Brand Names: CellCept

Generic Name: mycophenolate mofetil (Pronunciation: MYE koe FEN oh late MOE fe til)

• What is mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?
• What are the possible side effects of mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?
• What is the most important information I should know about mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?
• How should I use mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (CellCept)?
• What happens if I overdose (CellCept)?
• What should I avoid while using mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?
• What other drugs will affect mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?

Mycophenolate mofetil lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject" a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.

Mycophenolate mofetil is used to prevent your body from rejecting a kidney, liver, or heart transplant. This medication is usually given with cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and a steroid medication.

Mycophenolate mofetil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cellcept 250 mg

orange/turquoise, imprinted with CellCept 250, Roche

What are the possible side effects of mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using mycophenolate mofetil and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, trouble breathing, fast heart rate;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• bloody, black, or tarry stools;
• painful or difficult urination;
• chest pain;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• problems with vision, speech, balance, or memory; or
• weakness in your legs, lack of coordination.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation;
• headache, mild weakness;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)?

This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby, especially if used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Do not use mycophenolate mofetil without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant during treatment.

If you are a woman of child-bearing potential, you will be required to use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy before and during your treatment with mycophenolate mofetil, and for at least 6 weeks after your treatment ends. You will also need to have a negative pregnancy test within 1 week before you start using this medication.

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using mycophenolate mofetil.

Although mycophenolate mofetil can cause harm to an unborn baby, not treating the mother after a transplant could pose a greater risk to the mother's health. Mycophenolate mofetil is sometimes given to pregnant women who are unable to take other needed transplant medications. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive this medication.

Using mycophenolate mofetil can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. You may also have an increased risk of cancer. Your blood will need to be tested on a weekly or monthly basis while using this medication. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Do not open the mycophenolate mofetil capsule or crush or chew a tablet. Do not use a pill that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin.