Page 1240 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

triglyceride levels and reduce levels of
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
f. Should not be taken with alcohol,
vitamin A supplementation, or
tetracycline
3. Cyclosporine
a. An immunosuppressant that inhibits
proliferation of B and T cells
b. Can be toxic and cause kidney damage
c. Used for severe psoriasis and reserved
for use in those who have not
responded to safer medications
D. Systemic biological medications (clients should be tested for
tuberculosis or other infections before initiation of medications)
1. These are injected into the skin or bloodstream; they
block the altered immune system that is contributing
to the psoriasis.
2. Some are tumor necrosis factor alpha-blockers, some
bind to inflammation, causing proteins/interleukins;
some are a human antibody that works against
interleukins
3. Adverse effects, which are generally not severe,
include upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain,
headache, rash, injection site reactions, and urinary
tract infections; may promote serious infections,
including bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections,
tuberculosis, and reactivation of hepatitis B; some
medications increase the risk of developing
lymphoma
4. Contraindicated for persons with history of certain
cancers, severe or recurrent infections, heart failure,
or demyelinating neurological diseases; given with
caution to persons with numbness or tingling
5. The client should not receive any live virus vaccines,
because the viruses used in some types of vaccines
can cause infection in those with a weakened immune
system; in addition, the PHCP needs to be informed if
anyone in the household needs a vaccine.
6. The client should not receive the bacillus Calmette-
Guérin (BCG) vaccine during the 1 year before taking
or 1 year after taking the medication.
7. The client should inform the PHCP if he or she is
receiving phototherapy, has any other medical
condition, is pregnant or plans to become pregnant, or
is breast-feeding or plans to breast-feed; safety with
pregnancy has not been established with many of
these medications.
E. Phototherapy

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