults who used azathioprine required a new heart transplant or died, 38.5% of adults who used CellCept experienced an organ rejection, 47.7% of adults who used azathioprine experienced an organ rejection, 14.7% of adults who used CellCept required a new heart transplant or died, 14.6% of adults who used azathioprine required a new heart transplant or died, stopping the study early for any reason other than organ rejection, 30.3% to 38.8% of adults using CellCept experienced treatment failure, 47.6% to 50% of adults using azathioprine experienced treatment failure, 56% of adults using a placebo experienced treatment failure, 2% of children died while receiving CellCept for their kidney transplant, the type of organ transplant youre using CellCept for, capsules, available in one strength of 250 milligrams (mg), tablets, available in one strength of 500 mg, liquid that you swallow, available in one strength of 200 mg per milliliter (mL) of liquid, a maximum dose of 3,000 mg daily or 15 mL of oral suspension daily, a maximum dose of 2,000 mg daily or 10 mL of oral suspension daily, serious inflammatory reaction which may cause fever, joint pain, joint stiffness, and muscle pain, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, low levels of magnesium and phosphate in your blood, QT prolongation (a change in the electrical activity of your heart), myocardial hypertrophy (a certain heart problem), aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon), aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone (Mylanta), fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), capsules, tablets, and liquid that you swallow. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. This is because exposure to the CellCept powder or liquid may cause congenital anomalies (also known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. In clinical studies of people using CellCept with other immunosuppressant drugs: The percentage of people who may have developed cancer while taking other treatments in these studies isnt known. For more information, see the Boxed warnings section above.) In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may come in different forms and strengths. * Sex and gender exist on spectrums. have Phenylketonuria (PKU). This lowers your immune systems ability to attack a newly transplanted organ. Do not take any new medicine without talking with your doctor. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. Both of these forms are typically taken twice per day. For more information and to find out if youre eligible for support, call 833-CellCept (833-235-5237) or visit the drug manufacturers website. This occurs when the immune system attacks a transplanted organ. French fries and potato chips are often very high in calories and . The typical dosage of CellCept for preventing rejection of a heart transplant is 1,500 mg taken twice per day. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. Taking CellCept with drugs that are cleared from the body in this way can increase the levels of these drugs in your body. * The IV infusion is used for people who arent able to swallow CellCept capsules, tablets, or liquid. Side effects that were more common in children include: For more information on these side effects, see the Mild side effects and Serious side effects sections above. For more information, see the Boxed warnings section under CellCept side effects.. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Theyll likely also check your red blood cell counts regularly during your treatment. Do not use more CellCept than your doctor recommends. Myfortic was found to be as effective as CellCept at preventing organ rejection. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with CellCept, with Myfortic, or with both drugs (when taken individually). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. CellCept isnt FDA-approved to treat myasthenia gravis (a disease of the nerves and muscles). However, data from pregnancy registries shows that 45% to 49% of people who took CellCept while pregnant had a pregnancy loss in the first 3 months of their pregnancy. CellCept works by preventing immune cells from multiplying. Weight gain is also a possible symptom of organ rejection. For more information, see the CellCept dosage section below. CellCept is also available as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow. Take CellCept capsules, tablets and oral suspension on an empty stomach, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. In a clinical study of children ages 3 months and older, CellCept was given with corticosteroids and cyclosporine. 6 disease interactions, and 1 alcohol/food interaction. In this situation, your doctor may give you the CellCept infusion for up to 14 days. The recommended oral dosages in children are as follows: If you miss a dose of CellCept, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. CellCept weakens the bodys immune system and affects your ability to fight infections. situations, you and your healthcare provider may decide that taking CellCept is more important to your health than the possible risks to your unborn baby. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with CellCept, with Prograf, or with both drugs (when taken individually). This form of Prograf is also typically taken twice per day. Also wear clothing that covers your skin, such as a hat and a long-sleeved shirt. