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Is Cellcept Effective At Treating Auto-immune Problems?

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Posted on Tue, 3 Oct 2017
Question: Hello, My Rheumatologist, Inflammatory Disease Specialist, has prescribed Cellcept to replace Arava. I have active mixed Autoimmune Disease and SICCA. My lungs have been attacked and I currently require Oxygen at 4liters 24/7. This change is in lieu of recent lung wedge resection biopsies, which showed scarring and active organizing, Pneumonitis, acute and chronic interstitial inflammation. I am seeking information on Cellcept as my doctor feels this med will help control my auto-immune problems, as well as helping me feel better, as I am miserable currently with extreme fatigue and labile oxygen saturation dropping into low and mid 80's with minimal activity even with my Oxygen at 4liters.
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Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Interstial lung disease

Detailed Answer:
good evening.

Thank you for writing on health care magic

Well, as such Cellcept is a better drug for Lung problem which has come up for you than arava..Recent studies have does shown a superior effect of Cellcept over all other drugs. Steroids still hold the superior effect,but we can't use such high dose you are on for long time. So the next drug is Cellcept or azathioprine.Only problem with Cellcept is loose motions initially which is a side effect.

Secondly ,if you are requiring that high oxygen with spo2 of in 80 s , I am not sure how much these meds will help in long run.They will help settle the inflammation part but the scarring can't be reversed.The only role these medicines have is to further prevent the disease progression....So we do have to look for other options but after controlling the disease that is

Do let me know for more queries

Hope the information was useful

Regards
Dr naval

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Naval Mendiratta

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 754 Questions

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Is Cellcept Effective At Treating Auto-immune Problems?

Brief Answer: Interstial lung disease Detailed Answer: good evening. Thank you for writing on health care magic Well, as such Cellcept is a better drug for Lung problem which has come up for you than arava..Recent studies have does shown a superior effect of Cellcept over all other drugs. Steroids still hold the superior effect,but we can't use such high dose you are on for long time. So the next drug is Cellcept or azathioprine.Only problem with Cellcept is loose motions initially which is a side effect. Secondly ,if you are requiring that high oxygen with spo2 of in 80 s , I am not sure how much these meds will help in long run.They will help settle the inflammation part but the scarring can't be reversed.The only role these medicines have is to further prevent the disease progression....So we do have to look for other options but after controlling the disease that is Do let me know for more queries Hope the information was useful Regards Dr naval