Immunosuppressants are medications that reduce the activity of the immune system. They are commonly used to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs, such as kidneys or hearts, and to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. By dampening the immune response, these drugs help manage conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
While immunosuppressants can be effective, they also increase the risk of infections and other complications because the body’s ability to fight off pathogens is weakened. Patients using these medications require regular monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure their safety and effectiveness.