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Introduction About CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE contains Mycophenolate mofetil which belongs to the group of medicines called Immunosuppressants. It is used to manage your body rejecting a transplanted organ (such as kidney, heart, and liver). It is also given with other medications such as corticosteroids and ciclosporin.

Your doctor will perform some regular blood tests to monitor any changes in your body. CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE may increases the risk of skin cancer. Limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light by covering the exposed areas of skin as much as possible and by applying sunscreen with a high protective factor.

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE can cause birth defects and miscarriage, hence it is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant women and breastfeeding women.

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age. Contact your doctor before taking.

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients aged 65 years or above. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

The most common side effects of taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, high blood pressure, and low number of white blood cells. Contact your doctor if the above side effects worsen.

Uses Of CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE

Used to manage your body rejecting a transplanted organ (such as kidney, heart, and liver)

How CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE Works

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE belongs to immunosuppressants which reduces the action of the body's own defense system (the immune system) and manages rejection of the transplanted organ.

How to use CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE

Take CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicines with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your dosage will vary depending on the type of transplant you received. Do not stop the medicine suddenly without the concern of your doctor.

Side Effects Of CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE

Common

decreased white blood cells
decrease in calcium levels of blood
abnormal potassium levels in the blood (high or low)
raised uric acid levels in the blood
high or low blood pressure
anxiety
diarrhoea
joint or muscle pain
tiredness, shortness of breath and pale skin (decrease in red blood cells)
unexpected bleeding and bruising (decrease in blood platelets)
hypomagnesemia (decrease in magnesium levels of blood)
dizziness
headache
cough
shortness of breath
stomach pain, inflammation of the lining of the stomach, abdominal bloating, constipation, indigestion, flatulence, loose stools, nausea, vomiting
tiredness
fever
change in liver and kidney function test results
respiratory infection
acne
weakness
swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
itching

Uncommon

fast heartbeat or irregular heartbeat
fluid in the lungs
presence of cyst in lymph
trembling, difficulty in sleeping
conjunctivitis, blurry vision
bad breath, gas formation, intestinal blockage, ulcers on lips, heartburn, discoloration of tongue, dry mouth, inflammation of the gums
loss of appetite
wheezing
blockage of salivary glands
elevated lipid levels
increase in blood glucose levels or blood cholesterol levels
strange dreams, delusions
pain, rigors
inability to keep an erection
cough, difficulty breathing, painful breathing
fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, low body temperature, fast heartbeat

Rare

Stop taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

yellowish discoloration of skin and whites of eyes, nausea, loss of appetite and dark urine
persistent cough or become breathlessness
signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, sweating, feeling tired, drowsy, or lack of energy
blood vomit blood or blood in stools due stomach, or intestinal ulcer
swelling of glands, development of a new skin growth or enlargement of an existing skin growth, or changes in an existing mole. may lead to development of cancer of the skin or lymph nodes
rashes, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat causing difficulty breathing

How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of water and fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Contact your doctor if the diarrhea did not improve.

Headache:

Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water and electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if necessary. Do not consume alcohol. Contact your doctor if the headache did not improve.

Nausea and Vomiting:

Take the medicine, with or just after a meal. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy food. Contact your doctor if nausea and vomiting did not improve.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operate any machines while you are feeling dizzy. Do not drink alcohol, as it can aggravate your dizziness. Contact your doctor if the dizziness did not improve.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. Eat small meals but take frequently. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. Contact your doctor if the stomach pain did not improve.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Inform your doctor if you are planning to have a child before taking this medicine. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Breastfeeding

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, hence small amounts of the medicine can pass into the mother’s milk. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Driving and Using Machines

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel drowsiness, somnolence, dizziness, tremor, low blood pressure, numb or confusion after taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Kidney

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Liver

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Allergy

Do not take CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Mycophenolate mofetil, or to some sugars such as lactose, galactose, or glucose or to other ingredients of this medicine.

