Immunosuppressive therapy Flashcards
what is an immunosuppressive drug?
a drug used to prevent the production of antibodies
When do you use immunosuppressive therapy?
organ transplant rejection prevention, treatment of autoimmune disorders.
What are the calcineurin inhibitors and what are they derived from?
cyclosporine, tracrolimus. From fungus
What is the MOA of calcineurin inhibitors?
bind with cytoplasmic proteins, inhibits calcineurin (calcium & calmodulin dependent phosphatase). Reduces the number of T lymphocytes. T-cell dependant B cell responses are inhibited. Immune response is decreased.
What are the routes of cyclosporine?
IV, oral and opthalmic (for keratoconjunctivitis sicca-dry eyes)
What is cyclosporine used for?
solid organ transplantation, graft vs host disease and several autoimmune diseases like RA
Why is cyclosporine not used as a first line agent as frequently any more?
its highly toxic
What are adverse effects of cyclosporine
Nephrotoxicity (primary complication), HTN (treat with calcium channel blockers), Neurotoxicity (tremor, HA, Seizures, blindness), infection (viral and fungal), increaed risk of developing cancers (squamous cell skin cancer, lymphoproliferative disease), hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, glucose intolerance, hyperuricemia
What should you monitor when a patient is taking cyclosporine?
Renal function( creatinine, BUN), bp, serum electrolytes and magnesium, LFT (bilirubin can be elevated)
What routes are there for tacrolimus
IV, oral and topical
What are tacrolimus uses?
preventing organ rejection(newer and less toxic treatments are becoming available), used with methotrexate for the prevention of acute GVHD, topical for severe plaque psoriasis and sever atopic dermatitis.
What are adverse effects of tacrolimus?
Nephrotoxicty, Neurotoxicity(HA, tremors, paresthesias, coma), htn, dyspnea, GI(n/v, diarrhea, abn disc.), fatigue, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperglycemia.
What should you monitor with tacrolimus treatment?
renal function, electrolytes and magnesium, bp, fasting glucose, tacrolimus lvls.
What is the MOA of Sirolimus?
bind to intracellular proteins and inhibits the growth of hematopoietic and lymphoid cells.
When is sirolimus used?
it is a second line agent for use in combination with other immunosuppressive agents for prophylactic organ rejection.