Compare CellCept vs. Rapamune
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 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.
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
$23.20
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$124.40
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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%
17possible side effects
- Swelling in arms and legs54%
- High triglycerides45%
- High blood pressure45%
- High cholesterol43%
- Higher blood creatinine (marker of poorer kidney function)39%
- Constipation36%
- Headache34%
- Stomach pain28%
- Urinary tract infection26%
- Diarrhea25%
- Nausea25%
- Joint pain25%
- Fever23%
- Low red blood cells23%
- Acne22%
- Low white blood cells14%
- Rash10%
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
- 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