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CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil)
Available Online
Oral
Daily
Available by Prescription
As Low as $
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  • Around 70% improvement in symptoms
  • Targets overactive immune cells directly
  • Generally well-tolerated by patients
  • Risk of viral infections
  • Requires regular doctor monitoring
“Hiya! I (52 F) have posted here before about my Dupixent journey: I started it in August 2022 and almost immediately experienced miraculous results. But by January 2023, I was …”
- Patient review
How well does CellCept work?
CellCept is above average for atopic dermatitis "Immunosuppressants" treatments.
What is the evidence behind CellCept?
Mycophenolate mofetil has shown good efficacy for treating atopic dermatitis, with studies showing that about 78% of patients achieve partial or full remission of symptoms. It works by suppressing the immune system and typically takes 6-8 weeks to show effects.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

This study looked at 10 years of data on oral immunosuppressive treatments for severe atopic dermatitis in two hospitals. Cyclosporine A was the most commonly used medication (80% of patients), followed by mycophenolate mofetil (31%). Treatment was often stopped due to either the disease being controlled, the medication not working, or side effects.

Ten years experience with oral immunosuppressive treatment in adult patients with atopic dermatitis in two academic centres
Study Type
Multicenter Study
Studied Population
Total Patients: 334
Severity: severe
Age: 18+
Results
What are other patients saying?
  • Bummed about the FDA delay for new treatments
    July 23, 2021
    [https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/pfizer-pfe-inks-vaccine-deal-faces-fda-delay-on-jak-drugs-2021-07-22](https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/pfizer-pfe-inks-vaccine-deal-faces-fda-delay-on-jak-drugs-2021-07-22) I've been following the news on these JAK inhibitors for a while, so I was really bummed to see the FDA has delayed approval for an undetermined amount of time. (For those that don't know, they were set to be approved in April, but received a 4 month extension, and now they're being delayed again). I've personally tried Dupixent, Methotrexate, and Cellcept to more or less no avail. Life isn't great right now and this was my beacon of hope. Alas
  • Cellcept
    Aug. 24, 2019
    Anybody find that cellcept did absolutely nothing for your eczema? For me, cyclosporine helps a lot, but cellcept did nothing. Dupixent also did nothing for me.
  • Starting CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil)
    Oct. 14, 2024
    Hey there, I'm (23f) starting CellCept after MTX's side effects were too much for me. Any tips and warnings from anyone who's tried this medication before? Should I be taking on an empty or full stomach?
The medication is generally considered safe but requires monitoring. Common side effects include headaches, herpes infections, stomach upset, liver function abnormalities, and reduced blood cell counts. There is also a small risk of developing infections or cancer due to the immune suppression.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

This real-world study looked at side effects of various medications used to treat atopic dermatitis, including dupilumab and other immunomodulating drugs. The study found some side effects occurred more frequently than expected, particularly eye-related issues and facial redness with dupilumab, and fatigue with methotrexate.

Real‐world reported adverse events related to systemic immunomodulating therapy in patients with atopic dermatitis: Results from the TREAT NL (TREatment of ATopic eczema, the Netherlands) registry
Study Type
Observational Study
Studied Population
Total Patients: 266
Severity: not available
Age: adults and pediatric patients
Results
Study Summary

This study looked at 10 years of data on oral immunosuppressive treatments for severe atopic dermatitis in two hospitals. Cyclosporine A was the most commonly used medication (80% of patients), followed by mycophenolate mofetil (31%). Treatment was often stopped due to either the disease being controlled, the medication not working, or side effects.

