Chapter 17: Drugs Affecting the Immune System: Immunomodulators

Although not generally prescribed by primary care providers, two immunosuppressant medications commonly prescribed to patients by specialty providers are covered in this chapter—cyclosporine and azathioprine. Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) is prescribed to organ transplant patients and is used for severe rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis (Drugs.com, 2022a). Azathioprine (Imuran and Azasan) is also prescribed for transplant patients and for Crohn disease, lupus nephritis, and patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (Drugs.com, 2022b; Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2015). The topical immunomodulators pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) are discussed in the chapter on medications for dermatological conditions (see Chapter 35). The use of interferon is not discussed here because it is usually prescribed by specialty care providers.