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Cutaneous Side Effects and Drug Interactions Related to Immunosuppressive Therapy in Solid Organ Transplantation

  • Hospital-based Dermatology (D Kroshinsky, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Immunosuppressive medications have improved the lives of many by enabling solid organ transplantation. However, these medications are double-edged swords. The goal of this paper is to highlight the cutaneous infections and cosmetic side effects associated with immunosuppressive agents. We will also identify important potential drug interactions to consider when prescribing dermatologic medications to solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR).

Recent Findings

Cutaneous viral, fungal, and bacterial infections are common in SOTR. They are anticipated at different timelines and often present with features specific for immunosuppression. The cosmetic side effects of immunosuppressive medications are numerous and are a concern for patients. Many systemic dermatologic treatments can be used safely in SOTR. However, medication side effects, possible drug interactions, drug clearance issues, and dose adjustment should be reviewed prior to therapy.

Summary

Modern immunosuppressive medications have multiple cutaneous side effects and important drug interactions that are relevant to dermatologists.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Skin Care Centre, 835 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E8, Canada

    Allison Gregory

  2. Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada

    Marianna Leung

  3. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Marianna Leung

  4. Division of Nephrology, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, Room 6134 6B Providence, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada

    Gary Nussbaumer

  5. Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Sheila Au

  6. Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, St Paul’s Hospital and Providence Health Care, Room 547-1081 Burrard Street, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada

    Sheila Au

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  1. Allison Gregory
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  2. Marianna Leung
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  4. Sheila Au
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Correspondence to Allison Gregory.

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Conflict of Interest

Allison Gregory, Marianna Leung, and Gary Nussbaumer declare they have no conflicts of interest.

Dr. Au has been a consultant or on an advisory board for Amgen, Abbvie, Valeo, Paladin, Prollenium, Valeant, Novartis, Leo, Janssen, Tribute, Neutrogena, La Roche Posay, Veregen, Cipher, Skin Fix, CeraVe, and Galderma. She has received honoraria from Tribute Pharmaceuticals. She is involved in clinical trials with ONO Pharma.

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This article does not contain any studies with humans or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Hospital-based Dermatology

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Gregory, A., Leung, M., Nussbaumer, G. et al. Cutaneous Side Effects and Drug Interactions Related to Immunosuppressive Therapy in Solid Organ Transplantation. Curr Derm Rep 6, 85–93 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-017-0175-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-017-0175-8

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