Immunosuppressant therapy

Definition

Immunosuppressant therapy involves the administration of medications to reduce the activity of the immune system. This is often used to prevent rejection in organ transplant patients and to treat autoimmune diseases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Immunosuppressant therapy can increase susceptibility to infections due to lowered immune defenses.
2. Common drugs used in immunosuppressant therapy include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and mTOR inhibitors.
3. Nutritional status can be significantly impacted by immunosuppressant drugs, requiring careful monitoring and dietary adjustments.
4. Patients undergoing immunosuppressant therapy may experience side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
5. Proper nutrition can help mitigate some side effects of immunosuppressant therapy and support overall pulmonary wellness.

Review Questions

• Why is nutritional monitoring important for patients on immunosuppressant therapy?
• What are some common side effects of immunosuppressant medications that can affect nutritional status?
• How can a nurse support pulmonary wellness in a patient undergoing immunosuppressant therapy?

Related terms

Autoimmune Disease: A condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

Corticosteroids: A class of steroid hormones used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Calcineurin Inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit the activity of calcineurin, a protein involved in activating T-cells of the immune system.