cellcept
Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant used to treat Graft Vs Host Disease, Psoriasis.
Mycophenolate Mofetil · by Roche Palo
Available as a generic: Mycophenolate Mofetil
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Drug class
- Antimetabolite Immunosuppressant
- Form
- Capsule, Injectable, Powder, Tablet
- Strength
- Mycophenolate Mofetil 250MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- graft vs host disease, psoriasis
- Manufacturer
- Roche Palo
- FDA application
- NDA050722
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Cellcept?
From the FDA label:CELLCEPT (mycophenolate mofetil) is an antimetabolite immunosuppressant. It is the 2-morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolic acid (MPA), an immunosuppressive agent; inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor. The chemical name for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is 2-morpholinoethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-5-isobenzofuranyl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate. It has an empirical formula of C 23 H 31 NO 7 , a molecular weight of 433.50, and the following structural formula: MMF is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water (43 µg/mL at pH 7.4); the solubility increases in acidic medium (4.27 mg/mL at pH 3.6). It is freely soluble in acetone, soluble in methanol, and sparingly soluble in ethanol. The apparent partition coefficient in 1-octanol/water (pH 7.4) buffer solution is 238. The pKa values for MMF are 5.6 for the morpholino group and 8.5 for the phenolic group. MMF hydrochloride has a solubility of 65.8 mg/mL in 5% Dextrose Injection USP (D5W). The pH of the reconstituted solution is 2.4 to 4.1. CELLCEPT is available for oral administration as capsules containing 250 mg of MMF, tablets containing 500 mg of MMF, and as a powder for oral suspension which, when reconstituted, contains 200 mg/mL of MMF. Inactive ingredients in CELLCEPT 250 mg capsules include croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, povidone (K-90) and…
How to use
Cellcept is sold in more than one form (Capsule, Injectable, Powder and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA050722 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
Kidney Transplant 1 g twice daily, orally or intravenously (IV) over no less than 2 h ( 2.2 ) Heart Transplant 1.5 g twice daily orally or IV, over no less than 2 h ( 2.3 ) Liver Transplant 1.5 g twice daily orally or 1g twice daily IV over no less than 2 h ( 2.4 ) PEDIATRICS Kidney Transplant 600 mg/m 2 orally twice daily, up to maximum of 2 g daily ( 2.2 ) Heart Transplant 600 mg/m 2 orally twice daily (starting dose) up to a maximum of 900 mg/m 2 twice daily (3 g or 15 mL of oral suspension) ( 2.3 ) Liver Transplant 600 mg/m 2 orally twice daily (starting dose) up to a maximum of 900 mg/m 2 twice daily (3 g or 15 mL of oral suspension) ( 2.4 ) CELLCEPT Intravenous is an alternative when patients cannot tolerate oral medication. Administer within 24 hours following transplantation, until patients can tolerate oral medication, up to 14 days. ( 2.1 ) Reduce or interrupt dosing in the event of neutropenia. ( 2.5 ) See full prescribing information (FPI) for: adjustments for renal impairment and neutropenia ( 2.5 ), preparation of oral suspension and IV solution. ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions CELLCEPT should not be used without the supervision of a physician with experience in immunosuppressive therapy. CELLCEPT Capsules, Tablets and Oral Suspension CELLCEPT oral dosage forms (capsules, tablets or oral suspension) should not be used interchangeably with…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Embryofetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Lymphomas and Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions 5.2) ] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Blood Dyscrasias: Neutropenia, Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Gastrointestinal Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials (20 % or greater) include diarrhea, leukopenia, infection, vomiting, and there is evidence of a higher frequency of certain types of infections e.g., opportunistic infection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.com 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. An estimated total of 1557 adult patients received CELLCEPT during pivotal clinical trials in the prevention of acute organ…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY, MALIGNANCIES and SERIOUS INFECTIONS Use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of first trimester pregnancy loss and congenital malformations. Avoid if safer treatment options are available. Females of reproductive potential must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Special Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . Increased risk of development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections and viral reactivation of hepatitis B and C, which may lead to hospitalizations and fatal outcomes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . WARNING: EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY, MALIGNANCIES and SERIOUS INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of first trimester pregnancy loss and congenital malformations. Avoid if safer treatment options are available. Females of reproductive potential must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Increased risk of development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Increased susceptibility to infections, including opportunistic infections and severe infections with fatal outcomes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].
