Immunosuppress definitions
| Word backwards | sserppusonummi |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "immunosuppress" is a verb. |
| Syllabic division | im-mu-no-sup-press |
| Plural | The plural of the word "immunosuppress" is "immunosuppressants." |
| Total letters | 14 |
| Vogais (4) | i,u,o,e |
| Consonants (5) | m,n,s,p,r |
Immunosuppressants are medications that suppress or weaken the body's immune system. They are commonly prescribed to prevent organ rejection after a transplant or to treat autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
Types of Immunosuppressants
There are several types of immunosuppressants, including corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antimetabolites, mTOR inhibitors, and biologics. Each type works in a different way to reduce the activity of the immune system.
Commonly Used Immunosuppressants
Some commonly used immunosuppressants include prednisone, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, azathioprine, sirolimus, and mycophenolate. These medications are often used in combination to achieve the desired level of immune suppression.
Side Effects
While immunosuppressants are crucial for preventing rejection of transplanted organs and managing autoimmune diseases, they can have side effects. These can include increased risk of infections, decreased wound healing, high blood pressure, kidney damage, and increased risk of certain types of cancer.
It is essential for individuals taking immunosuppressants to be closely monitored by their healthcare provider to manage and minimize these side effects.
Monitoring
Regular blood tests are often required to monitor the levels of immunosuppressants in the bloodstream and ensure that they are at the appropriate therapeutic levels. Adjustments to the dosage may be necessary based on the individual's response to the medication.
It is important for individuals taking immunosuppressants to follow their healthcare provider's instructions carefully and attend all scheduled appointments to ensure the safe and effective use of these medications.
Immunosuppress Examples
- After her organ transplant, the patient was prescribed immunosuppressant medication to prevent rejection.
- Patients with autoimmune diseases often require immunosuppressive therapy to manage their symptoms.
- Some chemotherapy drugs can act as immunosuppressants, making patients more susceptible to infections.
- Individuals who undergo bone marrow transplants may need to take immunosuppressants to prevent graft-versus-host disease.
- Immunosuppressive drugs can be used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- Organ transplant recipients must carefully monitor their immunosuppression levels to avoid complications.
- Immunosuppressant therapy is often necessary after kidney transplants to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ.
- Patients with severe allergies may be prescribed immunosuppressive medications to help reduce their immune response.
- Long-term use of immunosuppressants can increase the risk of certain infections due to a weakened immune system.
- Immunosuppressive treatment is sometimes used in cases of severe psoriasis to help reduce inflammation and skin lesions.