Compare CellCept vs. Sandimmune

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

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CellCept (mycophenolate)

Prescription only

Sandimmune (cyclosporine)

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.

Suppresses the immune system.

Sandimmune (cyclosporine) is good at preventing rejection of an organ transplant, but it's more difficult to monitor than Neoral/Gengraf (cyclosporine modified) and isn't good for people with kidney problems.

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.
  • Sandimmune (cyclosporine) is good at preventing organ rejection.
  • Can take Sandimmune (cyclosporine) if you’re pregnant.
  • Less effect on blood sugar than other medicines in its class like tacrolimus.
  • 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, especially in the beginning, to make sure Sandimmune (cyclosporine) isn't affecting your body in a bad way.
  • Can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage, especially with lifelong use.
  • You might need to take other medicines to control your blood pressure while on Sandimmune (cyclosporine).
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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
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Suspension
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$23.46
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Lowest price
$175.99
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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
  • High blood pressure
    53%
  • Abnormal kidney function
    38%
  • Tremor
    31%
  • Abnormal hair growth
    28%
  • Headache
    15%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    10%
  • Liver damage
    7%
  • Stomach discomfort
    7%
  • Low white blood cells
    6%
  • Blood cell tumor
    6%
  • Gum swelling
    5%
  • Uncontrolled shaking
    4%
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Swelling of breasts
    4%
  • Common cold symptoms
    3%
  • Acne
    2%
  • Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet
    2%
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
  • Cancer
    • Taking Sandimmune (cyclosporine) for a long time
    • Prolonged exposure to sunlight
    • UV light
  • Hard-to-predict absorption
  • Kidney damage
    • Taking Sandimmune (cyclosporine) for a long time
    • Taking high doses of Sandimmune (cyclosporine)
    • Poor kidney function
    • Donor age 50 or older
    • Taking other medicines that can damage the kidneys
    • Taking medicines that interact with Sandimmune (cyclosporine)
  • Serious infections
    • Taking other immunosuppressants
    • Age 60 or older
    • Weak immune system
  • High blood pressure
    • High blood pressure
    • Taking other medicines that can raise blood pressure
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking multiple medicines
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about CellCept (mycophenolate)
Learn more about Sandimmune (cyclosporine)