Ten years experience with oral immunosuppressive treatment in adult patients with atopic dermatitis in two academic centres
Study Type
Multicenter Study
Studied Population
Total Patients: 334
Severity: severe
Age: 18+
Results
What are other patients saying?
  • Experience with Xeljanz and/or Cellcept/Mycophenalate?
    May 7, 2021
    After trying Dupixent (worked and then wore off), Methotrexate (didn't work), Prednisone (for tapers, not a long term solution), my derm has put me on Mycophenalate. We just got insurance approval for Xeljanz as well. I've only been on the Mycophenalate for 2 weeks and I'm quite itchy, but my body doesn't \*look\* like a total disaster, which is a small step up (I just \*feel\* subpar). I'm only on the beginner dose but I'm wondering if it's worth continuing to ramp up and tabling the Xeljanz for now. What have been people's experiences with Xeljanz? How quickly did your eczema clear (or not clear)? Alternatively, general thoughts on Cellcept/Mycophenalate? My derm said it's a lot like Methotrexate, which really went downhill for me, so I didn't have much hope, but I'm intrigued so far with the results.
  • Anybody using cellcept for eczema??
    Nov. 19, 2018
    I was looking to see if anyone here was or has used cellcept for eczema relief. My 2 and a half year old has severe eczema and is now on cellcept for it (we were really hoping for Dupixcent, but he's too young for it right now.) I was just wondering about any weird side effects other people have had on it, how did it make you feel, did it honestly help with the itching or just with how the skin looks? If it helped, about how long did it take? Did it make you itch more before it started working? My son can't really tell me how he feels (because he's only 2 and a half), I try to go off of how he acts and sometimes I don't know how to help. Also, what's some things that helped you with pain and itch relief when you have a flare up or severe itching and pain. I want to help, and I try, but sometimes I just don't know what to do but hold him and rub where it itches. Y'all are some of the strongest people I know!!!
  • Anyone Been Prescribed Dupilumab Yet?
    Aug. 4, 2016
    My dermatologist said he has been trying to get some patients on Dupilumab, but said the insurances aren't covering it yet. I'm currently using Cellcept with great results, but want to try something that has been designed specifically for eczema. I'm going in for a follow-up in four months and will check in with my doctor again regarding patient experiences Dupilimab.
In rare cases, serious complications can occur. One reported case showed development of Candida infection in the esophagus after 22 months of treatment. Another case reported development of lung disease, though this resolved after stopping the medication.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

A patient treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for atopic dermatitis developed a fungal infection in their esophagus after 22 months of treatment. This is a rare complication that hasn't been reported before with MMF treatment.

Candida Esophagitis Associated With Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.
Study Type
Case Reports
Studied Population
Total Patients: 1
Severity: not available
Age: 59
Results
Study Summary

A patient with severe atopic dermatitis was treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and developed lung problems (interstitial lung disease) as a side effect. After stopping MMF and receiving steroid treatment, the patient's lung condition improved.

Reversible interstitial lung disease following treatment of atopic dermatitis with mycophenolate mofetil
Study Type
Case Reports
Studied Population
Total Patients: 1
Severity: severe
Age: 37 years
Results
MMF showed good clinical effect but had to be discontinued due to serious side effects
What are other patients saying?
  • Anyone out there on Cellcept? What is your experience?
    March 15, 2018
    I've been on Cellcept for about 10 days now and I'm about to go up to 3000 mg per day. I have not seen any improvement in my eczema, in fact it appears to be spreading. (Legs, back scalp, forearms). Has anyone else had similar experience?
  • cellcept and eczema
    May 11, 2015
    hi everyone, this is my first reddit post and was wondering about other people's experiences with immunosuppressants and eczema, since everyone's eczema is different. a little about my eczema background: In my case, I've only developed severe eczema in my adult life.. I use to be able to drink alcohol and have a normal life. After misusing antibiotics + drinking alcohol, then using antibiotics for acne, then my eczema got really bad on my face, especially around my lips, and then tried steroids (topical, oral, and injections) and it still itches like crazy, and used Imuran (only to quit after one week). I tried to use eastern medicine to calm my eczema down, which somewhat helped, but it also was another band-aid situation. I just recently measured my IgE in the beginning of the year, and it's at 225, and just last month, at 266. I react to everything, drinking alcohol, eating candy.. (perhaps leaky gut syndrome). I was wondering about the following: Did you have eczema the majority of your life? or how did it develop? Did your IgE ever lower? or have you not measured that? Also, do you do anything special to keep from getting sick? I'm so scared to develop an infection e.g. airborne and such. I've been trying a holistic approach, but it's so hard. Have no idea how to naturally lower my IgE so my immune system won't overreact to everything and I'm so scared to be in a worse off situation than before. I was suspecting leaky gut syndrome, but the diet has been so hard and nothing has changed... I hate that I've been dealing with this kinda alone and have been searching through forums for answers. There are also people who haven't had immunosuppressants work for them, so I've been wary.. kinda scared to revisit this drug too..
  • Eczema Pain
    Oct. 24, 2018
    Anybody here get that pain underneath the skin that feels like pins and needles but is very painful, Cant really do much with this and when i try to exercise i get too much pain, Also has anybody had an allergic reaction to CellCept or to Cyclosporine? I have reasons to believe its my intestines playing up but just wondering if anybody else has had this problem
When compared to other treatments, mycophenolate mofetil appears to have lower effectiveness than newer medications like dupilumab. However, it may still be a useful option for some patients, particularly when other treatments have failed or aren't suitable.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

