Immunosuppressant drugs

Immunosuppressant drugs are a class of drugs that suppress, or reduce, the strength of the body's immune system. Some of these drugs are used to make the body less likely to reject a transplanted organ, such as a liver, heart, or kidney. These drugs are called anti-rejection drugs. Other immunosuppressant drugs are often used to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Mechanism of Action

Immunosuppressant drugs work by reducing the activity of the body's immune system. This can be achieved by inhibiting the production or function of immune cells or their chemical messengers. The specific mechanism of action varies depending on the drug.

Types of Immunosuppressant Drugs

There are several types of immunosuppressant drugs, including:

• Corticosteroids
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• mTOR inhibitors
• Antiproliferative agents
• Biologics

Side Effects

Like all drugs, immunosuppressant drugs can cause side effects. These can vary depending on the specific drug and the individual patient. Common side effects can include:

• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Nausea and vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Bone thinning
• Skin changes, such as acne or increased hair growth

Risks and Precautions

Because immunosuppressant drugs weaken the immune system, they increase the risk of infections. Patients taking these drugs need to be closely monitored for signs of infection. They may also need to take additional medications to prevent certain types of infections.

See Also

• Transplant rejection
• Autoimmune diseases
• Corticosteroids
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• mTOR inhibitors
• Antiproliferative agents
• Biologics

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