Immunosuppressives
Immunosuppressives like cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) restrain the overactive immune system by blocking the production of immune cells and is used for patients whose kidneys or central nervous systems are affected by the disease. These drugs can be taken by mouth or by infusion (dripping it into the vein via a small tube). Like other drugs, it has its side effects: nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bladder problems, decreased fertility, and increased risk of cancer and infection, and just like corticosteroids, the risk for these side effects increases the longer it is taken. It can be stopped once the disease is under control, but there is a risk of relapse.
Examples: Azathioprine (Imuran), Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Leflunomide (Arava), Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Chlorambucil (Leukeran), Nitrogen mustard (Mustargen)
