Compare cyclosporine vs. Myfortic

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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).
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
  • Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
  • Psoriasis
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$34.12
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$152.50
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
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)