Is mycophenolate the same as CellCept?
Asked by: Demetris Schuster | Last update: October 26, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)
What is the real name for CellCept?
CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil) is a prescription medicine to prevent rejection (antirejection medicine) in people who have received a kidney, heart or liver transplant.
How long can I stay on mycophenolate?
How long will I have to take mycophenolate mofetil for? The length of treatment will depend on how well you respond to treatment. You may need to take mycophenolate mofetil for several months before you notice any change in your condition. If you find it effective, mycophenolate mofetil can be continued long term.
What to avoid while taking CellCept?
- Avoid becoming pregnant. ...
- Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight. ...
- You should not donate blood while taking CellCept and for at least 6 weeks after stopping CellCept.
- You should not donate sperm while taking CellCept and for 90 days after stopping CellCept.
What is the most common side effect of mycophenolate?
itching. dizziness, fainting, pale skin, lack of energy, shortness of breath, or fast heartbeat. unusual bleeding or bruising; vomiting or spitting up blood or brown material that resembles coffee grounds; bloody or black, tarry stools; or blood in urine. fever, muscle or joint stiffness or pain.
Mycophenolic Acid - Mycophenolate (organ transplant and DMARD) - mechanism of action, side effects
Does mycophenolate make you gain weight?
Researchers have observed weight loss and weight gain in clinical trials for mycophenolate, though fewer than 20 percent of participants have experienced either side effect. Several MyLupusTeam members reported that mycophenolate didn't cause weight gain.
Is mycophenolate better than prednisone?
Mycophenolate mofetil has an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 from a total of 60 ratings on Drugs.com. 71% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 11% reported a negative effect. Prednisone has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 862 ratings on Drugs.com.
Why do you have to wear gloves with mycophenolate?
If mycophenolate is given by someone who is not taking the medicine, that person should wear gloves to avoid touching mycophenolate. Mycophenolate may be absorbed through the skin and cause unwanted effects over time. Wash hands well after coming into contact with mycophenolate.
Can you take prednisone and CellCept at the same time?
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between CellCept and prednisone.
Can you take vitamin D with mycophenolate?
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between mycophenolate mofetil and Vitamin D3.
What does mycophenolate do for your lungs?
If left untreated, inflammation in the lungs may develop into permanent scarring or pulmonary fibrosis. Mycophenolate helps to control the inflammation and protects your lungs from ongoing damage, but it may not improve your symptoms (breathlessness and a cough).
Does CellCept cause hair loss?
Hair loss isn't a side effect of CellCept that's been reported in clinical studies. However, hair loss is a possible side effect of other drugs that are used with CellCept to help prevent organ rejection, such as tacrolimus (Prograf). Hair loss may also happen after an organ transplant.
How do you know if mycophenolate is working?
Your doctor will do blood tests to make sure that mycophenolate is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Does CellCept make you tired?
The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Do not give blood while taking this medicine or for 6 weeks after stopping it. You may get drowsy or dizzy.
Does CellCept raise blood pressure?
Common CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood glucose are also common. Rare but serious side effects include a higher risk for certain cancers and severe infection.
Does CellCept interfere with sleep?
Constipation, nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, gas, tremor, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
What cannot be mixed with prednisone?
People taking prednisone should also avoid alcohol, which can exacerbate certain side effects, and they may also consider cutting out coffee and sugary drinks. Prednisone may interact with NSAIDs, diabetes medicines, immunosuppressants, blood thinners, diuretics, and some antibiotics for certain people.
What is the black box warning for mycophenolate?
The mycophenolic acid (MPA) preparations are one of the most commonly used immunosuppressants in the United States. However, these agents carry a black box warning regarding their use during pregnancy due to an association with increased risk of miscarriage and congenital defects.
Can you touch CellCept?
Do not open or crush CellCept® capsules. If the capsule should come apart, avoid inhaling the powder or touching it with bare skin. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes with plain water.
Can you stop mycophenolate cold turkey?
If you stop mycophenolate treatment for more than a few weeks, there is a risk that your condition may worsen. Continue with your treatment unless advised by your doctor or unless side effects develop. Other medicines may be given to improve your symptoms while waiting for this medicine to work.
What does mycophenolate do to the lung?
Conclusions: Mycophenolate mofetil can cause acute respiratory failure simulating opportunistic infection or pulmonary edema. If not recognized, this may lead to the rapid development of severe pulmonary fibrosis, some of which may not be reversible.
What is more powerful than prednisone?
Dexamethasone is a long-acting glucocorticoid with a half-life of 36 to 72 hours, and is 6 times more potent than prednisone. Prednisone is shorter acting, with a half-life of 18 to 36 hours.
What drugs should not be taken with mycophenolate?
Certain products may make it harder for your body to absorb mycophenolate if they are taken at the same time. Do not take this medication at the same time as antacids containing aluminum and/or magnesium, cholestyramine, colestipol, or calcium-free phosphate binders (such as aluminum products, lanthanum, sevelamer).