Cellcept Eye Clinic Tel: 01271 322467 Other formats If you need this information in another format such as audio tape or computer disk, Braille, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, please telephone the PALS desk on 01271 314090. This leaflet is for patients suffering from Uveitis, or inflammation within the eye. What is it? Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) is a drug that has been used to treat patients who have inflammation following transplant of organs such as heart, kidney and liver. Their immune cells need to be attenuated to stop them from attacking the donor organ. Clinical studies have shown that Cellcept can also prevent inflammation within the eye. When should Cellcept not be used? (or only after discussion with your consultant) If you are or think you may be pregnant. If you have liver or kidney disease. If you are breast feeding. If you have recently had, or are about to have, vaccinations. If you are on oral anticoagulants such as Warfarin or anti-gout agents such as Allopurinol. Leaflet number: 453 / Version number: 1 / Expiry date: November 2019 1 of 5
When should you be careful taking Cellcept? Be sure to tell your doctor if: You have any unexplained bruising or bleeding. You have episodes of infection. You are on any other medication. Can I have immunisations while I am on Cellcept? You should avoid immunisation with live vaccines such as: Oral Polio Rubella (German Measles) Yellow Fever Oral Typhoid Tuberculosis It is safe to have these immunisations: Hepatitis Influenza Tetanus Pneumo-vaccine Meningo-vaccine Injected Polio Injected Typhoid Cellcept 2 of 5
How should Cellcept be taken? Always take the tablets as your doctor directs. Swallow tablets whole, do not suck or chew them. Your specialist will tell you what dose to take. This may change continually. You will be taking between 1-3 grams per day. This depends on your body weight and your response to therapy. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you realise. However, if you do not realise until the next day, skip the missed dose and carry on as before. Do not take double the dose. If you take too many tablets or someone else accidentally takes your medicine, contact your doctor, pharmacist or the nearest hospital straight away. What are possible side effects? Normally this treatment is tolerated well. You may, however, have some unwanted reaction. Initially you may feel nausea after taking the tablets. This is often relieved by taking them after food. General tiredness can occur at first, but this wears off after continued use. Diarrhoea can also occur initially, but wears off with continued use or reduced dose. Your blood count is monitored regularly because Cellcept can reduce your cell count. Levels return to normal when treatment is reduced or stopped. Occasionally, people experience a slight shake, headache or muscle pain. Cellcept 3 of 5
There are other less common effects including agitation and anxiety, impaired liver function and jaundice. Some people have an increased incidence of infections (both viral and bacterial), so it is important to inform you doctor if you feel at all unwell. Lymphoma has been reported, but is very rare. In cases of serious side effects, the treatment is stopped completely. Does Cellcept affect fertility or pregnancy? We advise all women of child-bearing age, who are taking immunosuppressive treatments, to avoid pregnancy as some drugs can increase the risk of birth defects and/or developmental problems. Men taking immunosuppressive treatments may also need to take precautions. The most appropriate form of contraception depends on the medications you are taking so please ask us for advice. Please let us know if you wish to plan a family so that we can discuss treatment options with you. Further information If you experience problems, contact your GP or North Devon District Hospital Emergency Department on 01271 322480. Useful contact There is a patient Uveitis information and self help group that supplies leaflets and newsletters for you to contact if you wish. Uveitis Information Group South House, Sweening, Vidlein, Shetland Isles, ZE2 9QE Email: info@uveitis.net Website: www.uveitis.net Cellcept 4 of 5
PALS The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) ensures that the NHS listens to patients, relatives, carers and friends, answers questions and resolves concerns as quickly as possible. If you have a query or concern call 01271 314090 or e-mail ndht.pals@nhs.net. You can also visit the PALS and Information Centre in person at North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple. Alternatively, it may be possible for us to arrange an appointment in your area. Have your say Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust aims to provide high quality services. However, please tell us when something could be improved. If you have a comment or compliment about a service or treatment, please raise your comments with a member of the staff or the PALS team in the first instance. Care Opinion comments forms are on all wards or online at www.careopinion.org.uk. Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust Raleigh Park, Barnstaple Devon EX31 4JB Tel. 01271 322577 www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust This leaflet was designed by the Communications Department. Please contact 01271 311575 to help us improve our leaflets Cellcept 5 of 5