Immune System Medications Flashcards
Antimetabolite indicated for immune disorders such as RA, psoriasis, certain cancers, and for the dissolvement of ectopic pregnancies
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) side effects
Infections, hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, stomatitis
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) black box warning
Fetal toxicity/death
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) nursing care
Monitor for S/S of infection, liver function, and CBC
Medication indicated for prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients, UC, and RA
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) side effects
Infections, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hirsutism, hypertension, tremor
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) nursing care
Notify provider right away of s/s of infection, monitor liver and renal function
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) black box warning
Development of tumors
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is an example of an
Antineoplastic agent
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) side effects
GI upset, alopecia, bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), cardiac toxicity, red discoloration of urine/sweat/tears
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) black box warning
Bone marrow suppression, cardiac toxicity, leukemia
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) nursing care
Monitor for infection, cardiac function, and CBC levels; administer antiemetics for N/V
Vincristine is an example of an
Antineoplastic agent
T or F: vincristine causes bone marrow suppression
FALSE
Vincristine side effects
Peripheral neuropathy, phlebitis (IV site), GI upset, alopecia
Vincristine nursing care
Administer antiemetics for N/V, monitor for signs of neuropathy, use central line for infusion
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is an example of an
Antineoplastic agent
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) side effects
Bone marrow suppression, GI upset, alopecia, hemorrhagic cystitis (inflammation and bleeding from bladder)
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) nursing care
- encourage patient to increase fluid intake to 2-3 L/day during therapy (to help prevent hemorrhagic cystitis)
- monitor for blood in urine
- monitor CBC levels
- give antiemetics for N/V
- wear gloves when handling and wash hands IMMEDIATELY after handling
Antineoplastic agent indicated for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) side effects
Hot flashes, vaginal bleeding, increased risk of thromboembolism, Hypercalcemia, bone pain, increased risk of uterine and endometrial cancer
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) nursing care
Monitor CBC and calcium levels during therapy; advise patient to report bone pain
Antineoplastic immune modifier indicated for cancers and viral infections such as hepatitis
Interferon alpha-2B
Interferons are proteins that _________ the body’s immune response to tumors/viruses and _________ cancer proliferation
Enhance; slow
Interferon side effects
Flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, chills, lethargy) bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, dyspnea, alopecia, GI upset, psychiatric disorders
Interferon nursing care
Monitor: CBC, cardiac function (EKG), liver function, infection, bleeding
Interferon black box warning
Risk for psychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious disorders
Azithromycin (Zithromax) and erythromycin (E-Mycin) are examples of
Macrolides (anti-infectives)
Macrolides are indicated for
Bacterial infections (such as respiratory)
T or F: Macrolides are effective against MRSA
FALSE
Macrolides are _________ meaning they work by inhibiting protein synthesis and slowly bacterial growth
Bacteriostatic
Macrolides side effects
GI upset, dysrhythmias (including torsades de pointe), ototoxicity, rash
Administration of Macrolides
Take on empty stomach with a full glass of water
Lincosamide anti-infective indicated for severe bacterial infections
Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Clindamycin (Cleocin) inhibits protein synthesis and can be _________ or _________ depending on concentration
Bactericidal; bacteriostatic
Clindamycin (Cleocin) side effects
GI upset, diarrhea, superinfection (C.diff)
Clindamycin (Cleocin) nursing care
Monitor bowel movements
Aminoglycoside indicated for serious bacterial infections
Gentamicin (Garamycin)
Gentamicin (Garamycin) works by inhibiting protein synthesis and is _________ (kills bacteria)
Bactericidal
Gentamicin (Garamycin) side effects
Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, vertigo, ataxia