Immunosuppressive drugs suppress function of the cells of the immune system. The same drugs are used for the treatment of most immune-mediated diseases but there are certain types/patterns of drug use that maximize therapeutic success and minimize side-effects in the different immune mediated conditions. These drugs suppress the signs of immune mediated disease, they do not cure it. This means that they usually have to be given for life so chronic side effects are important.
Collectively, immune-mediated diseases are common - particularly in small animal practice. They affect all body systems. The most common immune-mediated diseases are allergic conditions (eg atopy, flea allergic derinatitis, food allergy), autoimmune skin diseases (eg pemphigus foliaceous), gastrointestinal hypersensitivities (eg inflammatory bowel disease), haematopoietic diseases (eg autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, autoimmune thrombocytopaenia), glomerulonephritis, and respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and allergic rhinitis.
The drugs used in veterinary practice to treat immune-mediated diseases in order of importance are glucocorticoids, antihistamines, azathioprine, and miscellaneous others (see also anticancer drug notes).
