How to Prevent Diarrhea From Cellcept

Cellcept, or mycophenolate mofetil, is a prescription drug given to patients receiving an organ transplant. Cellcept works to suppress the immune system so that the transplanted organ is not rejected. Generally, Cellcept is taken for as long as the transplanted organ is in place. Common side effects of Cellcept include stomach upset and diarrhea, which can be lessened by changing when and how the drug is administered.

Instructions

How to Prevent Diarrhea From Cellcept

• 1

  Take Cellcept with a meal instead of on an empty stomach. Taking Cellcept with food can reduce the risk of diarrhea.

• 2

  Avoid foods that exacerbate symptoms of diarrhea. Dairy products and foods high in fat may make diarrhea worse, as can stimulants like coffee and alcohol. You should also avoid dried fruit and nuts and other foods high in fiber.

• 3

  Eat bland foods like bananas, applesauce, rice and toast that are easy to digest and least likely to trigger diarrhea. Drink fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated, but avoid excessively hot or cold liquids, as they also may trigger diarrhea. Plain water is onr of the best liquids you can drink to prevent diarrhea.

• 4

  Ask your physician to prescribe Cellcept in a smaller, more frequent dosage if taking Cellcept with food has not improved your diarrhea.

• 5

  Discuss with your physician the possibility of lowering the dosage of Cellcept. A lower dosage can improve diarrhea and upset stomach side effects.

• 6

  If altering the dosage and lowering the dose of Cellcept has not helped, taking another medication that is more gentle on your stomach can reduce diarrhea and stomach upset. Ask your physician if switching to another medication such as Imuran is possible for you.