What Does Immunosuppressive Mean? Medicines Explained

What it means

Immunosuppressive means 'damping down the immune system'. Immunosuppressive medicines, also called immunosuppressants, reduce the activity of the body's defence system. They are used to stop the body rejecting a transplanted organ and to calm autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and some skin conditions. Examples include tacrolimus, ciclosporin, mycophenolate, azathioprine, methotrexate, biologic medicines and high-dose steroids.

Labels warn about infections, because a calmer immune system is less able to fight germs; some infections can be more severe or unusual. Labels may also mention the need for regular blood tests, a possible long-term rise in some cancers such as skin cancer (so sun protection is advised), and that live vaccines may need to be avoided. Fever or signs of infection should be reported promptly.

Immunosuppressive treatment is different from immunosuppression caused by an illness such as HIV, though both lower defences. Labels on other medicines may say 'use caution in immunosuppressed patients' to cover both.

Where you may see it

• Transplant and autoimmune medicine labels under 'Infections' and 'Malignancies'
• Vaccine labels about live vaccines
• Specialist clinic letters