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Heres some detail on certain side effects this drug may or may not cause. However, clinical studies have found some effectiveness when used off-label to treat this condition in adults and in children. CellCept is also used off-label for other conditions at times. CellCept is typically taken twice daily. Please see fullPrescribing Information,including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide, for additional Important Safety Information. They can help determine if these medications will affect the breakdown of CellCept in your body. Available for Android and iOS devices. In clinical studies of adults, CellCept was compared with azathioprine and a placebo (a treatment with no active drug). It can take up to 12 weeks for CellCept to start working to help prevent organ rejection. (For more information, see the CellCept side effects section above.). Call your doctor if you are not sure what to do. This drug has boxed warnings. Your healthcare professional will store the powder and intravenous solution. It can be prescribed after a heart, kidney, or liver transplant in combination with other immunosuppressant drugs. (For more information, see the Taking CellCept with food section below. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. Avoid eating raw or undercooked: seafood poultry meats eggs This also includes unpasteurized milk or cheese.. have any digestive problems, such as ulcers. Anemia (low number of red blood cells) may happen while taking CellCept. Taking CellCept while you have this enzyme deficiency can cause increased levels of . This can make CellCept less effective. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (Skin spots may be discolored, scaly, or crusty.). Possible side effects include: 3Heart- CellCept increases the risk of high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. Youll likely take CellCept twice per day. Specifically, CellCept and Prograf are a type of immunosuppressant called antirejection drugs. In addition, the percentage of people who may have had depression while using CellCept for other types of transplants isnt known. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555. increased risk of developing a food-related infection. CellCept is used with other immunosuppressant medicines containing cyclosporine and corticosteroids. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Serious side effects from CellCept can occur. Your pharmacist will mix the medicine before you pick it up from a pharmacy. If you have questions about using CellCept with other medications, talk with your doctor. CellCept is an immunosuppressant (a drug that weakens your immune system). Below are examples of these side effects. To better understand your condition, they may ask about other symptoms youre experiencing. CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil), along with If you take birth control pills while using CellCept you must also use another form of birth control. You may temporarily store the tablets at temperatures of 59F to 86F (15C to 30C), such as when traveling. If you have questions about using CellCept with antacids, talk with your doctor. CellCept contains the active ingredient mycophenolate mofetil. prednisone, triamcinolone, prednisolone, tacrolimus, azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, cortisone, Imuran. If youre receiving the CellCept IV infusion, the dose is given by your doctor over a period of about 2 hours, twice per day. Whole grains contain more fiber, protein, and micronutrients than refined grains. CellCept Medication Interactions Does CellCept Interact with other Medications? You are to start taking MMF for your neurologic problem The medicine comes in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets. CellCept is primarily metabolized by glucuronidation and is excreted into the urine. If you have questions about using CellCept with phosphate binders, talk with your doctor. For information on how the drug performed in clinical studies, see CellCepts prescribing information. CellCept is used with other medicines containing cyclosporine and corticosteroids. It is indicated for use in adults and children ages 3 months and older. The most common side effects of CellCept include: Side effects that can happen more often in children than in adults taking CellCept include: These are not all of the possible side effects of CellCept. If you stop taking CellCept suddenly, you may have a serious side effect called organ rejection. CellCept can affect your ability to drive or operate machines. It can be prescribed after a heart, kidney, or liver transplant with other immunosuppressant drugs. CellCept can cause symptoms that may interfere with your ability to drive, such as: Talk with your doctor if you have questions about driving while using CellCept. plan to receive any vaccines. Your doctor will likely check your red blood cell count before you start using CellCept. Eat foods that are bland and light. If your skin comes in contact with the powder from CellCept capsules or the liquid that you swallow, wash the affected area of skin right away. Iron is a mineral. Receiving this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. They make your body less likely to reject a transplanted organ. It's recommended that you take the capsule or tablet with food and water, as this can stop you feeling sick and getting stomach pains. