When teaching about azathioprine and cyclosporine, what is essential for the nurse to instruct the client?

Azathioprine and cyclosporine are both immunosuppressant medications commonly used in transplant patients to prevent the rejection of a new organ. The primary role of these drugs is to suppress the immune system’s response to foreign tissues, which is crucial following an organ transplant. By reducing the immune response, these medications help ensure that the body does not identify the transplanted organ as a threat and subsequently attack it.

It is important to understand that while these medications have a significant effect on the immune system, they do not enhance natural immunity, cure diseases, or increase antibody production. Instead, they deliberately dampen the immune response to facilitate the acceptance of the new organ. Therefore, teaching clients about the role of azathioprine and cyclosporine in organ transplantation is essential for managing expectations and understanding their treatment regimen.