In people with severely failing organs, organ transplantation offers hope, replaces the function of the damaged organ and allows the person to have a near normal lifespan. Organ transplantation is a surgical procedure where the damaged organ in the patient is replaced with a healthy organ from the donor (deceased or living). As amazing as this process is, it carries great challenges also. One of the great challenges associated with organ transplantation is the fear of transplant rejection.
Basically, our immune system can very well recognize anything that is foreign to our body. That’s why when pathogens such as viruses or bacteria enter our body, it recognizes them as foreign invaders and makes proteins called antibodies to destroy them and keep us healthy. Transplant rejection occurs when the immune system of the recipient recognizes the transplanted organ as foreign and attacks it.
Any substance which makes the body produce an immune response against that substance is called an antigen. Antigens include viruses, chemicals, or other substances that come from outside of the body. Body cells and tissues also have antigens on them that can cause an immune response. More similar the antigens are between the recipient and donor, the chance of the organ getting rejected is lesser. Doctors consider many factors and perform certain tests to find out the suitable organ match for the patient. Genetic testing can help make the best possible donor-recipient match.
Acute or chronic rejection can happen after the transplant. Acute rejection usually happens soon in a few months after a transplant and is usually treated successfully. Chronic rejection occurs slowly over the years after surgery. The body’s constant immune response against the new organ slowly damages the organ, and it may stop working eventually. The causes of chronic rejection are not well understood, and treatment is often not successful.
Immunosuppressants are the medications that will be given during and after the transplant to prevent the rejection of a new organ by the body. They are powerful medicines that work by suppressing the immune system. Almost everyone who undergoes transplantation must take these drugs as directed.
Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted heart, liver, or kidney and may be given in combination with other medications. cTablet is one of the products containing the active constituent mycophenolate mofetil. If you have undergone transplant surgery, your health care provider may prescribe Cellcept 500mg Tablet for you.
You must not donate blood during the treatment with Cellcept 500mg Tablet and for at least six weeks after the last dose. Men should not donate semen while taking this drug and for at least ninety days after the last dose. Also, during the treatment, you should limit sun exposure. If you must go outside, you need to use a high sun protection factor sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing.