Immunosuppressant drug

Definition

Immunosuppressant drugs are medications that inhibit or prevent activity of the immune system. They are commonly used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Immunosuppressant drugs reduce the risk of organ rejection by dampening the immune response against the transplanted organ.
2. Common immunosuppressants include cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and azathioprine.
3. These drugs can increase susceptibility to infections due to their immune-suppressing effects.
4. Long-term use of immunosuppressants may lead to complications such as nephrotoxicity and increased cancer risk.
5. Patients on immunosuppressants require regular monitoring for drug levels and potential side effects.

Review Questions

Related terms

Organ Rejection: A process where the recipient's immune system attacks a transplanted organ.

Cyclosporine:

An immunosuppressant drug commonly used to prevent organ rejection.

Nephrotoxicity: Kidney damage caused by toxic substances or medications, including some immunosuppressants.