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Roche / Cellcept

Cellcept mycophenolate mofetil (my ko FEN o layt MO fe til) oral/injection.

What is the most important information I should know about Cellcept?

• This medication can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. You may also have an increased risk of certain forms of cancer. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
• Cellcept products may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have pheynlketonuria (PKU), or if you otherwise need to restrict your intake of phenylalanine.
• Cellcept has caused birth defects in animals, and there may be a similar risk in humans. Do not use Cellcept if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. To make sure you are not pregnant before using mycophenolate, you may need to have a pregnancy test within 1 week before your treatment starts.
• Unless you have had a hysterectomy, you must use effective birth control to keep from getting pregnant while using this medication. Birth control is recommended even if you have have been infertile (unable to get pregnant) in the past. Use two effective non-hormonal forms of birth control (condoms, diaphragm, or spermicides) while you are using Cellcept and for at least 6 weeks after your treatment ends.
• Do not open the medicine capsule or crush or chew a tablet. Do not use a pill that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If it does come in contact with these areas, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken tablet or capsule.
• If you need to have any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using Cellcept. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medicaton.
• Cellcept may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Limit exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF).

What is Cellcept?

• Cellcept lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject" a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.
• Cellcept is used to prevent your body from rejecting a kidney, liver, or heart transplant. This medication is usually given with cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and a steroid medication.
• Cellcept may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.