Title: Immunosuppressive drugs for renal disease – edren.org
Headings: Immunosuppressive drugs for renal disease
Immunosuppressive drugs for renal disease
Steroids
Cyclophosphamide
Azathioprine
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)
Methotrexate
Cotrimoxazole
Cyclosporin (ciclosporin) and tacrolimus
Plasma Exchange
IVIG
Antibodies to lymphocytes and other blood cells
Rituximab and anti-B cell antibodies
ATG – antithymocyte globulin
Alemtuzumab (Campath)
Other treatments

Content: Methotrexate
Methotrexate is used to treat some cancers. It can be used to treat inflammation in some types of arthritis and sometimes in vasculitis. In vasculitis and arthritis it is usually given once a week, with folic acid (a vitamin) being given 1-3 days later. Regular tests for blood count and liver function are required. Methotrexate should not be used in pregnancy. It is normally removed by the kidney, so it cannot usually be used in people with significantly reduced kidney function. Side effects can include: Hair loss
Mouth ulcers and diarrhoea
Liver damage (rare)
Lung damage causing shortness of breath and cough (rare)
Risk of infections and bleeding
Toxic to developing babies
Cotrimoxazole
Cotrimoxazole is an antibiotic combination (also known as Septrin, Bactrim) which can sometimes be used in some types of vasculitis, particularly Wegener’s disease (Granulomatosis with angiltis). It is probably less useful in kidney and lung vasculitis. The main side effects are gastric upset and occasional allergic reactions.