Cellcept and chemo

[Jane]

Has anyone taking Cellcept had Chemo ? Do you have to stop taking it ?

[vrystaat]

I have been on the whole gamut of Chemo, such as Methotrexate, Imuran, Corticosteroids and Hydroxychloroquin.
I became allergic to Imuran, and because of infections, I cannot stay on corticosteroids. I can however use a 5 day dosepack (e.g. Medrol Dosepack).
I have been started on Cellcept at least three times, but although it helps with some SS problems, I cannot tolerate this drug because of infections.
It is tremendously powerful, and is also used to treat transplant rejection. With me, the drug also causes confusion, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache and fever. It did however help with my
Polymyositis. My Rheumatologist stopped the Cellcept, & is considering Retuxan. My Neurologist does not agree and wants to start a long course of IV Gamma Globulin (which has not helped me in the past). Who knows what to do?

That's all that I can say: a problematic, powerful drug, with severe side-effects.
Best wishes

[warmwaters]

You should ask the oncologist about this. There are so many different variables that it would be hard for anyone who isn't an expert to know what to do.

However my guess, as a non-expert, is that there's a reasonable chance you will have to discontinue cellcept if you are taking some other form of chemo.

[angeldancer]

Please speak with your oncologist.  Side effects can be as strong as having a heart attack or stroke.  I had a stroke.  Just to let you know my oncologist thought it was safe but I still had the worst of the worst side effects.  She said it had to be my sjogrens.  I think she just didn't know but we do know it was a side effect reaction.

Good Luck!

[irish]

Different opinions from different people and doctors. My immunologist told me I could keep taking my cellcept all along during my spinal fusion surgery,. I chose to quit taking it cause I don't liken taking all these different drugs at the same time. My opinion. Irish