Last updated: 4 / 08 / 21

This page contains a brief description that does not cover the medication. For more information read the review in Felleskatalogen.no for the respective drug.

CellCept

Patient information in Norwegian here

Disease-modifying drug containing mycophenolate mofetil, tablets.

Most common doses: 1000-1.500 mg morning and evening. Begin with 500mg / d a few days (less gastrointestinal disorders) before rapid dose increase. The maximum dose is often 3000mg / day.
Calculation of dosage is done after measurements in blood serum (AUC = Area under curve)
Interactions
- Aciclovir (Zovirax) increases mycophenolate (CellCept) levels in the blood
- Proton pump inhibitors and various antibiotics reduce the effect. NOTE! proton pump inhibitors reduce mycophenolate levels by 20-40% due to reduced absorption. Risk of mycophenolate overdose if proton pump inhibitor therapy is discontinued without dose adjustment of CellCept. Check interaksjoner.no
The treatment must be terminated (replaced) before pregnancy
CellCept (mycophenolate) can be prescribed H-prescription (from September 2020) in systemic connective tissue diseases.
Tablets that have a good effect on renal insufficiency and in some cases are used as induction instead of Sendoxan or as maintenance treatment for severe rheumatic diseases
Among the side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms with diarrhea, abdominal pain or nausea, most initially. Cytopenia occurs. Regular blood tests are required.
Follow-up
- Cell counts every week for the first month, then every NUMX day for 14 months then monthly
- AUC (Area Under Curve) is calculated by formula on www.anx.no based on three measurements: C0 (drug fasting), C0.5 (30 min after drug dose) and C2 (2 hours after). Reference range (as with tacrolimus) is 30-60 for adults
- If you only measure C0 sample (just before taking medication in the morning), the reference range is 1-3,5 mg / l
Protection against strong sun is recommended because the medication can contribute to increased risk of skin cancer