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Immunosuppressive drugs in dermatology--benefits and threats

Anna Kowal1, Julia Warmińska, Dorota Krasowska

  • 1Chair and Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Lublin.

Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Sklodowska. Sectio D: Medicina
|August 25, 2004
PubMed

Immunosuppression consists in the breaking of different immune reactions. According to the mechanism of activity, these drugs reveal effects on each stage of the immune process. Among immunosuppressive drugs, steroids, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil are used in dermatology. Therapeutic potential of these drugs is limited by dangerous side effects. Apart from inhibition the excessive immunological response to antigens and because of the lack of specific action, they result in total suppression of the immune system. That in turn produces a higher number of infections, an abnormal course of diseases and an increased risk of lymphomas and cancers. Therefore, the decision, on applying any of these immunosuppressive drugs ought to be preceded by thorough analysis of the clinical history, indications and contraindications referring to each drugs and potential toxicity and side effects.

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