What are the uses of Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil)?

From the Guidelines

CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) is primarily used as an immunosuppressant medication to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients and to treat various autoimmune disorders, including lupus nephritis, with a recommended dose of 2-3 grams total daily orally for induction therapy in lupus nephritis, as supported by the American College of Rheumatology guidelines 1. The medication works by inhibiting inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme crucial for purine synthesis in T and B lymphocytes, thereby selectively suppressing immune cell proliferation and reducing the risk of organ rejection or autoimmune attacks. Some key points to consider when using CellCept include:

• The usual adult dose ranges from 1-1.5 grams twice daily for transplant recipients, with dosing adjusted based on the specific transplant type and patient factors.
• For autoimmune disorders such as lupus nephritis, the dose may be higher, up to 2-3 grams total daily orally, as recommended by the American College of Rheumatology guidelines 1.
• CellCept is also used off-label to treat various autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain dermatological conditions like pemphigus.
• Patients taking CellCept should be monitored regularly for potential side effects including gastrointestinal disturbances, bone marrow suppression, and increased susceptibility to infections, as these can significantly impact treatment adherence and outcomes, as noted in studies on its use in atopic dermatitis and bullous pemphigoid 1.
• The medication has been shown to be effective in controlling autoimmune disorders, with response rates varying depending on the specific condition being treated, as seen in studies on its use in immune thrombocytopenia and lupus nephritis 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL 500 MG CONTAINER LABEL NDC 70771-1084-1 Mycophenolate Mofetil for Injection, USP (500 mg per Vial) FOR INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ONLY PHARMACIST: Dispense the Medication Guide provided separately to each patient. SINGLE DOSE VIAL Rx only Zydus Pharmaceuticals

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Uses of Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil)

• Cellcept, also known as mycophenolate mofetil, is an immunosuppressive drug used to prevent rejection in organ transplant patients 2, 3, 4.
• It is commonly used in patients who have undergone kidney, heart, or liver transplantation to prevent acute rejection 2, 3, 4.
• Mycophenolate mofetil works by inhibiting the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, which are cells that play a key role in the immune response 2, 3, 4.
• It is often used in combination with other immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids, to provide effective immunosuppression 2, 3, 4.

Specific Uses in Organ Transplantation

• In kidney transplantation, mycophenolate mofetil has been shown to reduce the incidence of acute rejection and improve graft survival 2, 5, 6.
• In heart transplantation, mycophenolate mofetil has been shown to reduce the incidence of acute rejection and improve patient and graft survival 2.
• In liver transplantation, mycophenolate mofetil has been shown to improve kidney function and reduce the incidence of rejection in patients with renal dysfunction 3, 4.

Benefits and Side Effects

• The benefits of mycophenolate mofetil include its ability to reduce the incidence of acute rejection and improve graft survival in organ transplant patients 2, 3, 4.
• Common side effects of mycophenolate mofetil include gastrointestinal symptoms, hematological toxicity, and an increased risk of infections 2, 3, 4.
• The drug has been shown to be cost-effective, particularly in the first year after transplantation, due to its ability to reduce the incidence of acute rejection and improve graft survival 2.