From the Guidelines
Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) is primarily used to prevent organ rejection in patients who have received kidney, heart, or liver transplants, and is also prescribed off-label for several autoimmune conditions, including lupus nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain dermatological conditions like pemphigus and psoriasis. The medication works by inhibiting an enzyme called inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, which is crucial for the production of guanosine nucleotides needed for DNA synthesis in T and B lymphocytes, thereby reducing the abnormal immune response that causes the body to attack its own tissues 1.
Some of the key conditions that Cellcept is used to treat include:
- Lupus nephritis, where it is recommended as a first-line option for initial treatment, with a target dose of 2-3 g/day 1
- Rheumatoid arthritis, where it is used as an immunosuppressant to reduce the abnormal immune response that causes the body to attack its own tissues
- Dermatological conditions like pemphigus and psoriasis, where it is used to reduce the abnormal immune response that causes the body to attack its own tissues 1
- Inflammatory bowel disease, where it is used as an immunosuppressant to reduce the abnormal immune response that causes the body to attack its own tissues
It's worth noting that the use of Cellcept for these conditions is based on the most recent and highest quality studies available, and the medication has been shown to be effective in reducing the abnormal immune response that causes the body to attack its own tissues, with somewhat fewer side effects than some alternatives 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Renal Transplantation Adults A dose of 1 g administered orally twice a day (daily dose of 2 g) is recommended for use in renal transplant patients. Cardiac Transplantation Adults A dose of 1.5 g bid oral (daily dose of 3 g) is recommended for use in adult cardiac transplant patients. Hepatic Transplantation Adults A dose of 1. 5 g bid oral (daily dose of 3 g) is recommended for use in adult hepatic transplant patients.
Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) is used to treat:
- Renal transplant patients
- Cardiac transplant patients
- Hepatic transplant patients
From the Research
Conditions Treated with Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil)
Cellcept, also known as mycophenolate mofetil, is used to treat various conditions, including:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 3, 4, 5, 6
- Lupus nephritis 3, 4, 7, 5, 6
- Autoimmune diseases 3
- Renal diseases 3
- Rheumatologic diseases 3
- Graft rejection following solid organ transplant 7
Specific Uses of Cellcept
Cellcept is used for: