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Compare Sandimmune vs. Cellcept

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

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.

  • Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
    Mycophenolate (CellCept)
  • Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
    Mycophenolate (CellCept)

  • Summary of Sandimmune vs. Cellcept

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Unmodified cyclosporine (Sandimmune) belongs to a drug class called calcineurin inhibitors. It's used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant, usually along with corticosteroids. Typically, cyclosporine (Sandimmune) is taken by mouth once daily. Your provider will measure the level of cyclosporine (Sandimmune) in your blood to help determine your dose and minimize side effects. This medication is available as a brand-name version and lower-cost generic.

    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.

  • Indications of Sandimmune vs. Cellcept

    Indications for
    •Prevention of heart, liver, and kidney transplant rejection
    •Treatment of chronic (long-term) rejection in heart, liver, and kidney transplant recipients previously treated with other immunosuppressive medications
    Indications for
    •Prevention of kidney, heart, or liver transplant rejection in people ages 3 months and older; taken with other anti-rejection medications

  • Pros and Cons of Sandimmune vs. Cellcept

    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Comes as a capsule, injection, and oral solution
    •Has been used safely in children age 6 months and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can raise blood pressure and blood sugar
    •Need to have regular lab draws to make sure this medication's levels are within a safe range
    •Interacts with grapefruit juice and a lot of medications
    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)

  • Common Side Effects of Sandimmune vs. Cellcept

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tremor (21-55%)
    •High blood pressure (13-53%)
    •Hair growth on face, chest, and back in females (21-45%)
    •Kidney problems (25-38%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Sandimmune vs. Cellcept

    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication absorption
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Side effects affecting brain function, nerves, and movement
    •High blood pressure
    •Vaccines
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Sandimmune vs. Cellcept

    Learn more about Cyclosporine
    Learn more about Mycophenolate

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