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WeHaveLupus.com
Lupus Erythematosus Support Forum
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xuan28
Newbie Alert
Joined: 18 Jan 2007
Posts: 4
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 Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: Myfortic vs Cellcept |
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Would like to find out if Myfortic is the same as Cellcept.
I've been reading all the wonderful comments and benefits in this forum about Cellcept and was wondering if it applies for Myfortic.
Have also found this information on another previous post:
http://wehavelupus.com/message-board-forum/viewtopic.php?t=1020
| Quote: | Myfortic is one of the generic names for Mycophenolic acid (trade names are Cellcept and Myfortic). This is an immunosuppressant (drugs that decrease the actions of the body's immune system). It is usually combined with cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and a steroid medication (such as prednisone). People taking immunosuppressant medicines are at a greater risk of getting infections.
Treatment with Myfortic may increase your risk of infection and the development of lymphoma and other types of cancer. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop fever or chills, a sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, mouth sores, abdominal pain, pale stools, or darkened urine. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects. |
Am worried especially in the 2nd paragraph about how Myfortic increases the risk of infection and cancer. Does this happen with Cellcept also? If not, should I switch to Cellcept?
My urine seems to have darkened ever since I've started medication and I didn't think it was much of a concern. Have not brought this matter up to my doctor, but will do so at my next visit. |
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MARYCAIN
King of the Jungle
Joined: 03 Aug 2006
Posts: 1576
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| Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:19 pm Post subject: |
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Nyfortic and Cellcept contain the same ingredient -mycophenolic acid - in slightly different formulations. Myfortic is manufactured by Novartis, and it contains mycophenolate sodium in an enteric-coated (time-release) product, while Cellcept is manufactured by Roche, and contains mycophenolate mofetil. Myfortic is the same active drug as Cellcept, but it has been coated with a protective coating so that the drug dissolves in the small intestine rather than the stomach. The idea is that this would reduce the gastrointestinal side effects, like diarrhea and nausea. But in terms of other side effects and potential risks like infection, and development of cancer, there is no difference in safety between the two drugs.
If you are already taking myfortic, your doctor should have discussed these risks with you before you started taking the drug. It is a very powerful immune suppressant, and anytime your immune system is suppressed, you are at high risk for infection. There are precautions you can take to reduce your risk of infection, so this is something you really need to bring up with your doctor. |
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Missy
Bear
Joined: 27 Jan 2004
Posts: 668
Location: Pacific Northwest
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 9:14 am Post subject: |
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Good luck with this - I've been on Cellcept for 3 years, and haven't had too much problems with infections. Actually, I've been healthier than I was pre-lupus dx (I mean with acute illness). I mean I"ve had a sinus infection and food poisoning while traveling, but I don't work with kids anymore, and stay home form work when I feel ill, and I don't share food or drink with others.
Good luck!
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Missy |
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Brian0025
Little Guppy
Joined: 24 Apr 2007
Posts: 35
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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| Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:47 pm Post subject: immunosuppressives-anti-flu |
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| Yah, I never seem to get sick w/no immune system. I asked my doc @ Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, and he said it was just one of those weird medical things. ... O...k |
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