Immune Modulators Flashcards
What is an immune stimulant?
a drug used to energize the immune system when it is exhausted from fighting prolonged invasion or needs help fighting a specific pathogen or cancer cell
What is an immune suppressant?
a drug used to block or suppress the actions of the T cells and antibody production
used to prevent transplant rejection and to treat autoimmune diseases
What are monoclonal antibodies?
specific antibodies produced by a single clone of B cells to react with a very specific antigen
What is recombinant DNA technology?
the use of bacteria to produce chemicals normally produced by human cells
Do we need higher or lower doses of immune modulators for children?
higher
When treating children with immune suppressants, what should we protect against?
infection and injury
How should we teach adults to administer immune modulators?
Teach proper injection technique
What should we teach women of childbearing years that are taking immune modulators?
Use a barrier method during intercourse
Do not take when breastfeeding
These may impair fertility, so weigh options before taking
What are interferons?
these are naturally released from human cells in response to viral invasion
What do interleukins do in the body?
communicate between lymphocytes
stimulate cellular immunity
inhibit tumor growth
What do colony-stimulating factors do?
Stimulate bone marrow to produce more WBCs
Therefore, these are indicated for leukopenia
What are the most common adverse effects of immune stimulants?
Flu-like symptoms: Lethargy Muscle and jt aches and pains anorexia nausea
Interferons are use to treat ______________.
various cancers and warts.
Interleukins __________ cellular immunity and ___________ tumor growth.
stimulate
inhibit
Colony-stimulating factors _________ the production of _____________________ by working in the ____________.
increase
white blood cells
bone marrow
