Final answer:
Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, Azathioprine, and Mycophenolate mofetil are medications used in transplant patients to prevent organ rejection, each with specific side effects such as nephrotoxicity, hyperkalemia, and bone marrow suppression. Graft-versus-host disease is a significant risk with bone marrow transplants, and efforts are made to moderate its effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medications mentioned in the question are integral to the management of transplant patients, addressing immune response and preventing organ rejection. Cyclosporine, a critical immunosuppressant, is known for its nephrotoxic effects, potential to cause hyperkalemia, hypertension (HTN), gum hypertrophy, hirsutism, and tremors. It operates by inhibiting the production of interleukin, suppressing the immune rejection of transplanted organs. Tacrolimus, similar to cyclosporine, also suppresses the immune system without causing gum hypertrophy or hirsutism. Azathioprine is associated with dose-related diarrhea, leukopenia, and hepatotoxicity. Mycophenolate mofetil primarily causes bone marrow suppression. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major concern in transplant recipients, particularly following bone marrow transplants, and may lead to rashes, liver damage, and mucosal injury. Immunomodulating strategies, such as removing mature T cells from donor bone marrow, attempt to mitigate GVHD symptoms.