This real-world study compared the safety of dupilumab to conventional systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis over 5 years. Dupilumab showed fewer side effects related to circulatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems, and infections compared to other treatments. However, it did have a higher risk of eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) compared to some other medications.

Comparison of safety profile in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab or conventional systemic treatment: real world data from the US network.
Study Type
Comparative Study
Studied Population
Results
Study Summary

This study compared how long patients stayed on different medications for atopic dermatitis and why they stopped taking them. Dupilumab had the highest continuation rate, with only one patient stopping treatment. Other medications like cyclosporine, azathioprine, and methotrexate were often stopped due to side effects.

Drug survival rates and reasons for drug discontinuation in patients with atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of adult outpatients
Study Type
Comparative Study
Studied Population
Total Patients: 94
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: 18+
Results
What are other patients saying?
  • Cellcept
    Aug. 27, 2019
    Just started on cellcept this morning, and I feel pretty shitty. Does anyone know if this will eventually go away as I get accustomed to the medication? And does anyone have any personal success with cellcept? How long does it take to start working?
  • Long time use of immunosuppressants for eczema?
    March 1, 2019
    * IMPORTANT EDIT: I am here to speak on ORAL immunosuppressants. Not anything applied topically, (ex: protopic) * A little about me: I’ve had eczema since I was a kid, compared to most of you here I would consider my eczema to be mild. (Bits of red patches that come and go on my face, arms and chest. Very dry/flaky skin throughout). I’ve been on CellCept (generic version of Mycophenolic acid) for over a year now and have definitely seen improvement on my skin. Now, at the same time I began CellCept, I was undergoing TSW. Red, blistering skin through my entire face and body. Fast forward to my skin now, only getting veryyy small/mild patches of eczema. Flare ups only happening when I’m hot/under stress, and just having dry skin. My skin has never felt this kind relief in a long time. !! Now the big question I have is, how long should I be on immunosuppressants for? For myself, the only negative effect it has had on me is how often I’d get a cold, but even then — I don’t get sick very often *knocks on wood* I’ve heard many people take immunosuppressants for years for their eczema, with no severe side effects. Let me know what you guys think, I’d love to hear other input. Especially since I feel like immunosuppressants aren’t often talked about on here for eczema. :)
Is CellCept Right For Me?
What is CellCept?
Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressant medication that helps prevent organ rejection in transplant patients by weakening the immune system's response.
What are the requirements for taking CellCept?
CellCept might be right for you if:

  • You have received a kidney, heart, or liver transplant

  • You are 3 months of age or older

  • You are taking other immunosuppressant medications

How does CellCept work?
It works by blocking an enzyme called inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), which reduces the activity of certain immune cells (T and B lymphocytes) that could attack the transplanted organ.
Is it safe for children?
Safe and effective for children 3 months and older who have received kidney, heart, or liver transplants.
Is it safe for elderly patients?
Clinical studies didn't include enough patients aged 65 and over to determine if they respond differently from younger patients. Dose selection should consider decreased organ function and other medications being taken.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Not safe during pregnancy. Use is associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss and birth defects. Alternative medications should be considered if possible.
Is it safe during breastfeeding?
Limited data available on safety during breastfeeding. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider as it's not possible to exclude potential risks to a breastfeeding infant.