Warnings
Important safety information
Blood Dyscrasias (Neutropenia, Red Blood Cell Aplasia): Monitor with blood tests; consider treatment interruption or dose reduction. ( 5.4 ) Gastrointestinal Complications: Monitor for complications such as bleeding, ulceration and perforations, particularly in patients with underlying gastrointestinal disorders. ( 5.5 ) Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyl-Transferase Deficiency: Avoid use of CELLCEPT. ( 5.6 ) Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products: Monitor for this paradoxical inflammatory reaction. ( 5.7 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue CELLCEPT; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.8 ) Immunizations: Avoid live attenuated vaccines. ( 5.9 ) Local Reactions with Rapid Intravenous Administration: CELLCEPT Intravenous must not be administered by rapid or bolus intravenous injection. ( 5.10 ) Phenylketonurics: Oral suspension contains aspartame. ( 5.11 ) Blood Donation: Avoid during therapy and for 6 weeks thereafter. ( 5.12 ) Semen Donation: Avoid during therapy and for 90 days thereafter. ( 5.13 ) Potential Impairment on Driving and Use of Machinery: CELLCEPT may affect ability to drive or operate machinery. ( 5.15 ) 5.1 Embryofetal Toxicity Use of MMF during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of congenital malformations, especially external ear and other facial abnormalities including cleft lip and palate, and anomalies of the distal limbs, heart, esophagus, kidney and nervous system. Females of reproductive potential must be made aware of these risks and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning. Avoid use of MMF during pregnancy if safer treatment options are available [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]. 5.2 Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including CELLCEPT, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. For patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) developed in 0.4% to 1% of patients receiving CELLCEPT (2 g or 3 g) with other immunosuppressive agents in controlled clinical trials of kidney, heart and liver transplant patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. The majority of PTLD cases appear to be related to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection. The risk of PTLD appears greatest in those individuals who are EBV seronegative, a population which includes many young children. In pediatric patients, no other malignancies besides PTLD were observed in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. 5.3 Serious Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including CELLCEPT, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, fungal, protozoal and new or reactivated viral infections, including opportunistic infections. The risk increases with the total immunosuppressive load. These infections may lead to serious outcomes, including hospitalizations and death [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ]. Serious viral infections reported include: Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), especially due to BK virus infection JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections: CMV seronegative transplant patients who receive an organ from a CMV seropositive donor are at highest risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease. Viral reactivation in patients infected with Hepatitis B and C COVID-19 Consider dose reduction or discontinuation of CELLCEPT in patients who develop new infections or reactivate viral infections, weighing the risk that reduced immunosuppression represents to the functioning allograft. PVAN, especially due to BK virus infection, is associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for PVAN. PML, which is sometimes fatal, commonly presents with hemiparesis, apathy, confusion, cognitive deficiencies, and ataxia [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . In immunosuppressed patients, physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients reporting neurological symptoms. The risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease is highest among transplant recipients seronegative for CMV at time of transplant who receive a graft from a CMV seropositive donor. Therapeutic approaches to limiting CMV disease exist and should be routinely provided. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for CMV disease. Viral reactivation has been reported in patients infected with HBV or HCV. Monitoring infected patients for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV or HCV infection is recommended. 5.4 Blood Dyscrasias: Neutropenia and Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) Severe neutropenia [absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5 × 10 3 /µL] developed in transplant patients receiving CELLCEPT 3 g daily [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Patients receiving CELLCEPT should be monitored for neutropenia . Neutropenia has been observed most frequently in the period from 31 to 180 days post-transplant in patients treated for prevention of kidney, heart and liver rejection. The development of neutropenia may be related to CELLCEPT itself, concomitant medications, viral infections, or a combination of these causes. If neutropenia develops (ANC <1.3 × 10 3 /µL), dosing with CELLCEPT should be interrupted or the dose reduced, appropriate diagnostic tests performed, and the patient managed appropriately [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. Patients receiving CELLCEPT should be instructed to report immediately any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising, bleeding or any other manifestation of bone marrow depression. Consider monitoring with complete blood counts weekly for the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months, and monthly for the remainder of the first year. Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with CELLCEPT in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. In some cases, PRCA was found to be reversible with dose reduction or cessation of CELLCEPT therapy. In transplant patients, however, reduced immunosuppression may place the graft at risk. 5.5 Gastrointestinal Complications Gastrointestinal bleeding requiring hospitalization, ulceration and perforations were observed in clinical trials. Physicians should be aware of these serious adverse effects particularly when administering CELLCEPT to patients with a gastrointestinal disease. 5.6 Patients with Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyl-Transferase Deficiency (HGPRT) CELLCEPT is an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor; therefore it should be avoided in patients with hereditary deficiencies of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) such as Lesch-Nyhan and Kelley-Seegmiller syndromes because it may cause an exacerbation of disease symptoms characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of uric acid leading to symptoms associated with gout such as acute arthritis, tophi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis and renal disease including renal failure. 5.7 Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Mycophenolate Products Acute inflammatory syndrome (AIS) has been reported with the use of MMF and mycophenolate products, and some cases have resulted in hospitalization. AIS is a paradoxical pro-inflammatory reaction characterized by fever, arthralgias, arthritis, muscle pain and elevated inflammatory markers including, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, without evidence of infection or underlying disease recurrence. Symptoms occur within weeks to…
