Immunosuppressive agents 

Immunosuppressive agents are drugs that suppress the immune system and reduce the risk of rejection of foreign bodies such as transplant organs. Different classes of immunosuppressive agents have different mechanism of action. Now immunosuppressive agents are used as cancer chemotherapy, in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and to treat severe allergy. As immunosuppressive agents lower the immunity there is increased risk of infection.

(IH-myoo-noh-suh-PREH-siv AY-jent) An agent that decreases the body’s immune responses. It reduces the body’s ability to fight infections and other diseases, such as cancer. Immunosuppressive agents may be used to keep a person from rejecting a bone marrow or organ transplant.

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are among the most common immunosuppressants that healthcare providers prescribe. But there are many types of immunosuppressants. Your provider will select a medicine (or a combination of immunosuppressants) based on your specific condition and symptoms.

Immunologic agents are drugs that can modify the immune response, either by enhancing or suppressing the immune system. They are used to fight infections, prevent and treat certain diseases. Immunologic agents include drugs used for immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection.