Myfortic and CellCept side effects associated with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted July 2, 2008

ADD YOUR COMMENTS 6

The warnings labels for Myfortic and CellCept have been updated to include information about a potential risk of a Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, also known as PML or Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalitis. The rare neurological disease is often fatal, and there is no known cure.

Myfortic (metobolite mycophenolic acid) and CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) are medications that are often prescribed following an organ transplant to prevent the body from rejecting the organ. The drugs already carry a blackbox warning that was added in November 2007 about a risk of birth defects when takne by pregnant women.

>>PRIOR POST (10/29/2007): FDA Warns About CellCept Birth Defects

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy is a very rare condition which has only been reported in about 20 patients treated with the drug, but given the high fatality rate information was added to the Warnings and Adverse Reactions section about the postmarketing data.

The viral neurological disease has no known cure and causes progressive damage to the brain. Symptoms of PML as a side effect of CellCept or Myfortic could include:

  • Weakness or Paralysis
  • Vision Changes
  • Loss of Coordination
  • Memory Loss
  • Difficulty Talking
  • Trouble Understanding Others

MYFORTIC AND CELLCEPT LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing the potential for legal claims for individuals who have been diagnosed with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencepalopathy (PML) after taking one of the immunosuppressant medications. Myfortic and CellCept lawsuits are also being evaluated on behalf of children who suffered birth defects, such as cleft palate, cleft lip and ear deformities, after the mother took the drug during pregnancy.

To review a potential lawsuit and determine if financial compensation may be available, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

6 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • Lorrie says:

    I now take cellcept for my Lupus, what are the signs of pml and how long does it take for side effects of this disease to occur?

    Posted on February 20, 2009 at 11:44 am

  • Raveene says:

    I also take cellcept for my Lupus (SLE) and it has started to change my vision. Causing things to become blurred and making it alot harder to drive. It started off ok, but when increased the dosage to 250mg three times a day my vision began to change rapidly.

    Posted on July 6, 2009 at 11:11 pm

  • Schilacy says:

    My mother was prescribed CELLCEPT 7/2020. By 9/2020 she resembled a woman in the late stages of dementia,.. she had forgetfulness, loss of coordination, confusion , and MASSIVE diarrhea. She also lost 20 pounds. She experienced multiple falls that led to several hospital admissions. Cellcept took away her quality of life and left her completely unable to care for herself. She died 5/3/2021 and was NEVER the same after taking that drug for 6 weeks.

    Posted on July 18, 2021 at 12:35 am

  • Jeffery says:

    If loss my hearing from these medications mycophenolate and trcrolimus an I’ve had massive weight loss

    Posted on December 29, 2021 at 2:10 pm

  • Terrell says:

    Squamas cells removed and keeps coming back. I also have tremendous memory loss and vision changes

    Posted on August 25, 2022 at 5:18 pm

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