Cellcept (mycophenolate)
How this therapy is used at Arthritis Care of Texas in Corpus Christi, TX — what it is, how it is taken, side effects, and safety checks.
- Treats
- Lupus (SLE) · Systemic sclerosis · Vasculitis
- How given
- Pill
- How often
- Twice daily
Cellcept is a disease-controlling treatment: it suppresses the immune attack in lupus, vasculitis, and muscle inflammation, protecting organs such as the kidneys. It builds effect over 4–8 weeks and beyond, and it is not a painkiller. Organ protection is silent — normal labs are the evidence it is working.
What it is: A disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD; full name mycophenolate mofetil) that dampens an overactive immune system rather than just treating symptoms. It is used mainly for lupus and other rare connective tissue disorders, including scleroderma, and vasculitis; it is also used after organ transplantation to prevent rejection. It doesn't work immediately — benefits may take up to three months. Keep taking it even if it is slow to work, and even when you improve.
How it's taken: A capsule or tablet twice daily with food or water, swallowed whole (not crushed or chewed). Your doctor will advise the dose; higher doses are usually taken as tablets.
Side effects: Most common: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain. It can reduce blood-cell counts (increasing infection risk) and sometimes cause liver or kidney problems — a blood test is done before starting, with regular checks during treatment (you must not take mycophenolate unless you're having regular checks). Report promptly: sore throat, fever, infection signs, and unexplained bruising or bleeding. Chickenpox and shingles can be severe. There is a slightly increased risk of certain cancers (uncommon) — avoid strong sunlight and use sunscreen, as there is a small increase in skin-cancer risk.
Pregnancy: Do NOT take mycophenolate when pregnant; avoid pregnancy for at least six weeks after stopping. A pregnancy test is done before starting if pregnancy is possible. Do not breastfeed on mycophenolate — it passes into milk and could harm the baby.
Why the checks: The checks are purposeful: regular blood counts watch the white cells this drug can lower, catching changes before infections become likely; kidney and liver tests guide dosing and follow the underlying disease; and pregnancy prevention is strict because the risk to a developing baby is well established — planning ahead is what keeps options open.
Used for Lupus (SLE) · Systemic sclerosis · Vasculitis
Common worries
Why blood tests if I feel well?
Cellcept can lower white blood counts — your infection defence — without any symptoms. Regular counts catch a dip early, when pausing or adjusting the dose is simple. They also track the kidney or organ disease being treated.
The stomach upset is putting me off. Any tips?
Nausea and loose stools are the most common effects. Taking doses with food, splitting the dose across the day, or switching to the coated form (Myfortic) usually helps — talk to us before giving up on it.
What about pregnancy?
Cellcept must not be used in pregnancy — it can seriously harm a developing baby. Reliable contraception during treatment is essential, and if a baby is in your plans, tell us early: alternative medicines exist and the switch is planned well ahead.
Ready to be seen? New patients are seen within 2–4 weeks.