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Compare Cellcept vs. Myfortic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Mycophenolate (CellCept) and mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) are both immunosuppressants used to prevent organ rejection, but they have some key differences. Mycophenolate is used for kidney, heart, and liver transplants, while mycophenolic acid is only for kidney transplants. Myfortic has a special coating to reduce stomach upset and diarrhea, which can be a common issue with mycophenolate. Both medications are taken twice a day, but they are absorbed differently and are not interchangeable without a doctor's guidance. Myfortic is available as a generic, which can be less expensive, while CellCept also comes in a generic form and offers more options like an oral suspension and IV form for those who can't take pills. Both medications have serious side effects, including risks during pregnancy, potential for cancer, and serious infections, but Myfortic is noted for having fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to CellCept.

  • Mycophenolate (CellCept)
    Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)
  • Mycophenolate (CellCept)
    Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)

  • Summary of Cellcept vs. Myfortic

    Summary for Antiproliferative
    Prescription only

    Mycophenolate (CellCept) belongs to a drug class called antiproliferatives and works as an immunosuppressant, meaning that it weakens your immune system. This medication is used in adults and children ages 3 months and older to help prevent their body from rejecting a transplanted organ. Mycophenolate (CellCept) is either taken by mouth or given as an infusion through the veins (IV). There are many potential side effects, including pain, headache, dizziness, and changes in blood pressure.

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a transplant medication that helps prevent rejection after a kidney transplant in people 5 years and older. It's an immunosuppressant, which means that it works by weakening the immune system. Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a tablet that's taken by mouth two times a day. The tablets have a special coating on them, which can help lessen gastrointestinal-related side effects such as upset stomach and diarrhea. Your transplant team might refer to the medication by its generic name, mycophenolic acid, or by its brand name, Myfortic.

  • Indications of Cellcept vs. Myfortic

    Indications for
    •Prevention of kidney, heart, or liver transplant rejection in people ages 3 months and older; taken with other anti-rejection medications
    Indications for
    •Prevention of kidney transplant rejection in people 5 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Cellcept vs. Myfortic

    Pros and Const for Antiproliferative
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent organ rejection
    •Available as an oral liquid for those who have a hard time swallowing pills
    •Available as an IV injection for people having trouble taking the medication by mouth
    •Comes as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Typically taken twice per day
    •Can have a lot of side effects (e.g., stomach upset, low blood cell counts, dizziness, changes in sleep, changes in blood pressure)
    •Not safe to take during pregnancy
    •Vaccines might not work as well to protect you from infection or be safe for you when you're taking mycophenolate (CellCept)
    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Possible to have less stomach upset than if you take mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
    •Approved for children age 5 years and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only approved for use for people who've received a kidney transplant
    •Only available as tablets that must be swallowed whole; not a good option for people with trouble swallowing pills
    •Interacts with antacids like Mylanta

  • Common Side Effects of Cellcept vs. Myfortic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle, neck, or back pain (79%)
    •High blood pressure (79%)
    •Swelling (68%)
    •Headache (59%)
    •Fever (56%)
    •Nausea (56%)
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Weakness (49%)
    •High blood sugar (48%)
    •High cholesterol (46%)
    •Shortness of breath (44%)
    •Constipation (44%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (43%)
    •Stomach pain (42%)
    •Cough (41%)
    •Vomiting (39%)
    •Dizziness (34%)
    •Low blood pressure (34%)
    •Low blood potassium levels (33%)
    •Viral infections (31%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (38%)
    •Nausea (29%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI, 29%)
    •Diarrhea (24%)
    •Trouble sleeping (24%)
    •Vomiting (23%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (23%)
    •Anemia (low red blood count, 22%)
    •Viral infection (cytomegalovirus or CMV, 20%)

  • Warnings of Cellcept vs. Myfortic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Avoid in people with a genetic condition called hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) deficiency
    •Inflammation in the body
    •Must be careful when driving
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - oral suspension only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Risk for cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Blood problems
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Inflammation in the body
    •Many drug interactions
    •Avoid in people with a genetic condition called hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) deficiency
    •Caution when getting vaccines during treatment

  • Prices with our coupons for Cellcept vs. Myfortic

    Learn more about Mycophenolate
    Learn more about Mycophenolic acid

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