Key takeaways
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) and mycophenolate (CellCept) are both immunosuppressants used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant, but they belong to different drug classes and work in distinct ways. Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor that lowers immune activity by inhibiting a specific enzyme, while mycophenolate is an antiproliferative that blocks the production of certain immune cells. Cyclosporine is typically taken once daily and is available in both oral and intravenous (IV) forms, whereas mycophenolate is usually taken twice daily and also comes in oral and IV forms. Cyclosporine can cause side effects like high blood pressure and kidney problems, while mycophenolate can lead to issues like high blood pressure, stomach upset, and low blood cell counts. Additionally, mycophenolate is not safe during pregnancy and requires effective birth control, whereas cyclosporine has specific dietary restrictions, such as avoiding grapefruit. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor their levels and effectiveness.
