Cellcept

Common Name: mycophenolate mofetil

How does Cellcept work?

Mycophenolate mofetil belongs to the group of medicines known as immunosuppressant agents. It is used to prevent the rejection of organ transplants by suppressing the body's natural defense, the immune system. It does this by preventing the formation of cells (white blood cells) that would normally attack the transplanted organ. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Cellcept?

Mycophenolate mofetil is available in tablet, capsule, oral suspension, and injectable form. Mycophenolate mofetil is usually started as soon as possible following the organ transplant. The dose varies according to circumstances: the usual dose after kidney transplant is 1 g twice a day; the recommended dose after heart transplant is 1.5 g twice a day. The two doses should be spaced as close to 12 hours apart as possible and at approximately the same time each day. The oral medicine should be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). If you vomit or have diarrhea after taking mycophenolate mofetil, always call your doctor for further direction. Do not stop taking the medicine without first talking with your doctor. You should leave the capsules and tablets in the blister packs until it is time for your dose. The capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole, and not crushed or chewed. If using the suspension, be sure to shake the closed bottle well for about five seconds before each use. Do not mix the suspension with any liquid. Avoid skin contact with damaged capsules or caplets. If any powder from any of the forms of mycophenolate mofetil should get on your skin, quickly wash with soap and water. If the medication comes in contact with your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with plain water. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. Mycophenolate mofetil must be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule, and notify your doctor. Do not double doses. Mycophenolate mofetil tablets and capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place and protected from direct light. Mycophenolate mofetil suspension should be stored at room temperature and not used beyond its expiry date (60 days after mixing).

What form(s) does Cellcept come in?

CellCept® is available as capsules, tablets, suspension and injectable solution. Capsules: Each oblong, two-piece, blue-brown capsule contains 250 mg mycophenolate mofetil. Nonmedicinal ingredients include croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, povidone, pregelatinized starch, black iron oxide, FD&C Blue Aluminum Lake, gelatin, potassium hydroxide, red iron oxide, shellac, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide. Some capsules may also contain silicon dioxide and sodium lauryl sulfate. Caplets: Each lavender-coloured caplet contains mycophenolate mofetil 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 400, povidone, talc, and titanium dioxide. Some caplets may also contain propylene glycol and shellac. Suspension: The powder for oral suspension is fruit-flavoured and contains mycophenolate mofetil 200 mg per 1 mL suspension. When mixed, it produces a white to off-white liquid. Nonmedicinal ingredients include aspartame, citric acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, fruit flavor, methylparaben, sodium citrate, sorbitol, soybean lecithin, and xanthan gum. Injectable: The injectable solution contains mycophenolate mofetil 500 mg as a dry powder ready for dilution with appropriate solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients include citric acid, polyssorbate 80, and sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid.

What should I NOT take with Cellcept?

Mycophenolate mofetil should not be used by: anyone sensitive or allergic to mycophenolate mofetil or to any of the ingredients of the particular dosage form being used anyone allergic to polysorbate 80 (Tween) pregnant women

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Cellcept?

Infection: This medication reduces the number of cells that fight infection in the body. Take extra measures to prevent infection, and avoid people with infections if at all possible. Dental health: It is particularly important to maintain good dental hygiene while taking this medication, and to see a dentist regularly for teeth cleaning. Lymphoma: People taking immunosuppressant medications, such as mycophenolate mofetil, are at increased risk of developing skin cancer and a type of cancer known as lymphoma. This risk is related to the intensity and duration of treatment with immunosuppressant medications rather than one specific medication. Use sunscreen and protective clothing to limit exposure to sunlight. Pregnancy: Mycophenolate mofetil can cause harm to the fetus when taken by pregnant women. Two methods of effective birth control should be used before the start of treatment with mycophenolate mofetil, during treatment, and for six weeks after the medication has been stopped. Consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk, but there is reason to believe that it does. Women should not breast-feed while receiving mycophenolate mofetil treatment due to risk of harm to the infant.