Immunosuppressant Drugs Therapy with COVID-19: Associated Risks,
Drug-Drug Interactions & Contraindications
Abstract
Immunosuppressant drugs like Etanercept, Mycophenolate mofetil,
Sirolimus, Cyclosporine and Rituximab can weaken the immune system and
make patients susceptible to SARS nCoV-2 virus. These drugs make
immunocompromised persons more vulnerable to complications associated
with COVID-19. Moreover, it can also increase the mortality and
morbidity, as a weakened immune system can lead to longer duration of
infection. This study discusses the guidelines on immunosuppressant
drugs and its associated risk factors with COVID-19, issued by the U.S
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO (World Health
Organisation), U.S FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and other
accredited global health organisations. Moreover, it also includes
information about pharmaceutical properties, mechanism of action,
COVID-19 associated risk factors, adverse drug reactions,
contraindications and drug-drug interactions. Our study will help
government partners and international health organisations to better
understand COVID-19 health risks associated with immunosuppressants.
Increased public awareness about effective drug therapy for autoimmune
diseases, cancer treatment, immunocompromised and organ transplant
patients will help lower the mortality and morbidity associated with the
disease amid COVID-19 pandemic.