Immune Agents

Question 1

cytokines

Answer 1

substances that help the body mediate and intensify the immune response

Question 2

biologic response modifiers

Answer 2

agents to boost specific functions of immune system

natural cytokines made in enough quantity to treat certain disorders

Question 3

interferons (IFNs)

Answer 3

• antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory properties
• unable to protect infected cell
• warn surrounding cells that viral inf. has occurred
• attach to nearby uninfected cells and induce production of protective antiviral proteins

Question 4

Interferon Alfa-2b class

Answer 4

• Interferon
• Biologic response modifier
• immunoSTIMULANT

Question 5

Interferon Alfa-2b MOA

Answer 5

• increases phagocytic activity of macrophages and monocytes
• suppress growth of cancer cells

Question 6

Interferon Alfa-2b Indications

Answer 6

• cancer (leukemia, melanoma, etc.)
• HIV
• viruses (herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, west nile)

Question 7

Interferon Alfa-2b adverse effects:

Answer 7

-flu-like syndrome of fever, chills, dizziness, weight loss, and fatigue
(fatigue may cause doses to be limited)*

• headache, N/V, diarrhea, anorexia
• hair loss
• depression, suicidal ideation

Question 8

Interferon Alfa-2b serious adverse effects:

Answer 8

• immunoSUPPRESSION
• HEPATOtoxicity
• NEUROtoxicity

Question 9

Interferon Alfa-2b contraindications/precautions:

Answer 9

• autoimmune hepatitis or hep. decompensation

- neonate/infants

Question 10

Interferon Alfa-2b drug interactions:

Answer 10

• increase THEOPHYLLINE levels
• ZIDOVUDINE (ART) may incr. hematologic toxicity and cause immunosuppression
• alcohol–> may cause excessive drowsiness and dehydration

Question 11

Interferon Alfa-2b nursing implications:

Answer 11

Monitor labs–>

baseline and need to be monitored monthly

Question 12

is there a black box for Interferon Alfa-2b?

Answer 12

YES

can cause or aggravate fatal or life-threatening neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, or infectious disorders

Question 13

what is Rho(D) Immune globulin (RhoGAM) and what/who is it given for?

Answer 13

it is an artificial (pharmacotherapy) type of passive immunity

given to persons in IV/IM form to prevent progression of disease

• ex: given to mother during Rh incompatibility w/ fetus
• ex: given post-exposure to hepatitis, rabies