Cellcept 500mg

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking mycophenolate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew. If you are taking the capsules, do not open them before swallowing.

If the capsule comes apart or if there is dust from the tablets, avoid inhaling the powder or dust, and avoid direct contact with the skin or eyes. If contact occurs, wash the affected skin area well with soap and water or rinse your eyes with plain water. Consult your pharmacist for details.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets or powder from the capsules.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, it is also based on body size.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking mycophenolate without first talking to your doctor.

Certain products may make it harder for your body to absorb mycophenolate if they are taken at the same time. Do not take this medication at the same time as antacids containing aluminum and/or magnesium, cholestyramine, colestipol, or calcium-free phosphate binders (such as aluminum products, lanthanum, sevelamer). Ask your pharmacist for more details.

Do not change brands or forms of mycophenolate unless directed by your doctor.

Constipation, nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, gas, tremor, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual tiredness, fast/irregular heartbeat, easy bleeding/bruising, swelling of the feet or ankles, joint pain/stiffness, muscle pain.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, shortness of breath/rapid breathing.

This medication may increase your risk of getting a rare but very serious (possibly fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML). Get medical help right away if you have any of these side effects: clumsiness, loss of coordination/balance, weakness, sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory loss), difficulty talking/walking, seizure, vision changes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.