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Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®) is sometimes referred to as RS or RS-61443. Most people use the brand name, CellCept®, to refer to the medication.
Mycophenolate Mofetil or CellCept® medication is used in combination with other immunosuppressants to prevent organ rejection after transplantation, such as a liver transplant.
CellCept® prevents rejection by suppressing the body's immune system.
CellCept® is taken by mouth and is available in blue or brown 250- and 500-mg capsules. Most prescriptions call for it to be taken twice a day.
CellCept® can be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole; do not break, crush, chew, or open capsules before swallowing (see the precautions cited later on this page).
If you miss a dose CellCept® dosage, contact your child's coordinator for advice. If fewer than three hours have passed since the missed dose, take the dose and get back on schedule. Call your transplant coordinator if more than three hours have passed since the missed dose. Taking doses too close together can be dangerous and produce toxic effects.
Common CellCept® side effects include:
Rare side effects of CellCept® include:
If any of these side effects continues or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor or coordinator. Be sure to alert your coordinator if diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours or is bloody. Also, report unexplained vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours to your coordinator.
Many medications may cause changes in absorption. Alert your coordinator of any medication changes made by other doctors – especially medicines such as acyclovir, antacids with aluminum or magnesium, and oral contraceptives. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other prescription or over-the-counter medication you are taking, so you can be warned of interactions and prevent them.
Store CellCept® at room temperature.
Take CellCept® exactly as prescribed, at the same times each day. Never stop this medication unless advised to do so by a transplant surgeon or your transplant coordinator.
Do not open or crush CellCept® capsules. If the capsule should come apart, avoid inhaling the powder or touching it with bare skin. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes with plain water.
We recommend that patients taking CellCept® wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant (such as jewelry marketed under the name Medic Alert) that says "Taking immunosuppressant."
Many pharmacies do not stock CellCept®. Call your pharmacist at least five working days before you need to fill a prescription to make sure the medication will be available.
Drug information changes periodically. For the most updated information on drugs, visit www.drugs.com.
Learn more about other Liver Transplant Drugs.
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With MyCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
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To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
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