ILOs

• describe common indications for immunosuppressant drugs and biologic therapies
• describe the mechanism of action of azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclosporine
• understand broad categories of biologic therapy used in auto-immune conditions
• discuss potential side-effects of these drugs
• discuss risks and common types of infection associated with these drugs

• What two things do we generally use immunosuppressants for in clinical practice?
• Are steroids good immunosuppressants? What are their limitations?
• Outline the most important side effects of steroids…
• A reminder of the mechanism of action of steroids…
• List the non-steroid immunosuppressant drugs we have available to us…

Methotrexate

• Which are the ways in which methotrexate is used?
• How does methotrexate work?
• Look at the effect of methotrexate on cells…
• Explain what the other effects of methotrexate are with regards to immunosuppression…
• Describe the adverse effects of methotrexate…
• How do we reduce the toxic effects of methotrexate?
• What are the most common indications for methotrexate, and the clinical use?