Immunosuppressant or immunosuppressive drugs are a group of drugs used to suppress the work of the immune system. These drugs are usually used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or prevention of rejection reactions after organ transplantation.
In some conditions, immunosuppressant drugs can also be used in certain types of cancer therapy or as part of bone marrow transplant therapy . Corticosteroids are one of the immunosuppressive drugs that have long been known and used.
Warning Before Using Immunosuppressant Drugs
Immunosuppressant drugs should not be used carelessly and can only be obtained with a prescription and doctor's advice. Here are things you need to pay attention to before using it:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Immunosuppressants should not be used by someone who is allergic to these drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have an infectious disease, such as herpes , hepatitis or tuberculosis .
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease , a blood clotting disorder, or a condition that weakens the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS.
- Consult your doctor if you plan to vaccinate while undergoing treatment with immunosuppressant drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements and herbal products.
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction or serious side effects after using Immunosuppressant drugs.
Side Effects and Dangers of Immunosuppressant Drugs
The side effects of immunosuppressant drugs can vary, depending on the type, duration, and dosage used. However, in general, because it has a suppressive effect on the immune system, the use of this class of drugs can increase the risk of developing infectious diseases.
Fungal infections, respiratory tract infections, or even sepsis are examples of infectious diseases that can occur after long-term use of immunosuppressant drugs.
Check with your doctor if you experience some of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Stomach ache
- Difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Sprue
- Nausea and vomiting
In addition, several types of immunosuppressants can also cause side effects in the form of:
- The appearance of pimples
- Hair loss
- Increased blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Increased risk of developing diabetes
Consult your doctor if you experience side effects after using immunosuppressant drugs. Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction occurs .
Types and Trademarks of Immunosuppressant Drugs
The following are the types of drugs that are included in the Immunosuppressant drug group along with their trademarks and dosages:
1. Inhibitor calcineurin
This drug is able to inhibit the work of calcineurin, which is an enzyme that plays an important role in our immune system. Examples of these drugs include:
Tacrolimus
Trademarks: Prograf, Prograf XL, Protopic
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the tacrolimus drug page .
ciclosporin
Trademarks: Cipol-N, Imusporin, Sandimmun, and Sandimmun Neoral
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the ciclosporin drug page .
2. Cytokine target agents
Cytokines are proteins produced by various cells and function to regulate the work of the immune response. Some of the drugs that belong to the cytokine target agent group are:
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids work by blocking the production of substances responsible for causing inflammation in the body. In addition, this group of drugs will also reduce the activity and work of the immune system.
Several types of drugs that are included in the corticosteroid class are betamethasone, dexamethasone , budesonide, methylprednisolone, prednisolone , prednisone, triamcinolone, and hydrocortisone .
Janus kinase inhibiton
This drug is able to inhibit the performance of Janus kinase, which is one of the enzymes that causes inflammation. Examples of these drugs are:
-
Tofacitinib
Trademarks:-
For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, the dosage is 5 mg, twice a day. Additions, reductions, and dose adjustments are made according to the patient's condition and response to therapy.
Interleukin-2 receptor antagonist
This drug is able to inhibit the activity of T cells in strengthening the immune system. This medication is often used for post-organ transplantation treatment, such as a kidney. An example of this drug is:
-
Basiliximab
Trademark: Simulect
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the basiliximab drug page .
TNF-α targeting
TNF-alpha works by inhibiting the body's natural response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These substances affect the occurrence of inflammation in the body. Drugs that are included in the TNF-alpha inhibitor group include:
-
Etanercept
Trademarks: Etarfion, Enbrel
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please visit the etanercept drug page . -
Certolizumab
Drug form: injection
Trademark: -
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the certolizumab drug page . -
Infliximab
Trademarks: Remicade, Remsima
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the infliximab drug page . -
Adalimumab
Trademark: Humira
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please visit the adalimumab drug page . -
Golimumab
Trademark: Simponi
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please visit the golimumab drug page.
Interleukin inhibitors
This drug is able to inhibit the work of the interleukin protein in stimulating the immune system so that inflammation can be prevented. Examples of these drugs are:
-
Brodalumab
Trademark: -
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the brodalumab drug page. -
Canakinumab
Trademarks: -
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the canakinumab page . -
Anakinra
Trademark: -
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the anakinra page . -
Tocilizumab
Trademark: Actemra
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the tocilizumab page .
3. Selective Immunosuppressive
Selective immunosuppressive is a group of immunosuppressant drugs that are able to selectively inhibit the work of the immune system. Here's an example:
Mycophenolate Mofetil
Trademarks: Cellcept, Celmunos, Kamyfet, Mycocell, Myrept
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the mycophenolate mofetil drug page .
Baricitinib
Trademark: Olumiant
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the baricitinib drug page .
Fingolimod
Trademark: Gilenya
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the fingolimod drug page .
Leflunomide
Trademark: Arava
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the leflunomide drug page .
Sirolimus
Trademark: -
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the Sirolimus drug page .
4. Other Immunosuppressives
It is an Immunosuppressant drug that does not belong to any of the four groups. Examples of other immunosuppressant drugs are:
Thalidomide
Trademark: -
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the thalidomide drug page .
Methotrexate
Trademarks: Emthexate PF, Ferxate, Methorexate, Methorexate Ebewe, Metoject, Sanotrexat, Rheu-Trex
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the methotrexate drug page .
Lenalidomide
Trademark: -
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the lenalidomide drug page .
Azathioprine
Trademark: Imuran
To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please open the azathioprine drug page .