Compare Myfortic vs. Sandimmune

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

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Prevents rejection of a transplanted organ.

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

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
  • 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.
  • 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'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).
  • 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 kidney transplant rejection
  • Psoriasis
Dosage forms
  • Extended-release pill
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$74.45
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Lowest price
$175.99
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Reviews
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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
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 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
  • 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 Myfortic (mycophenolic acid)
Learn more about Sandimmune (cyclosporine)