Cellcept Anti-rejection Drug for Transplant Patients

If you are scheduled for a kidney transplant, your doctor may prescribe Cellcept or generic Mycophenolic Mofetil as part of an intense anti-rejection regimen. This may be started as early as 2 weeks before transplantation is to take place to lower your immune system so there is less risk of the new kidney sustaining damage and may be continued for up to 12 weeks post-op, or more. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Once you have had the new organ for 3-6 months, doctors will begin you on a maintenance therapy where the doses of Cellcept and other anti-rejection drugs can be lowered. There will be regular blood tests and doctor visits to ensure your kidney is not showing any signs of rejection. Should possible rejection symptoms arise, a short course of a high dose corticosteroid may be recommended. It is unknown at this time if Cellcept will work or is safe to prescribe Cellcept for children that have had a heart or liver transplant.

How Cellcept Works

When taken as directed, Mycophenolic Mofetil is converted to Mycophenolic Acid which then works by decreasing the production of T and B-lymphocytes (white blood cells) by blocking the action of inosine monophosphate (IMP dehydrogenase), an enzyme required for producing white blood cells. This results in reducing the risk of your body attacking the transplanted organ. You are now responsible for taking the medications prescribed to you as instructed and keeping all follow-up doctor visits.

What to Tell Your Doctor

Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements to be certain Cellcept is safe for you to take. If you become pregnant during the time period you are taking Cellcept, inform your doctor immediately but do not stop taking Cellcept.

What You Need to Know Before You Take Cellcept

If you are a woman of child bearing age, you will take a pregnancy test before starting Cellcept, and throughout the treatment period, as this drug can cause serious birth defects. Be certain to use at least 2 forms of birth control to prevent a pregnancy. Cellcept can also pass into a male’s semen and cause birth defects to any baby that he fathers while taking this drug. A condom should be worn during intercourse when taking Cellcept and you partner or spouse should be on the pill or using another form of birth control as well. If you regularly donate blood or semen, ask your doctor how long after stopping Cellcept is it safe to continue to do so.

Possible Side Effects of Cellcept

• Diarrhea
• Hypertension
• Infection (viral, bacterial, fungal)
• Joint pain

Other Anti-rejection Drugs Similar to Cellcept

• Prograf
• Rapamune
• Advagraf