Starting cellcept for scleroderma: How does it work? Side effects?

@suzylulu, what are being prescribed Cellcept for?

Autoimmune scleroderma

Thanks for the additional information. I have moved your question to the Autoimmune Diseases group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/autoimmune-diseases/

Here you'll be able to connect with other members who have experience with Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) for autoimmune conditions, such as @sonya_nc @modelmiche @njc @sickirishlass @becsbuddy and @amylydia57

Suzy, can you share a bit more. What are the symptoms that you're hoping to control with Cellcept? Are current treatments not working?

Hi- the only medication I am taking is a RX for 40 mg of Prilosec to proactively protect my esophagus against possible scarring due to GERD. I have considered meds to better manage Reynauds, but have not moved forward with that. Sending well wishes to all dealing with scleroderma issues.

Hello @suzylulu, Your question on how does Cellcept work is a great question. I think it's always a good thing to have an understanding of how a medication works. Here's what I found out from the website Cellcept – RheumInfo: https://rheuminfo.com/ --- "Cellcept (mycophenolic acid) works by preventing certain types of cells from multiplying. It targets an enzyme in the body called inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase that is important for creating new strands of DNA. By interfering with this process, Cellcept makes it difficult for cells to multiply."

Here are the side effects of Cellcept -- Mayo Clinic - Mycophenolate Mofetil (Oral Route) - Side Effects: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mycophenolate-mofetil-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20073191

Thanks, John. Helpful information

The doctor prescribed it for the pain and progression of the disease. I have pulmonary hypertension, kidney and liver issues due to The scleroderma. Thanks for the connection to autoimmune group.

Hi @suzylulu I took CellCept for about 7 months to see if it would help instead of prednisone. No such luck for me, but I didn’t have scleroderma. I did fine this article about a study concerning CellCept and scleroderma.. I don’t remember any side effects except being careful of sun exposure.
https://sclerodermanews.com/2017/06/14/what-is-cellcept-and-how-could-it-help-scleroderma-patients/
I certainly hope the CellCept will work for you!
Have your lung/kidney/liver become very serious for you?

Hi, @suzylulu. I have been taking cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) for 11 years. I take it in combination with another medication to prevent rejection of my transplanted liver and kidney. The cellcept is to block the production of white blood cells (WBC) that see my new organs as 'invader' and try to destroy them.
I am scheduled for routine labs to monitor my liver and kidney and my overall reaction to the medicine(s). And each time I get a refill there 3 warnings on the bottle: If I'm pregnant or breastfeeding, contact my doctor; cellcept may impair ability to operate a vehicle, vessil, or machinery - Use with care until you become familiar with the side effects; Avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to direct or artificial sunlight while taking this medication.
I have not had any adverse side effects that I am aware of.
There is increased risk of infection while taking this medication, and it will be important to take cellcept exactly as your doctor tells you.
Any questions? I'm here anytime.

Thanks, Becky.