Lecture Notes: Immune Drugs and Immunosuppressants

Introduction

• Speaker: Nurse Mike
• Platform: SimpleNursing.com
• Topic: Immune drugs, particularly immunosuppressants
• Application: New pharmacology and Med Surge Mastery courses

Purpose of Immunosuppressants

• Use: Help the body stop attacking itself
  • Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, organ transplants
• Mechanism: Suppress the immune system, especially white blood cells (WBCs)
• Risks:
  • Bone marrow suppression
  • High risk for infections
  • High risk for bleeding

Key Drugs and Details

Hydroxychloroquine

• Use: Treats lupus (body attacks skin and joints)
• Benefits: Decreases inflammation and fatigue
• Administration: Taken for several months to reach therapeutic levels
• Adverse Effects:
  • Retinal damage
  • Vision problems
• Patient Teaching:
  • Regular eye appointments every 6-12 months
  • No need for medical alert bracelet or osteoporosis vitamins
• Memory Trick: "Hydroxy" - High damage to the eyes, "chloroquine" sounds like chlorine

Methotrexate

• Use:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, certain cancers
  • Stops folic acid metabolism
• Risks:
  • Weak immune system (infection risk)
  • Low platelet count (bleeding risk)
  • Fetal death in pregnant clients
• Memory Trick: "Methotrexate" - No pregnant clients, no crowds/live vaccines, no sharp objects
• Key Exam Points:
  • Report fever over 100.3°F or 38°C
  • Avoid crowds, sick people, fresh fruits, and flowers
  • Thrombocytopenia: Platelets under 100,000 is risky
• Bleeding Signs to Report:
  • Petechiae, purpura, melena, hematemesis, bleeding gums
• Vaccine Guidelines:
  • Inactivated flu and pneumonia vaccines are allowed
  • No live vaccines (e.g., herpes zoster)

Closing

• Resources: Free trial of new quiz bank and videos on SimpleNursing.com
• Acknowledgments: Thanks to the team of experts
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