Immune System - CH. 34

Question 1

Interferon Alfa-2b (Intron-A)

Answer 1

Action: enhances or stimulates the immune system to remove antigens; *suppresses the growth of cancer cells

Primary use-treatment of cancers, viral infections (human papillomavirus, chronic hepatitis virus B and C)

Adverse effects-*flulike syndrome of fever, chills, dizziness, and fatigue, occurring in 50% of patients(usually diminishes as therapy progresses), headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia

BBW –may aggravate autoimmune, neuropsychiatric, ischemic or infectious disorders

Interactions- ETOH

Labs- large decline in hct, leukocyte, platelets 3-5 days after tx

Question 2

Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, *Sandimmune)

Answer 2

Mechanism of action- inhibit helper T cells

Primary use-prophylaxis of kidney, heart, and liver transplant rejection; psoriasis, xerophthalmia- dry eyes

Adverse effects-75% of patients experience reduction in urine flow and over 50% experience hypertension

Common side effects-headache, gingival hyperplasia, elevated hepatic enzymes

Long-term therapy- risk of malignancy, especially lymphomas and skin cancers

Question 3

Echinacea

Answer 3

Boost the immune system
Treats common cold, upper respiratory infections, and influenza
May interfere with immunosuppressants