Editorial
Copyright ©2011 Baishideng Publishing Group Co.
World J Hepatol. Mar 27, 2011; 3(3): 61-71
Published online Mar 27, 2011. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v3.i3.61
Table 1 Side effects and toxicity of the commonly used immunosuppressive agents
AgentSide Effect/ToxicityAgentSide Effect/Toxicity
Cyclosporine AHypertensionAntilymphocyte globulinLeukopenia/Thrombocytopenia
Neurotoxicity(tremor, paresthesias,Systemic symptoms
Headache, confusion, seizures)
Nephrotoxicity
Hepatotoxicity
Hyperkalemia/Hypomagnesemia
Gastric atony, nausea, vomiting
Gingival hyperplasia, hypertrichosis
Tacrolimus (FK 506)Hypertension, dyspnea, palpitationsOKT3Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema
Headache, tremor, paresthesias, seizures, focal neurological deficitsEncephalopathy/Aseptic meningitis
Nephrotoxicity, hyperkalemiaSystemic symptoms
Glucose intolerance, nausea, vomiting
thrombocytopenia
GlucocorticoidsHypertension/Fluid retentionMycophenolate mofetil (MMF)Hypertension
Psychosis, mood changesHyperkalemia/Hypophosphatemia
Glucose intoleranceAnemia
Adrenal suppressionArrhythmias (tachycardia)
Electrolyte abnormalitiesMuscle weakness
Peptic ulcerations, pancreatitis
Osteoporosis, myopathy, aseptic necrosis
SirolimusBone marrow suppression (thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia), hyperlipidemia, peripheral edema, and poor wound healingIL-2R basiliximab [simulect], daclizumab [zenapax]Rashes, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms