Cytoxan
Introduced: 1959
Brand Names: Cytoxan, Neosar, Procytox
Possible benefits: cure or control of certain types of cancer.
prevention of rejection in organ transplantation. Possibly benefitial
in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus urythematosus (sp?).
Possibly benefitial in selected cases of nephrotic syndrome in children.
Possible Risks: Reduces white blood cell count. Secondary infection.
urinary bladder bleeding. Heart, lung, liver or kidney damage. Loss of
hair.
Principle uses: As a single drug product, used primarily for th
treatment of various forms of cancer, notably malignant lymphomas,
multiple myeloma, leukemia and cancer of the breast and ovary. Because
this drug suppresses the immune system, it is also used to prevent
rejection of transplanted organs and to treat certain autoimmune
disorders.
How the drug works: Not completely known, but because of the drugs
ability to kill cancer cells during all phases of their development and
reproduction, this drug suppresses the primary growth and secondary
spread (metastasis) of certain types of cancer.
Imuran
Imuran is classified as an immunosuppressant medication. Imuran is used to suppress the immune system in patients who have had kidney transplants. Although its exact mechanism of action in rheumatoid arthritis is not known, its effect in suppressing the immune system appears to decrease the activity of the illness.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common serious side effects of Imuran involve the blood elements and gastrointestinal system. Imuran can cause serious lowering of the white blood cell count, resulting in an increased risk of infections. This can reverse when the dose is reduced or temporarily discontinued. Imuran can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can resolve when the dose is reduced or divided through the day. Imuran can also cause liver toxicity. All patients taking Imuran require regular blood testing for blood counts and liver function tests for monitoring. Other side effects encountered less frequently include fatigue, hair loss, joint pains, and diarrhea.
Prednisone
Prednisolone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. There are numerous preparations of corticosteroids including oral tablets, capsules, liquids, topical creams and gels, inhalers and eye drops, and injectable and intravenous solutions.
SIDE EFFECTS : Side effects of Prednisolone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damages. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, puffiness of and hair growth on the face, thinning and easy bruising of the skin, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, worsening of diabetes, irregular menses, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic disturbances. Psychic disturbances can include depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and even psychotic behavior.
Help
I need help with more information about these drugs, and other drugs used in the treatment of Wegener's Granulomatosis. If you have any information, or know where I can find information about any "Wegener's drug", please email me!
Email: wegeners@angelfire.com
