CellCept
(mycophenolate)
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Prevents rejection of a transplanted organ.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
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.
Quick facts about CellCept
- Drug class: Transplant
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (mycophenolate)
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.
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What to expect from CellCept, on one page
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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.
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What to expect from CellCept, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
CellCept (mycophenolate) is an immunosuppresant that lowers your immune system activity so your body doesn't reject a transplanted organ.
Quick facts about CellCept
- Drug class: Transplant
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (mycophenolate)
Used for
- Prevention of heart transplant rejection
- Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
- Prevention of liver transplant rejection
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Suspension
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 120 (500mg) tablets of mycophenolate near
Pay as low as$70.75Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$38.28
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$38.53
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$46.82
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take CellCept (mycophenolate) for Prevention of heart transplant rejection
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in arms and legs
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fever
- High blood sugar
Side effect rates for CellCept (mycophenolate)
From 289 clinical trials of CellCept when taken for prevention of heart transplant rejection (3 g)
- High blood pressure78%78%
- Swelling in arms and legs64%64%
- Headache54%54%
- Nausea54%54%
- Fever47%47%
- High blood sugar47%47%
- Diarrhea45%45%
- Lack of energy43%43%
- Low red blood cells43%43%
- High white blood cells41%41%
- High cholesterol41%41%
- Constipation41%41%
- Trouble sleeping41%41%
- Higher blood creatinine (marker of kidney function)39%39%
- Lung infection37%37%
- Shortness of breath37%37%
- Back pain35%35%
- Higher blood urea nitrogen (marker of kidney function)35%35%
- Stomach pain34%34%
- Vomiting34%34%
- Low blood pressure33%33%
- Low blood potassium32%32%
- Increased cough31%31%
- Low white blood cells30%30%
- Lung problems30%30%
- Dizziness28%28%
- Anxiety28%28%
- Swelling27%27%
- Infection26%26%
- Chest pain26%26%
- Heart problems26%26%
- Sinus inflammation26%26%
- Low platelets24%24%
- Tremor24%24%
- Higher blood lactate dehydrogenase (marker of damaged cells)23%23%
- Abnormal kidney function22%22%
- Rash22%22%
- Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet21%21%
- Fast heart rate20%20%
- Very low neutrophil (type of white blood cell) count3%3%
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Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of CellCept.
CellCept (mycophenolate)
Placebo
People taking CellCept felt side effect more
People taking CellCept felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for CellCept (mycophenolate)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Sexually active women of childbearing age
CellCept (mycophenolate) can harm an unborn baby during pregnancy. Don't use CellCept (mycophenolate) while pregnant. Talk to your doctor about other medications if you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect
Common concerns from people taking CellCept (mycophenolate)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Food
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed CellCepton 7/8/2016I'd highly suggest that any patient taking this pill takes it with food in there system.16WomanKidney (renal) transplant rejection
Kidneys and liver
- CellCept (mycophenolate) is a first-choice medication for preventing organ rejection since it doesn't hurt the kidneys or liver like its alternatives.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed CellCepton 1/7/2017Eyesight getting worse. Swelling of lower legs. Promotes tiredness. Having memory problems, expressing myself. Urine level is going down, but not painful. Having tremors in my hands. Low white blood cell level. Eyesight has been getting worse since kidney transplant almost 6 months ago. The above are all side effects experienced by me.64WomanHeart transplant rejection
Weight
- CellCept (mycophenolate) can raise your risk of serious or life-threatening bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. In some cases, infections can reactivate from an inactive virus in your body, like tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you develop symptoms of fever, chills, muscle aches, or you notice dark urine, appetite/weight loss, vomiting, or skin rash, tell your doctor and get medical care right away.