CELLCEPT 500 MG 50 TB

CELLCEPT (Mycophenolate Mofetil) 500 mg Capsules is an immunosuppressive medication primarily used to prevent organ rejection in patients who have undergone kidney, heart, or liver transplantation. It is also used in other autoimmune conditions where suppression of the immune system is required. CELLCEPT works by inhibiting the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in the immune response.

How CELLCEPT Works

Mechanism of Action

1. Inhibition of Purine Synthesis:
   • Mycophenolate mofetil is a prodrug that converts to mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite in the body. MPA inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), a key enzyme in the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides, which are essential building blocks for DNA and RNA synthesis.
2. Suppression of Lymphocyte Proliferation:
   • By inhibiting IMPDH, CELLCEPT specifically targets lymphocytes (T and B cells) because these cells rely heavily on the de novo pathway for purine synthesis. This action reduces the proliferation of these immune cells, thereby suppressing the overall immune response.
3. Prevention of Organ Rejection:
   • CELLCEPT’s ability to suppress lymphocyte activity helps prevent the immune system from attacking transplanted organs, reducing the likelihood of organ rejection.
4. Action on Autoimmune Diseases:
   • In autoimmune conditions, CELLCEPT reduces the activity of overactive immune cells, helping control inflammation and disease progression.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea:
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort and frequent bowel movements.
• Nausea and Vomiting:
  • Common side effects that can often be managed with supportive care.
• Abdominal Pain:
  • Discomfort or pain in the stomach area.
• Leukopenia:
  • A decrease in white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections.
• Headache:
  • Mild to moderate headaches are frequently reported.

Serious Side Effects

• Increased Risk of Infections:
  • Due to immunosuppression, there is a higher risk of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
• Bone Marrow Suppression:
  • Can lead to anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding:
  • Serious gastrointestinal side effects, including ulcers and bleeding.
• Lymphoma and Other Malignancies:
  • Long-term use of immunosuppressants like CELLCEPT may increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
• Severe Allergic Reactions:
  • Including anaphylaxis, rash, and swelling, which require immediate medical attention.

Indications

CELLCEPT is indicated for:

• Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection:
  • Used in combination with other immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and corticosteroids to prevent rejection of kidney, heart, or liver transplants.
• Autoimmune Diseases:
  • Sometimes used off-label for autoimmune conditions such as lupus nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other disorders where immune suppression is required.

Contraindications

CELLCEPT should not be used in:

• Hypersensitivity:
  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, or any of the components of the formulation.
• Pregnancy:
  • Contraindicated in pregnant women due to the risk of birth defects and miscarriage.
• Severe Infections:
  • Should not be used in patients with uncontrolled infections as it can worsen their condition.
• Breastfeeding:
  • It is not recommended as the drug may be passed into breast milk and affect the infant.

Price in Different Countries

The price of CELLCEPT 250 mg Capsules can vary significantly by region due to differences in healthcare systems and insurance coverage. Below is a table listing approximate prices in various countries.

Country	Price (Per 100 Capsules)	Reference
United States	$700 – $900	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£500 – £600	NHS UK
Canada	CAD $650 – $750	Canada Health
Australia	AUD $800 – $900	PBS Australia
India	₹50,000 – ₹60,000	1mg

Top 5 Global Brands

1. CELLCEPT – Roche:
   • The original brand of mycophenolate mofetil and the most commonly recognized.
2. Mycophenolate Mofetil (Teva):
   • A widely used generic alternative to CELLCEPT.
3. Myfortic (Novartis):
   • A similar drug containing mycophenolic acid, used for the same indications.
4. Mycophenolate Mofetil (Mylan):
   • Another generic brand that offers a cost-effective alternative.
5. Mycophenolate Mofetil (Sandoz):
   • A generic version that is popular in various markets worldwide.