Who should not take Cellcept
CELLCEPT is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mycophenolic acid (MPA) or any component of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . CELLCEPT Intravenous is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to Polysorbate 80 (TWEEN). History of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid or any component of the drug product ( 4 ) Patients allergic to Polysorbate 80 (present in CELLCEPT IV) ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Possible signs and symptoms of acute overdose include hematological abnormalities such as leukopenia and neutropenia, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia. The experience with overdose of CELLCEPT in humans is limited. The reported effects associated with overdose fall within the known safety profile of the drug. The highest dose administered to kidney transplant patients in clinical trials has been 4 g/day. In limited experience with heart and liver transplant patients in clinical trials, the highest doses used were 4 g/day or 5 g/day. At doses of 4 g/day or 5 g/day, there appears to be a higher rate, compared to the use of 3 g/day or less, of gastrointestinal intolerance (nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea), and occasional hematologic abnormalities, particularly neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Treatment and Management MPA and the phenolic glucuronide metabolite of MPA (MPAG) are usually not removed by hemodialysis. However, at high MPAG plasma concentrations (>100 µg/mL), small amounts of MPAG are removed. By increasing excretion of the drug, MPA can be removed by bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
See FPI for drugs that may interfere with systemic exposure and reduce CELLCEPT efficacy: antacids with magnesium or aluminum hydroxide, proton pump inhibitors, drugs that interfere with enterohepatic recirculation, telmisartan, calcium-free phosphate binders. ( 7.1 ) CELLCEPT may reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use of additional barrier contraceptive methods is recommended. ( 7.2 ) See FPI for other important drug interactions. ( 7 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on CELLCEPT Table 7 Drug Interactions with CELLCEPT that Affect Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) Exposure Antacids with Magnesium or Aluminum Hydroxide Clinical Impact Concomitant use with an antacid containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide decreases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce CELLCEPT efficacy. Prevention or Management Administer magnesium or aluminum hydroxide containing antacids at least 2h after CELLCEPT administration. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use with PPIs decreases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce CELLCEPT efficacy. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy when PPIs are co-administered with CELLCEPT. Examples Lansoprazole, pantoprazole Drugs that Interfere with Enterohepatic Recirculation Clinical Impact Concomitant use with drugs that directly interfere with enterohepatic recirculation, or indirectly interfere with enterohepatic recirculation by altering the gastrointestinal flora, can decrease MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce CELLCEPT efficacy. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or CELLCEPT related adverse reactions when these drugs are co-administered with CELLCEPT. Examples Cyclosporine A, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine), rifampin as well as aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone and penicillin classes of antimicrobials Drugs Modulating Glucuronidation Clinical Impact Concomitant use with drugs inducing glucuronidation decreases MPA systemic exposure, potentially reducing CELLCEPT efficacy, while use with drugs inhibiting glucuronidation increases MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may increase the risk of CELLCEPT related adverse reactions. Prevention or Management Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy or CELLCEPT related adverse reactions when these drugs are co-administered with CELLCEPT. Examples Telmisartan (induces glucuronidation); isavuconazole (inhibits glucuronidation). Calcium Free Phosphate Binders Clinical Impact Concomitant use with calcium free phosphate binders decrease MPA systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce CELLCEPT efficacy. Prevention or Management Administer calcium free phosphate binders at least 2 hours after CELLCEPT. Examples Sevelamer 7.2 Effect of CELLCEPT on Other Drugs Table 8 Drug Interactions with CELLCEPT that Affect Other Drugs Drugs that Undergo Renal Tubular Secretion Clinical Impact When concomitantly used with CELLCEPT, its metabolite MPAG, may compete with drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion which may increase plasma concentrations and/or adverse reactions associated with these drugs. Prevention or Management Monitor for drug-related adverse reactions in patients with renal impairment. Examples Acyclovir, ganciclovir, probenecid, valacyclovir, valganciclovir Combination Oral Contraceptives Clinical Impact Concomitant use with CELLCEPT decreased the systemic exposure to levonorgestrel, but did not affect the systemic exposure to ethinylestradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may result in reduced combination oral contraceptive effectiveness. Prevention or Management Use additional barrier contraceptive methods.
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
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Dosage forms
Capsule, Injectable, Powder and Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Cellcept treat?
- Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) may be used to treat graft vs host disease, psoriasis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Cellcept?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cellcept. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Cellcept?
- Cellcept is marketed by Roche Palo. You can see Roche Palo's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Cellcept a brand-name or generic drug?
- Cellcept is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Mycophenolate Mofetil. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Mycophenolate Mofetil are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Cellcept available over the counter?
- No. Cellcept is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Cellcept come in?
- Cellcept is currently marketed as capsule, injectable, powder and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Cellcept?
- Cellcept is classified as antimetabolite immunosuppressant, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Cellcept FDA-registered?
- Cellcept is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA050722. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Cellcept safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Cellcept. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Cellcept?
- Cellcept's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Embryofetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Lymphomas and Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions 5.2) ] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Blood Dyscrasias:… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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