Cellcept

eefell · Sea Monkey Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Texas

I was recently switched from Methotrexate to Cellcept and am wondering if anyone has had the same problems with it. I've been on it for 2 weeks and have been in the bathroom for 9 of those days. I know that's one of the side effects but I was sure hoping I wouldn't have it because that's the reason I was taken off Methotrexate.

I appreciate your help.

Missy · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:09 pm Post subject:

I personally didn't have those problems with Cellcept, but you definitely want to let your doctor know.

I wish you luck, and hopefully, someone else will have some more experience with similar side effects!
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Missy

eefell · Sea Monkey Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Texas

Thank you for your reply. I searched this forum before I started taking it and it seemed like 90 percent of the people who were taking it didn't have any side effects. I was so excited that maybe something would work. I always seem to be in that 10 percent that includes the side effects.

Thanks again !

Lupieleeshee · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 11:46 am Post subject:

I had the same problem with the cellcept! Constant diarrhea to the point I couldnt even leave the house without having to stop for a bthroom. My rhematologist refused to belive it was the cellcept doing this to me and sent me to see a gastroenterologist, which after a coloscopy showed I was fine! My Dr. finally agreed to lessen the dose. I was on 1500mg 2x per day and she decreased to 1000mg 2x per day. This did help some but not completley! It was also not enough to keep my nephritis under control so my protein levels in my 24 hr urine tests quickly went up to 6000-8000 mg. I'm now seeing a new Rheumatologist & Nehrologist! I tried Imuran and Cyclosporine both with the same stomach problems but not nearly as bad. I also am now on prevacid every day for the constant buring pain and reflux I would get after the diarrhea which has helped tremendously. I just started IV Cytoxan and the diarrhea has just about gone away. I do have some nausea/vomiting on the day and sometimes day after I get the infususion but it's much better than making 5 trips a day to the bathroom:)

Hope you feel better soon!

Alicia

eefell · Sea Monkey Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Texas

I'm only on 500mg per day which isn't a whole lot. I also take Nexium because I have acid reflux. About a year and a half ago, I had the joy of a colonoscopy too. The prep was the hard part. They found a lot of issues that are pretty much under control except the acid reflux. I haven't been diagnosed with Nephritis but is that what cellcept is mainly for? I'm very blessed to have a great Rheumy and GI doctor. I'm just so tired of medications not working. I've had 3 people tell me in the last week I'm losing weight which shouldn't happen when you take prednisone everyday. Of course, the Nexium is to counteract the Prednisone effects. What is Cytoxin? I'm tired of living in the bathroom every morning. I guess I should have bought stock in Charmin (ha ha).

Missy · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:54 pm Post subject:

I have only heard of Cellcept being used for Lupus Nephritis, personally, and my dose was 2000mg a day.

I also lost weight while on Prednisone. This seems to happen to both my sister and I. I think a combo of just the Lupus in general and Prednisone. I was able to get back almost to my "pre-Lupus" weight after getting off Prednisone.
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Missy

MARYCAIN · King of the Jungle Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 1576

Cytoxan is a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes used to treat lupus nephritis or other serious organ involvement. Because it can have some very serious side effects, most doctors will try other meds first before using cytoxan, unless there is serious kidney or neuro involvement that needs to treated quickly. Since cytoxan is a chemo drug, you have basically the same side effects as any cancer chemo - nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, etc.

Missy · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:07 pm Post subject:

Oh, yes, MaryCain, what I meant was that I hadn't heard of using of Cellcept for other Lupus symptoms (like for CNS Lupus or joint pain). I said that kind of funny, didn't I ?!?

eefell - Cellcept is another one of those drugs that was not developed to treat Lupus, be we have co-opted it from the transplant community. I have met several post-transplant recipients using Cellcept as an anti-rejection drug.

I hope your Cellcept problems clear up or that you find another treatment that works better for you.
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Missy

MARYCAIN · King of the Jungle Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 1576

I think we both got confused on our posts - the original poster had asked what cytoxan was in her second post so I was responding to that. I think I was reading that she had been diagnosed with kidney involvement, not that she hadn't. Probably a good reason not to try to type at the same time I'm listening to the boys practice their spelling words - my mind can't do two things at the same time anymore!

Missy · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:17 pm Post subject:

Ooops! Me, too!!! I get it now! Laughing

I used to be able to blame this kind of stuff on the Prednisone, but now that I'm off of it, I have no excuse!! Laughing

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Missy

papillon · Little Guppy Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 36

Hi there,

I've been on Cellcept for about a month now and had back and forth stomach issues until I upped my dairy actually. I am now quite addicted to yogurt in the AM otherwise I have bonding time with the toilet. I'm on 500mg twice a day and it's helping alot with the kidney issues as far as my labs go and all.
I hope you figure out a balance. Cytoxan sucks from what my doctor told me since it is also connected with hair loss and long term possibilities of infertility.

Missy · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:58 am Post subject:

I also had good luck on the Cellcept, but did find I needed to keep something on my stomach to keep from feeling nauseous, or what I call "medicine tummy."

Even now that I"ve been off the Cellcept for around 4 weeks, I still find I'm prone to nausea, especially when I don't eat, but it is not as bad.
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Missy

sisterloudjoy38 · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 4:20 pm Post subject: Cellcept reponse

I have been on cellcept now for about 1 year. Since then, I have not had any flares. I may have gotten a slight swell here and there but nothing serious. I take 500 mg 4 times daily. I was going to the nephrologist every 3 months. Then every six months and I just went March 8 and he gave me a great report. He only wants me to come and see him once a year. It has helped my kidney nephritis and also no flares. I can truly say that the healing process has taken place. I also use a small dose of prednisone along with the cellcept. Prednisone I use is 10 mg a day. I haven't experienced any diarhhea at all with the cellcept. I am no longer anemic. I just experience a lot of joint stiffness. Peace to all Very Happy

terrilynn49 · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 10:35 am Post subject: cellcept

Hi all, can someone tell me what to expect with this drug? I was prescribed this yesterday but I think I will wait to take it tomorrow so I can see how it affects me, so I dont miss work.
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It could always be worse....live, love & laugh....
Terri

sisterloudjoy38 · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 3:57 am Post subject: Cellcept

Take it. Don't be afraid. While you are taking it say a short prayer of healing. I have been on cellcept for a year. I no side affects from this med. I take 500 mg 4 times daily. It has helped my Lupus and my kidneys. You will see a change. Keep the faith. It is there to help you not harm you.

The only thing I experience with cellcept is nausea but not for the entire time. It goes away. Can't be in the sun with this med.

I hope you take it and all is well. Razz