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Rituxan vs. CellCept

Are Rituxan and CellCept the Same Thing?

Rituxan (rituximab) and CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) are used to treat arthritis.

Rituxan is also used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

CellCept is also used to prevent your body from rejecting a kidney, liver, or heart transplant. CellCept is usually given with cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and a steroid medication.

Rituxan and CellCept belong to different drug classes. CellCept is an immunosuppressive agent and Rituxan is a cancer medication.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Rituxan?

Common side effects of Rituxan include:

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Rituxan including:

  • increased thirst or urination,
  • swelling of the hands or feet, or
  • tingling of the hands or feet.

What Are Possible Side Effects of CellCept?

Common side effects of CellCept include:

  • constipation,
  • nausea,
  • headache,
  • diarrhea,
  • vomiting,
  • stomach pain or upset,
  • loss of appetite,
  • gas,
  • tremor,
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia),
  • weakness,
  • swelling in your hands or feet,
  • numbness or tingly feeling, or
  • anxiety.

Tell your doctor if you experience unlikely but serious side effects of CellCept including:

  • unusual tiredness,
  • fast or irregular heartbeat,
  • muscle weakness,
  • easy bleeding or bruising,
  • swelling of the feet or ankles,
  • mental/mood changes,
  • weakness on one side of the body, or
  • unusual change in the amount of urine.

What Is Rituxan?

Rituxan (rituximab) is a cancer medication used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rituxan is also used in combination with another drug called methotrexate to treat symptoms of adult rheumatoid arthritis.

What Is CellCept?

CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) is an immunosuppressive agent used to prevent your body from rejecting a kidney, liver, or heart transplant. CellCept is usually given with cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and a steroid medication.

What Drugs Interact With Rituxan?

Rituxan may interact with cisplatin, adalimumab, auranofin, azathioprine, cyclosporine, etanercept, infliximab, leflunomide, minocycline, sulfasalazine, blood pressure medications, or medication to treat malaria.

What Drugs Interact With CellCept?

CellCept may interact with cholestyramine, antibiotics, acyclovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, or other medicines that weaken the immune system. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

How Should Rituxan Be Taken?

Rituxan is administered under a physician's supervision. The dose of Rituxan varies depending on the disorder being treated and the number of infusions (doses) needed.

How Should CellCept Be Taken?

The dose of CellCept depends on the type of transplant performed.

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