CellCept (Mycophenolate mofetil) for Lupus

Overview

CellCept is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent the rejection of organs for people who have had kidney, heart, or liver transplants. CellCept is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat lupus, especially in cases of lupus nephritis. CellCept is also known by its drug name, Mycophenolate mofetil.

CellCept is an immunomodulator, or a drug that affects the immune system. It is an antimetabolite which is believed to work by blocking the synthesis of purine, a protein the body needs to produce lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell active in the immune system. CellCept is believed to work by interfering with lymphocytes and preventing them from attacking the body in lupus.

How do I take it?

CellCept is typically taken twice daily.

CellCept comes in capsule, tablet, oral solution, and intravenous forms.

Side effects

The FDA-approved label for CellCept lists common side effects including diarrhea, vomiting, infection, and a decrease in white blood cells.

Rare but serious side effects listed for CellCept include stomach bleeding, increased risk of infection with certain viruses, increased risk for some types of cancer, and fetal harm in pregnant women. Taking CellCept increases the risk of developing a fatal brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML can occur months after taking CellCept.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

CellCept — Genentech

www.cellcept.com