Immunosuppressives are drugs that impair the immune system’s response to foreign invaders (antigens). These medications are used to keep patients from rejecting donor tissue or organs obtained during a surgical procedure. For patients with diabetes who undergo a pancreas transplant, islet cell transplant, kidney transplant or other transplant, these drugs are crucial.

This class of medications is also used to treat diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Immunosuppressives have dramatically improved the success rate of organ transplants. However, their role in weakening the immune system leaves patients vulnerable to many side effects, including contracting infectious diseases such as colds or the flu. Immunosuppressives can also damage the kidneys or liver, and increase the risk of developing other diseases including certain types of cancer.

In addition, these drugs can cause hyperglycemia (elevated glucose) and in nondiabetics can be a risk factor for secondary diabetes. However, some immunosuppressives are being studied as a therapy for type 1 diabetes.

Immunosuppressives are obtained through prescription from a physician. Individuals who use these medications must take precautions to reduce their risk of suffering side effects. Such precautions are especially important shortly after surgery, when patients are likely to be susceptible to illnesses and infections.