CellCept
Generic Name:
Brand Names:
CellCept
CellCept Description:
CellCept is an immunosuppressive agent that is used in combination with other antirejection medications to prevent organ transplant rejection in the body. The medication acts on white blood cells in the body to suppress the immune system response and improve the survival rate of transplant patients who have received a kidney, heart, liver, or other organ.
CellCept Side Effects:
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea during treatment with CellCept.
For more information, see our CellCept side effects page.
CellCept Uses:
CellCept is used in patients who have received an organ transplant. CellCept works to prevent the body's immune system from attacking or rejecting the new organ transplant, and the medication is generally taken in combination with corticosteroids and medications containing cyclosporine, such as Gengraf, Neoral, and Sandimmune.
CellCept Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with CellCept, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs may interact with this medication:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Vitrasert), valganciclovir (Valcyte)
- Amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid (Augmentin, Augmentin XR)
- Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum
- Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran)
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
- Cholestyramine (Questran Light, Questran, Locholest Light, Locholest, Prevalite)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Ciloxan, Proquin XR)
- Live vaccines
- Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metro IV, Helidac, Pylera)
- Norfloxacin (Noroxin)
- Rifampin (Rifadin)
- Sevelamer (Renagel, Renvela)
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim)
CellCept Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
CellCept dosages may vary among patients. CellCept is available as a capsule, a tablet, an oral suspension, and an injection. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. It is important to follow the guidelines established by your doctor.
When taken orally, CellCept is generally taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Patients who have received a heart or liver transplant generally take 1.5 grams twice a day. Kidney transplant patients generally take 1 gram, twice daily.
Missing a Dose of CellCept
If you miss a dose of CellCept, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
CellCept Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication.
CellCept FDA Approval:
June 19, 1997
CellCept Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Patients receiving CellCept intravenously should be monitored in facilities that are equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources.
Risk of Birth Defects
CellCept must not be taken by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as this medication is associated with a high risk of miscarriage and serious birth defects. Contact a doctor immediately if you believe you are pregnant or if you miss a menstrual period while taking CellCept.
Risk of Serious Infection
CellCept weakens the body's immune system and may decrease the ability to fight off infection, lymphoma, and other neoplasms.
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