Immunosuppressant Drugs: Mechanism of Action

Immunosuppressant medications are used to suppress the immune response in conditions like autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, and severe allergies.

Immunosuppressant Meds FAQ

Image credit: doctorlib.info

What is the classification of immunosuppressive drugs?

Classification of immunosuppressive drugs. Glucocorticoids are further divide into small molecule drugs that include immunophilins binding drugs like calcineurin inhibiters, cyclophilin binding drugs including cyclosporine, FKB-12 binding drugs like tacrolimus, and TOR inhibiters like sirolimus and everolimus.

What types of immunosuppressant drugs are used for organ transplant?

Some of the main types of immunosuppressant drugs used for organ transplant are: Antiproliferative agents like CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) Cancer is another big category of diseases treated with therapies that affect your immune system.

Do you need a prescription for immunosuppressant drugs?

Many people who receive immunosuppressant drugs are prescribed medications from more than one of these categories. All immunosuppressant drugs are available only by a prescription from your doctor. Immunosuppressant drugs come as tablets, capsules, liquids, and injections. Your doctor will decide the best drug forms and treatment regimen for you.

Which antiproliferative and antimetabolite drugs are used as immunosuppressive drugs?

A number of antiproliferative and antimetabolite drugs are used as immunosuppressives. Sirolimus, produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus, inhibits the activation and proliferation of T cells. It is used in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor and glucocorticoids to prevent transplant rejection.

Do you need immunosuppressive therapy after an organ transplant?

This makes it much less likely that the immune system will damage the new organ. Stronger immunosuppressives might be needed just after an organ transplant. However, people who have had an organ transplant need to continue some combination of immunosuppressive therapies for as long as they live.