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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

cellcept is making me sick to my stomach and lowers my immune response to uti and other infections . Any one up on T-cell?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Tinton Falls, NJ
December 24, 2025
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Hello Maureen, I too am on Cellucept (Myfortic). I had to take it 12 hours apart or I would url and have this horrible stomach pain. It lowered my WBC but I bumped it up by increasing my walking at least a mile a day. I really had trouble with Cellucept making me cold all the time and low blood sugars. Like I said I now walk at least a mile a day and found I am warmer and I started eating these protein cookies which are yummy and have sugar and protein which help too as I am vegan. Like Niranjana said drink the fluids. I carry water everywhere I go. Take care and I am praying for you. God bless.

December 26, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thanks ! Just got the supplement D-Mannose, Lots of fluids ,Gonna talk to my Rheumatologist 1/6.

December 26, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

Taking it after meals helps, Maureen, though it reduces absorption somewhat. I'm on Cellcept, and it makes me more infection-prone, too--as do all our lupus meds. HCQ is the one that doesn't lower our immunity.

Recurrent UTIs can be reduced with a D-mannose/cranberry supplement, which urogynecologists recommend. I'm sure you know that drinking more water helps prevent UTIs, too. You may want to discuss the supplement with your doctor, as well as whether you may have less trouble on a different immunosuppressant. Good luck, and I feel your pain!😘

December 25, 2025
MyLupusTeam

Are you experiencing stomach upset and increased infections while taking CellCept (mycophenolate)?

Stomach issues like nausea are common side effects of CellCept. Here are some strategies that might help:

- Talk to your doctor about taking CellCept with food. While it's typically recommended on an empty stomach, some people Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing stomach upset and increased infections while taking CellCept (mycophenolate)?

Stomach issues like nausea are common side effects of CellCept. Here are some strategies that might help:

- Talk to your doctor about taking CellCept with food. While it's typically recommended on an empty stomach, some people get approval to take it with food to reduce nausea
- Consider adjusting when you take your doses. A MyLupusTeam member shared: "I take mine early in the morning and before bed" to help with stomach distress
- Discuss your symptoms with your doctor, as they can monitor you and adjust your treatment if needed

Your doctor should never change how you take CellCept without their approval first. Regarding infections, CellCept is an immunosuppressant that works by dampening your immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy tissue. Unfortunately, this also makes you more vulnerable to infections.

Common infections in people with lupus taking immunosuppressants include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Respiratory infections
- Skin infections

A MyLupusTeam member noted: "I've noticed bacterial vaginosis occurs frequently since starting my medicine."

It's important to contact your doctor if you develop signs of infection, as antibiotics may be needed. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you're on CellCept to balance managing your lupus with infection risk.

December 24, 2025

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