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Updated: May 27, 2026
08:38
Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
[Immunosuppressive drugs - how they work, their side effects and interactions]
Fabien Stucker1, Daniel Ackermann
1Universitätsklinik für Nephrologie und Hypertonie, Inselspital, Bern. fabadt@gmail.com
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|December 6, 2011
Summary
Organ transplant immunosuppression strategies combat rejection using various drugs. This review details drug mechanisms, side effects like infections and cancer, and critical drug interactions, focusing on belatacept.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Transplantation Medicine
Context:
- Allograft rejection remains a primary challenge in organ transplantation.
- Effective immunosuppression is crucial for transplant success.
- Diverse therapeutic strategies exist to manage immune responses post-transplant.
Purpose:
- To review current immunosuppressive drugs and strategies for organ transplantation.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of action for various immunosuppressants.
- To highlight the safety profiles, side effects, and drug interactions of immunosuppressive agents.
Summary:
- Organ transplant immunosuppression involves various drug classes including small molecules, antibodies, and fusion proteins.
- Key immunosuppressants include calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and newer agents like belatacept.
- Common side effects involve increased infection and cancer risk, alongside organ-specific toxicities, particularly cardiovascular effects.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of immunosuppressive therapies in organ transplantation.
- Informs clinicians about drug mechanisms, safety profiles, and potential interactions.
- Highlights the importance of personalized immunosuppression strategies based on drug efficacy and patient tolerance.
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