CellCept®
By The MG Alliance and information taken from CellCept.com - Reprinted with permission
Introduction
There is a new drug being used to treat severe cases of Myasthenia Gravis. Its brand name is CellCept® and its formal name is Mycophenolate mofetil. Originally developed as an immune system suppressant to fight the chances of rejection in organ (kidney) transplant patients, after licensing doctors began to prescribe CellCept® for a number of different condition, including MG. Remember, most of the more advanced medications for MG act by suppressing the immune system so that the patient has fewer MG antibodies and gains relief from the symptoms.
It is believed that CellCept® works faster (as fast as a few days) and has fewer side effects than the other drugs in its class (cyclosporine being the main one). CellCept® is gaining wide use in treating difficult severe cases of MG. (Because of its potential side effects, it would not be considered an alternative for Mestinon or even for a limited course of Prednisone, unless the patient was experienceing advanced side effects of these drugs).
CellCept® is a selective, reversible noncompetitive inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. It inhibits DNA/RNA synthesis which effectively reduces the production of antibodies. (It makes it harder for your body to produce antibodies, including the MG antibody, which is interfering with your ability to function).
CellCept® is a powerful immune suppressant, as such, it should be treated with respect if not caution. Always inform your doctors of being on CellCept® before taking any prescription drug. Ask your primary MG physician for guidance when taking over the counter medicines. Antacids and oral Magnesium interfere with CellCept's® assimilation and should not be taken at the same time. Separate intake by 2-3 hours. Cholestyramine also interferes with the bioavailability of the drug.
Side Effects (Taken from CellCept.com)
The most common side effects of CellCept® include diarrhea, leukopenia (a decrease in a kind of white blood cell), sepsis (an infection in the blood), vomiting and a higher incidence of certain infections.
People taking CellCept® in combination with other anti-rejection medications have a greater chance of developing lymphomas and other cancers, especially skin cancer. In studies done with CellCept®, lymphoma developed in 0.4% to 1% and skin cancer developed in 1.6% to 4.2% of the people on CellCept®.
Pregnancy & CellCept®
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must use effective contraception before beginning CellCept® therapy, during therapy, and for 6 weeks after CellCept® therapy has been stopped. Since CellCept® can cause birth defects in animals, it may also harm the fetus of a pregnant woman. The effect of CellCept® on pregnant women and their fetuses has not been adequately studied. Therefore, CellCept® should not be taken by pregnant women unless the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus. Two reliable forms of contraception must be used together if you choose to have sexual relations. If you are considering pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Please be sure to consult with your doctor if you have any questions about your condition or your treatment.
Please note that any medical views expressed in this article are those of the individual author and do not reflect any official opinion of the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA. Each person's situation is unique. If you have any medical questions, please discuss them with your doctor, who best knows your situation.
This article was reprinted with the permission of MG Alliance and Roche Pharmaceuticals and may not be reprinted without written permission from those organizations. The MG Alliance can be reached at (800) 643-0808 or you can visit their website at www.mgdirect.org. The official webpage of CellCept® is www.cellcept.com. Only a portion of their articles have been used - you may view their websites for the complete articles.
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