Compare cyclosporine vs. Myfortic

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

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Neoral (cyclosporine)

Prescription only

Myfortic (mycophenolic acid)

Prescription only
Suppresses the immune system.

Neoral (cyclosporine) is good at preventing rejection of a transplanted organ, and is also used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Prevents rejection of a transplanted organ.

Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) is good at preventing organ transplant rejection, but you’ll need regular blood tests.

Upsides
  • Neoral (cyclosporine) is safe for pregnant women to use.
  • Neoral (cyclosporine) does not affect blood sugar levels as much as others in the same drug class.
  • Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) is a first-choice medicine for preventing organ rejection since it lowers the risk of rejection and doesn't hurt the kidneys or liver like other medicines in its class.
  • By taking Myfortic (mycophenolic acid), your doctor might be able to lower the dose of your other anti-rejection medicines that have more side effects.
  • Causes less diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting compared to CellCept.
Downsides
  • You'll need regular blood tests to make sure Neoral (cyclosporine) isn't affecting your body negatively.
  • Neoral (cyclosporine) can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage, especially with lifelong use.
  • You might need to take other medications to control your blood pressure while on Neoral (cyclosporine).
  • You'll need regular blood tests, especially in the beginning, to make sure Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) isn't affecting your body in a bad way.
  • You might need to take other medicines to control your blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol while on Myfortic (mycophenolic acid).
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Used for
  • Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
  • Psoriasis
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$29.10
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Lowest price
$67.76
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Reviews
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Side effects
17possible side effects
  • High blood pressure
    53%
  • Abnormal kidney function
    38%
  • Tremor
    31%
  • Abnormal hair growth
    28%
  • Acne
    20%
  • 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%
  • Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet
    2%
See more detailed side effects
25possible side effects
  • Constipation
    38%
  • Nausea
    28%
  • Urinary tract infection
    28%
  • Diarrhea
    24%
  • Trouble sleeping
    24%
  • Vomiting
    23%
  • Upset stomach
    23%
  • Low red blood cells
    22%
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
    20%
  • Low white blood cells
    19%
  • High blood pressure
    18%
  • Swelling
    17%
  • High blood creatinine (marker of poorer kidney function)
    15%
  • Pain in upper part of stomach
    14%
  • Fever
    13%
  • High blood uric acid
    13%
  • Low blood potassium
    13%
  • Headache
    13%
  • High blood lipids (fats)
    12%
  • Back pain
    12%
  • Tremor
    12%
  • Low blood calcium
    11%
  • Low blood phosphorus
    11%
  • Gas
    10%
  • Joint pain
    7%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Cancer
    • Taking Neoral (cyclosporine) for a long time
    • Prolonged exposure to sunlight
    • UV light
  • 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
  • Kidney damage
    • Taking Neoral (cyclosporine) for a long time
    • Taking high doses of Neoral (cyclosporine)
    • Poor kidney function
    • Donor age 50 or older
    • Taking other medicines that can damage the kidneys
    • Taking medicines that interact with Neoral (cyclosporine)
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking multiple medicines
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Harm to unborn baby
    • Sexually active women of childbearing age
  • Serious infections
    • Taking other immunosuppressants
    • Age 60 or older
    • Weak immune system
  • Blood disorders
  • Cancer
    • Taking Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) for a long time
    • Prolonged exposure to sunlight
    • UV light
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Neoral (cyclosporine)
Learn more about Myfortic (mycophenolic acid)