Muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, and osteoporosis. Pregnancy and Lactation Corticosteroids cross the placenta, but can be used cautiously during pregnancy. Immunosuppressives Immunosuppressive agents are generally used to reduce rejection of transplanted organs. They are also used in serious, systemic cases of lupus in which major organs such as the kidneys are affected or in which there is severe muscle inflammation or intractable arthritis. Because of their steroid-sparing effect, immunosuppressives may also be used to reduce or sometimes eliminate the need for corticosteroids, thereby sparing the patient from undesirable side effects of corticosteroid therapy.
Immunosuppressives can have serious side effects.
Patients need to understand, however, that side effects are dose dependent and are generally reversible by reducing the dose or stopping the medication. A variety of immunosuppressive drugs is available to treat lupus. Although they have different mechanisms of action, each type functions to decrease or prevent an immune response. Mechanism of Action and Use Drugs like azathioprine, methotrexate, and cyclosporine are referred to as antimetabolite agents. These drugs block metabolic steps within immune cells and then interfere with immune function.