Cellcept

What is it?

A preparation which is an immunosuppressant available as brown/blue capsules containing 250mg of mycophenolate mofetil, each marked with strength, logo and name. Also, CELLCEPT TABLETS, capsule-shaped, purple tablets containing 500mg of mycophenolate mofetil, marked with name, strength and Roche. Also, CELLCEPT SUSPENSION, available as a powder which, when reconstituted, contains lg mycophenolate mofetil per 5ml of suspension.

Medical Uses

Prevention of acute rejection reactions following heart, kidney or liver transplants and used with corticosteroids and cyclosporin.

Dosage

Adults, heart transplants, 1.5g twice each day beginning 5 days of surgery; kidney transplants, lg twice each day starting within 3 days of surgery; liver transplants, 1.5g twice each day following treatment given intravenously. Children over 2 years, kidney transplants, 600mg per m2 up to a maximum of 2g each day. Also, CELLCEPT INFUSION, available as a powder containing 500mg of mycophenolate mofetil as hydrochloride, for reconstitution and injection.

Medical Uses

Prevention of acute rejection in kidney or liver transplants, used in conjunction with corticosteroids and cyclosporin.

Dosage

The reconstituted solution is diluted to a concentration of 6mg per ml; it is delivered intravenously into a peripheral or central vein by slow infusion over a 2 hour period. Adults, kidney transplants, lg twice each day for a maximum period of 14 days, transferring to tablets or capsules as soon as possible. Liver transplants, lg twice each day for 4 days, transferring to tablets or capsules as soon as possible.

Special Care

Elderly patients, gastrointestinal disorders, inherited deficiency of HGPRT, monitoring of blood counts and blood tests are necessary.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children (CellCept infusion).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Probenecid, acicicvir, vaccines, azathioprine, tacrolimus, antacids, cholestyramine.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, blood changes, infections, colitis, respiratory effects, central nervous system and metabolic disturbances, intestinal villous atrophy, high blood pressure. Any adverse reactions should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).

Manufacturer

Roche.