Cellcept vs. Myfortic for Organ Transplant: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Mycophenolic acid

(Myfortic)

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Summary for Cellcept

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.

Indications for Cellcept

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

Pros and Cons for Cellcept

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)

Common Side Effects for Cellcept

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%)

Warnings for Cellcept

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

Summary for Myfortic

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 for Myfortic

Prevention of kidney transplant rejection in people 5 years and older

Pros and Cons for Myfortic

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 for Myfortic

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 for Myfortic

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