Compare CellCept vs. Rapamune

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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CellCept (mycophenolate)

Prescription only

Rapamune (sirolimus)

Prescription only
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 rejection of a transplanted organ.

Rapamune (sirolimus) is a reliable medicine that prevents rejection of an organ transplant but requires consistent monitoring.

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.
  • Rapamune (sirolimus) is good at preventing organ rejection.
  • Causes less harm to the kidneys with long-term use than similar medicines.
  • Fewer effects on blood sugar and blood pressure compared to other immunosuppressants.
  • Conveniently taken once daily.
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.
  • You’ll need regular blood tests while taking Rapamune (sirolimus), especially when you first start the medicine.
  • Can cause high lipids (fats like cholesterol and triglycerides), especially with lifelong use. You might need to take other medicines to control your lipids while on Rapamune (sirolimus).
  • Raises your risk of infection and certain cancers.
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Used for
  • Prevention of heart transplant rejection
  • Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
  • Prevention of liver transplant rejection
  • Graft-versus-host disease
  • Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Suspension
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$23.76
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Lowest price
$134.60
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Reviews
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Side effects
40possible side effects
  • High blood pressure
    78%
  • Swelling in arms and legs
    64%
  • Headache
    54%
  • Nausea
    54%
  • Fever
    47%
  • High blood sugar
    47%
  • Diarrhea
    45%
  • Lack of energy
    43%
  • Low red blood cells
    43%
  • High white blood cells
    41%
  • High cholesterol
    41%
  • Constipation
    41%
  • Trouble sleeping
    41%
  • Higher blood creatinine (marker of kidney function)
    39%
  • Lung infection
    37%
  • Shortness of breath
    37%
  • Back pain
    35%
  • Higher blood urea nitrogen (marker of kidney function)
    35%
  • Stomach pain
    34%
  • Vomiting
    34%
  • Low blood pressure
    33%
  • Low blood potassium
    32%
  • Increased cough
    31%
  • Low white blood cells
    30%
  • Lung problems
    30%
  • Dizziness
    28%
  • Anxiety
    28%
  • Swelling
    27%
  • Infection
    26%
  • Chest pain
    26%
  • Heart problems
    26%
  • Sinus inflammation
    26%
  • Low platelets
    24%
  • Tremor
    24%
  • Higher blood lactate dehydrogenase (marker of damaged cells)
    23%
  • Abnormal kidney function
    22%
  • Rash
    22%
  • Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet
    21%
  • Fast heart rate
    20%
  • Very low neutrophil (type of white blood cell) count
    3%
See more detailed side effects
17possible side effects
  • Swelling in arms and legs
    54%
  • High triglycerides
    45%
  • High blood pressure
    45%
  • High cholesterol
    43%
  • Higher blood creatinine (marker of poorer kidney function)
    39%
  • Constipation
    36%
  • Headache
    34%
  • Stomach pain
    28%
  • Urinary tract infection
    26%
  • Diarrhea
    25%
  • Nausea
    25%
  • Joint pain
    25%
  • Fever
    23%
  • Low red blood cells
    23%
  • Acne
    22%
  • Low white blood cells
    14%
  • Rash
    10%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Health problems in people with liver and lung transplants
  • Cancer
    • Taking Rapamune (sirolimus) for a long time
    • Long exposure to sunlight
    • UV light
  • Serious infections
    • Taking other immunosuppressants
    • Age 60 or older
    • Weak immune system
  • High blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
    • History of high cholesterol
    • History of high triglycerides
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking multiple medicines
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about CellCept (mycophenolate)
Learn more about Rapamune (sirolimus)