Lungs

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with lung diseases. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Heart Disease

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Others

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use if you:

have hereditary enzyme deficiency such as Lesch-Nyhan (neurogenetic disorder) and Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome (partial deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase)

Before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you:

have any unexpected bruising (skin discoloration from a skin or tissue injury) or bleeding
have digestive problems (such as a stomach ulcer)
have a rare problem with your metabolism called phenylketonuria (hereditary condition that results in an accumulation of the phenylalanine)
are planning to get live vaccinations
have Hepatitis B or C infections
have skin cancer or lymphoma

Use in pediatrics:

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children under the age of 2, because there is limited information on its safety and effectiveness. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Use in geriatrics:

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients aged 65 years or above. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:

azathioprine, tacrolimus, belatacept, cyclosporine A (suppress your immune system given after a transplant operation)
cholestyramine (medicine used to manage high cholesterol)
rifampicin (medicines used to manage infections such as TB)
medicines used to manage ulcer problems (antacids such as aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate or proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole)
phosphate binders (used to reduce phosphate absorption into the blood is used by patients with chronic renal failure) such as ferric citrate, calcium acetate, sevelamer
antibiotics (medicines used to manage bacterial infections) amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, metronidazole, azithromycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, amikacin, cefadroxil, norfloxacin
isavuconazole (medicine used to manage fungal infections)
telmisartan (medicine used to manage high blood pressure)
activated charcoal (used to manage digestive problems)
acyclovir or ganciclovir (medicines used to manage viral infections)
oral contraceptives such as Ex. ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel (medicines used to manage pregnancy)
probenecid (medicines used to manage gout)
iron salts such as Ex. ferrous sulphate (medicines used to manage iron deficiency)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neutropenia.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Mycophenolate mofetil
Pharmacological Category	:	Immunosuppressants
Therapeutic Indication	:	Prevents your body from rejecting a transplanted organ
Dosage Forms	:	Tablet, Capsule, Suspension, Oral suspension

More Information

Keep CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE out of the sight and reach of children
Store CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE below 30°C

FAQs About CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE

What is CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE used for?

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is used to manage your body from rejecting an organ transplant (such as kidney, heart, and liver). Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Can I use CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE in pregnancy?

No. CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary. Contact your doctor before taking CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE.

Is CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE safe?

Yes, CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is safe and well tolerated. Contact your doctor before taking.

Can I use CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE in children?

No, CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children under the age of 2, because there is limited information on its safety and effectiveness for them. Contact your doctor before taking.

How CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE work?

CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE belongs to immunosuppressants which reduces the action of the body's own defense system (the immune system) and manages rejection of the transplanted organ.

Can I use CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE while breast feeding?

No. CELLCEPT 250MG CAPSULE is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, small amounts of the medicine can pass into the mother’s milk. Contact your doctor before taking it.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Immunosuppressant Drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh Edition,2013. Page - 883.

2. Jeffrey J Swigris, Amy L Olson, Aryeh Fischer, David A Lynch, Gregory P Cosgrove, Stephen K Frankel, Richard T Meehan, Kevin K Brown. Uses of Mycophenolate mofetil. National Institute of Health. NLM. National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed.gov. 2006. [Accessed on 16th July 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16840379/

3. Novartis Pharma GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on July 2021] [Accessed 16th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5560.pdf

4. Roche Products Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on January 2022] [Accessed 16th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1102.pdf

5. Novartis Pharma GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on July 2021] [Accessed 16th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7793.pdf

6. Accord Healthcare B.V. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on Oct 2020] [Accessed 16th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5989.pdf

7. Roche Pharma AG. European Medical Agency. [Revised in Jan 2021] [Accessed on 16th July 2022] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/cellcept-epar-product-information_en.pdf

8. Biocon. Mycophenolate mofetil. [Accessed on 16th July 2022] https://www.biocon.com/docs/prescribing_information/nephrology/renodapts540_pi.pd

9. Hoffmann-La Roche Limited. Mycophenolate mofetil. [Revised on January 2022] [Accessed 16th July 2022] https://www.rochecanada.com/PMs/CellCept/CellCept_PM_E.pdf

10. Mycophenolate mofetil. Mims.com. [Accessed on 16th July 2022] https://www.mims.com/india/drug/info/mycophenolic%20acid?type=full&mtype=generic

Useful Diagnostic Tests

Complete blood count
Liver function test
Kidney function test

Author Details

Written By Dr. Janet.C - Pharm.D

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. M N Himaja - MBBS

Last updated on 11 Nov 2022 | 11:57 PM(IST)