From the Guidelines
Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) can cause drug-induced lung disease, although the risk appears to be relatively low. The evidence suggests that mycophenolate mofetil is associated with interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis in some patients, as well as chronic dry cough and bronchospasm 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The mechanism of drug-induced lung disease is likely related to the immunosuppressive effects of mycophenolate mofetil, which may alter inflammatory responses in lung tissue or allow opportunistic infections that damage the lungs.
- Healthcare providers should monitor patients taking CellCept for respiratory symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, or decreased exercise tolerance.
- If a patient on CellCept develops new respiratory symptoms, prompt evaluation is necessary, including physical examination, pulmonary function tests, and possibly chest imaging 1.
- In cases where drug-induced lung disease is suspected, the healthcare provider may consider reducing the dose or discontinuing CellCept, depending on the severity of symptoms and the importance of continuing immunosuppression for the patient's underlying condition.
Monitoring and Management
- Regular monitoring of blood work, including CBC counts, is recommended for patients on mycophenolate mofetil therapy, as well as monitoring for signs and symptoms of GI intolerance and drug/drug interactions 1.
- Live vaccines should be avoided while patients are being treated with mycophenolate, and concomitant use of azathioprine should be avoided 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
In patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (2 g or 3 g) in controlled studies for prevention of renal, cardiac or hepatic rejection, fatal infection/sepsis occurred in approximately 2% of renal and cardiac patients and in 5% of hepatic patients Respiratory Interstitial lung disorders, including fatal pulmonary fibrosis, have been reported rarely and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary symptoms ranging from dyspnea to respiratory failure in posttransplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil.
Yes, Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) can cause drug-induced lung disease, including interstitial lung disorders and fatal pulmonary fibrosis, although these events are rare 2.
From the Research
Drug-Induced Lung Disease and Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil)
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that Cellcept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) causes drug-induced lung disease.
- In fact, the studies suggest that MMF may be beneficial in treating certain lung conditions, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 3, sarcoidosis 4, and interstitial lung disease related to connective tissue disease 5, 6.
- One study compared MMF to azathioprine in lung transplantation and found that MMF was more effective in preventing rejection episodes, with no increase in infections 7.
- The studies consistently report that MMF is well-tolerated and safe, with few adverse events reported 3, 4, 5, 7.
- Overall, the evidence suggests that MMF is not likely to cause drug-induced lung disease, but rather may be a useful treatment option for certain lung conditions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.