Immunosuppressants are a class of drugs designed to lessen the activity of the immune system. They are often administered to prevent the rejection of donor tissues following transplant surgery. Furthermore, these drugs are used to decelerate the progression of autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
These drugs operate by curtailing the production and function of a type of white blood cell known as lymphocytes. Side effects can differ, but all these drugs amplify the risk of infections and potentially lead to the development of certain types of cancer.