Compare CellCept vs. Imuran
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents rejection of a transplanted organ.
CellCept (mycophenolate) is good at preventing organ transplant rejection, but you’ll need regular blood tests to make sure you don't develop any serious side effects.
Prevents organ rejection and relieves joint pain and inflammation.
Imuran (Azathioprine) is an effective medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and transplant rejection, but comes with a heavy list of side effects.
Upsides
- CellCept (mycophenolate) is a first-choice medication for preventing organ rejection since it doesn't hurt the kidneys or liver like its alternatives.
- With CellCept (mycophenolate), you might be able to take a lower dose of your other anti-rejection medications.
- Imuran (Azathioprine) has proven to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Imuran (Azathioprine) decreases the pain, stiffness, and swelling that most people have with rheumatoid arthritis.
- You can still get vaccinated for the flu while taking Imuran (Azathioprine).
- Drinking alcohol is okay while taking Imuran (Azathioprine).
- Most side effects are temporary.
Downsides
- You might need to take other medications to control your blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol while on CellCept (mycophenolate).
- You can’t get certain vaccines while taking CellCept (mycophenolate).
- You can’t breastfeed while on this medication.
- If you take Imuran (Azathioprine) for rheumatoid arthritis, you'll likely need to take additional medications to control your symptoms.
- While taking Imuran (Azathioprine), you will have to get your blood tested once a week for the first month, every other week for the second and third month, and once every month after that.
- Along with other side effects, your hair may begin to change color or fall out when you first start taking Imuran (Azathioprine), but this is usually temporary.
- You'll likely have to take additional medications, like methotrexate to keep your rheumatoid arthritis in remission.
Used for
- Prevention of heart transplant rejection
- Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
- Prevention of liver transplant rejection
- Graft-versus-host disease
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Suspension
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$23.66
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$83.05
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Reviews
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Side effects
40possible side effects
- High blood pressure78%
- Swelling in arms and legs64%
- Headache54%
- Nausea54%
- Fever47%
- High blood sugar47%
- Diarrhea45%
- Lack of energy43%
- Low red blood cells43%
- High white blood cells41%
- High cholesterol41%
- Constipation41%
- Trouble sleeping41%
- Higher blood creatinine (marker of kidney function)39%
- Lung infection37%
- Shortness of breath37%
- Back pain35%
- Higher blood urea nitrogen (marker of kidney function)35%
- Stomach pain34%
- Vomiting34%
- Low blood pressure33%
- Low blood potassium32%
- Increased cough31%
- Low white blood cells30%
- Lung problems30%
- Dizziness28%
- Anxiety28%
- Swelling27%
- Infection26%
- Chest pain26%
- Heart problems26%
- Sinus inflammation26%
- Low platelets24%
- Tremor24%
- Higher blood lactate dehydrogenase (marker of damaged cells)23%
- Abnormal kidney function22%
- Rash22%
- Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet21%
- Fast heart rate20%
- Very low neutrophil (type of white blood cell) count3%
Risks and risk factors
- Harm to fetus
- Sexually active women of childbearing age
- Serious infections
- Taking other immunosuppressants
- Age 60 or older
- Weak immune system
- Blood disorders
- Cancer
- Taking CellCept (mycophenolate) for a long time
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight
- UV light
- Cancer
- Decreased blood cells
- Increased risk for infection
- Harm to fetus
- Sexually active men and women
- Pregnant women
- Child-bearing women