Myfortic vs Cellcept or Mycophenolate? Share your experience

Posted by Alta Net @altabiznet, Apr 18 10:55am

Has anyone been switched from mycophenolate to Myfortic? Is it really better tolerated with the same efficacy?

Myfortic and CellCept are both immunosuppressants used to prevent organ rejection, with Myfortic designed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects through delayed-release formulation.
Key Differences
Formulation and Absorption:
CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) is a prodrug that is rapidly converted in the body to the active metabolite, mycophenolic acid (MPA).

Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) is an enteric-coated formulation of MPA, designed to release the drug in the small intestine, which can lead to more consistent absorption and reduced gastrointestinal side effects.

Gastrointestinal Tolerability:
Myfortic is associated with less diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort compared to CellCept due to its delayed-release coating.

Patients who experience GI intolerance with CellCept may benefit from switching to Myfortic.
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Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Profile picture for Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy

@cicimee2 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m so glad you found us and could see an example of how MCC works. We all share information on our illness and the journey we’re on. There are no doctors on this program so no one can or should prescribe medications. Do you have any more questions for the group?
What specific drug are you asking about? The cellcept is definately for autoimmune issues. I was told that diarrhea with cellcept could be very dangerous because diarrhea is a side effect of cellcept. Did you have a colonoscopy to determine cause of diarrhea? My colonoscopy showed that the cause was not cellcept but EPI-exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. But, I remained OFF cellcept and ON Myfortic just to be safe.
Sounds ‘clear as mud’, doesn’t it? Let me know what your doctor says/does. I’ll be thinking of you!

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@becsbuddy

I just have started Myfortic - enteric coated tablet - and coincidentally I have developed bright red spots on my cheeks. I do not have lupus, or any condition that may be causing it. Did anyone have a reaction like this to Myfortic?

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Profile picture for Alta Net @altabiznet

@becsbuddy

I just have started Myfortic - enteric coated tablet - and coincidentally I have developed bright red spots on my cheeks. I do not have lupus, or any condition that may be causing it. Did anyone have a reaction like this to Myfortic?

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@altabiznet I haven’t heard of red spots as a problem with Myfortic, so I would advise you to ask your doctor. When I checked on side effects on the internet, nothing was mentioned about red spots. I would call him now so you’ll know what to do about your next dosage. Good luck and let me know so I can let others know about the possibility.

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The thing is what dose is I take 3 Cellcept 500mg per day for 8 years and it has really compromised my immune system and get penumonia about 6 or 8 weeks

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Profile picture for hank82 @hank82

The thing is what dose is I take 3 Cellcept 500mg per day for 8 years and it has really compromised my immune system and get penumonia about 6 or 8 weeks

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@hank82

Thank you for sharing. Did you have any side effects to Cellcept - skin rash, diarrhea, indigestion, any other?

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no side effects other than lo immune system and get sick often which pneumonia.

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Profile picture for Alta Net @altabiznet

@hank82

Thank you for sharing. Did you have any side effects to Cellcept - skin rash, diarrhea, indigestion, any other?

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@altabiznet You just mentioned diarrhea as a side effect to cellcept—-have you experienced diarrhea? I was told that diarrhea could be/or is very dangerous. Check with your doc about any/all side effects. Becky

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Hi! I made the switch from CellCept to Myfortic a couple of years ago when CellCept was increasing my acid reflux. I've had zero GI effects since the switch and it has overall been helpful in reducing my dysautonomia symptoms. Good luck! 🙂

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Profile picture for sinojosvacios @sinojosvacios

Hi! I made the switch from CellCept to Myfortic a couple of years ago when CellCept was increasing my acid reflux. I've had zero GI effects since the switch and it has overall been helpful in reducing my dysautonomia symptoms. Good luck! 🙂

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@sinojosvacios

Thank you for sharing. If you do not mind, two more questions.
What are your dysautonomia symptoms?
If you take Myfortic in the morning, any dizziness or getting hazy for a couple of hours afterwards?
Any information is helpful.

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Profile picture for Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy

@altabiznet You just mentioned diarrhea as a side effect to cellcept—-have you experienced diarrhea? I was told that diarrhea could be/or is very dangerous. Check with your doc about any/all side effects. Becky

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@becsbuddy

Yes, I had diarrhea and reflux with indigestion when I was on Cellcept. My case was not dangerous but started becoming beyond tolerance. Now on Myfortic, I have some dizziness and hazy feeling for 3-4 hours after the dose. It is expected side effect. The drug should be taken twice a day, morning and evening. No GI symptoms with Myfortic.

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Profile picture for Alta Net @altabiznet

@sinojosvacios

Thank you for sharing. If you do not mind, two more questions.
What are your dysautonomia symptoms?
If you take Myfortic in the morning, any dizziness or getting hazy for a couple of hours afterwards?
Any information is helpful.

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@altabiznet My dysautonomia symptoms before Myfortic were that I would get extreme heart racing episodes during the night and day of up to 170 with sweats, overheating, frequent urination, and a feeling of utter doom. After Myfortic, I still get the heart raises but not nearly as high and they come down a lot faster and I no longer experience the doom/adrenaline feelings. I am generally a 'hazy' person in the morning due to the autonomic stuff, so I can't blame Myfortic for that.

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