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[Blessed17]

I have a transplant in 2017 my son was my donor, I have been feeling great just having a issue with my magnesium levels being low and having diarrhea on and off, does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do?

[Balap]

cellcept can cause diarrhea

[Blessed17 in reply to Balap]

Thanks yes I'm on cellcept

[Balap in reply to Blessed17]

Myfortic is another form of cellcept (both almost same)

Myfortic tablet is coated with some thing, and it has less stomach issues than cellcept. Tacrolimus can cause low magnesium, take magnesium supplements which can also cause diarrhea, so I take low dose 200mg

[blackkat2]

If you're on Prednisone, that can cause low magnesium, and taking too much supplemental magnesium (especially oxide) can cause diarrhea. Re supplementing, I've been told to use mag glycinate or citrate, and divide the dose through the day.

[Blessed17 in reply to blackkat2]

Yes I'm on prednisone and slow mag so I will get with my doctor thanks for the reply

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

With any issues after a transplant you need to talk with your transplant center. They need to be advised of what is going on. That is the most important thing I can tell you. Everyone is different. I take Myfortic and Neoral and had a lot of issues of issues with diarrhea the first couple of years. Doctors were able to reduce the dose of my Myfortic (Cellcept) and it made a difference. They also started me on fiber tabs. I am now 19+ years post transplant and take fiber tabs before every meal. Has made a real difference for me.

Just talk it over with the doctors.

Good luck!

[Blessed17 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks I have and they have adjusted my meds but like you said it's still a issue they have me doing magnesium infusions but I'm still trying to see cause that doesn't seem to work either, that's why I was trying to see if anyone else is having the same issue so I can write some things down, and I know everyone is different

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Blessed17]

I think they determined for me anyway, that there was no other cause for the diarrhea. I had a thorough GI work up, Including a colonoscopy, MRI, etc. They found it was the immunosuppressants and of course I can't stop them. I still get foot and ankle cramps sometimes from my magnesium being a little low. My nephrologist has given me mag pills to take when I get the cramps. Magnesium also causes diarrhea!

If your doctors determine that nothing else is going on, and it is the cellcept, ask about taking fiber tabs. I can't tell you how much it has helped me.

[Blessed17 in reply to WYOAnne]

Ok thanks for feedback

[Donaldson0007]

Magnesium has been an issue since before transplant for me. If they put you on supplements ensure they are the correct supplement - there are different types and 1 is better than another for transplant recipients. I was on a mag supplement for 3 of the 4 years post and my numbers do not budge so I stopped spending money on the supplement. As always please consult your care team with any decisions you are considering. As for the diarrhea, cellcept/mycophenlate and prograf/tacrolimus, my 2 primary drugs, are both culprits. At the advice of a GI doctor I began using Metamucil 1x per day and have not had diarrhea since.

[Blessed17 in reply to Donaldson0007]

Thanks for the information I will be checking with my doctor

[Dara3351 in reply to Donaldson0007]

My magnesium and phosphorus was also low and was put on prescription magnesium and phosphorus. Working with my dietician I was able to bring both of them up with diet. As for your diarrhea, perhaps your meds might need to be changed. My DR put me on 20 mg famotidine which is an antacid. Hope that helps!

[KathleenMA]

Hi - I also have issues with low magnesium and I take an over the counter supplement recommended by my doctor I buy at GNC. I also eat almonds and a bit of dark chocolate as they are both high in magnesium. Good luck!