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (see What is the most important information I should know about CellCept?), including any unexpected bruising or bleeding. However, chemotherapy drugs cant tell the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells. 2023 Genentech USA, Inc. All rights reserved. The results showed that: It isnt known how many people may have had a rash after using a placebo or after using CellCept for other types of transplants. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you about the correct dose. Do not eat foods in the "Do Not Eat" column. These include: Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of CellCept, see the CellCept side effects section above. Highly clinically significant. CellCept contains the active drug mycophenolate mofetil. These include foods that are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and alcohol as well as several others listed above. Below are examples of off-label uses for CellCept. Off-label use is when a drug thats FDA-approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition. Precautions. However, if your transplant is stable, you may take CellCept with food if necessary. It isnt known how often congenital anomalies and pregnancy loss may have happened in clinical studies of CellCept. Some medicines may affect the way CellCept works, and CellCept may affect how some medicines work. Symptoms of lymphoma can be similar to symptoms of the common cold, such as fever and a runny or stuffy nose. Stem cell therapy may help reduce inflammation and build up healthy cells in the body. If you have a hard time swallowing them whole, ask your provider about the oral suspension. The forms of CellCept that are swallowed are all typically taken twice per day. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. However, it can also happen several years after the transplant. Below are the typical doses for preventing organ rejection after a heart, kidney, or liver transplant in adults. Its approved for use in adults and children ages 3 months and older. Administration with food decreases the concentration of mycophenolic acid by 40%. If you need financial support to pay for CellCept, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as CellCept to treat certain conditions. Capsules should be stored at room temperature. Foods that are raw or undercooked can contain germs that can cause food poisoning. They make your body less likely to reject a transplanted organ. Females who take CellCept during pregnancy have a higher risk of miscarriage during the first 3 months (first trimester), and a higher risk that their baby will be born with birth defects. * This is a partial list of mild side effects from CellCept. CellCept is also available as capsules, a liquid that you swallow, and a liquid thats given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein over a period of time). The actual price youll pay for any of these drugs depends on the form you use, your treatment plan, your insurance plan, your location, and if applicable, the pharmacy you use. This article doesnt contain all drugs that may interact with CellCept. Using CellCept in children ages 3 months and older for this purpose is supported by information from clinical studies of adults who have had a liver transplant. Hepatitis viruses can affect how your liver works. Generally speaking, the higher the dose and the longer the treatment, the greater the changes. This reaction is a natural process that happens in your body when your immune system detects other unknown substances, such as bacteria. How does blood work, and what problems can occur? It is not known if CellCept passes into breast milk. If you and your doctor determine that CellCept is safe and effective for you, youll likely continue taking it for as long as you have your transplanted organ. (Azathioprine is an antirejection drug, like CellCept.) We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Swallow the capsules and tablets whole. Both drugs were given with corticosteroids and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). They can recommend a different treatment for your condition. These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with each drug, or with both CellCept and Myfortic (when taken individually). Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. If your next dose is less than 2 hours away, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your normal scheduled time. The purpose of this registry is to gather information about the health of you and your baby. You should avoid eating at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking CellCept. Myfortic is approved for use in children ages 5 years and older who had a kidney transplant more than 6 months before starting the drug. Prograf is also available in granules that are mixed with water to form a liquid that you swallow. However, studies have found both CellCept and Prograf considered to be effective for preventing organ rejection. They can recommend ways to treat this side effect. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency. CellCept Oral Suspension should not be mixed with any type of liquids before taking the dose. You should not donate sperm while taking CellCept and for 90 days after stopping CellCept. If you have questions about using CellCept to help prevent organ rejection, talk with your doctor. In this instance, the CellCept infusion can be administered for up to 14 days. Below are lists of medications that can interact with CellCept. (Cyclosporine is another antirejection drug.). If youre taking a form of CellCept thats swallowed, in most cases you should take it on an empty stomach. Paxlovid interacts with many medications.