 |
Aciclovir |
Antiviral. For the prophilaxis
(prevention) of viral infections that can occur when the immune system
is weak. |
 |
| Allopurinol |
Prevents Gout. Gout is formed
by the cristalisation of uric acid in the joints, when there is exessive
uric acid in the body. When white cells are destroyed or die they
procduce this uric acid, and as my white cells will be killed off
before receiving the bone marrow the onset of gout needs to be prevented. |
| Campath |
Immunosuppresant or T-Cell
depleator. The T-Cells are the white cells in the blood that recognise
foreign bodies and attack them. Although the bone marrow of the donor
has been matched to mine, they are still non-identical, therefore
there is a risk of graft vs. host disease (GVHD). Campath reduces
the effectiveness of the T-Cells (or Lymphocites) and enduces lymphopenia
or very low lymphocite count in the blood thus preventing severe graft
rejection. |
| Ciprofloxacin |
Antibiotic |
| Cyclophosphamide |
This is a chemotherapy that
is given to treat some types of cancer, and in my case as part of
the eradication of Chronic Myloid Leukaemia (CML). Needs to be taken
with Mesna (see below). |
| Cyclosporine |
Another immunosuppressant
drug which is given during bone marrow transplants (BMTs) to prevent
the patient's tissue from being rejected by the donor's marrow by
blocking the development of the lymphocytes which would normally attack
the host's tissue. It is taken for 6-12 months following BMT to gradually
allow the marrow to implant successfully without major graft vs. host
disease. |
| Fluconazole |
Anitfungal. Used for the prophilaxis
of fungal attacks from fungi that live in the mouth and gut system.
These fungi are normally suppressed by the immue system. |
| Lansoprazole |
Used to prevent stomach ulcers
that can occur due to the large number and quantity of different drugs
that will be taken. |
| Mesna |
Protects the lining of the
bladder which can be damaged by the chemotherapy. The damaging of
the bladder is a side effect of Cyclosphosphamide. |
| Methotrexate |
This is also an immunospressant
which is administered after the BMT. Whereas the other immunosuppressants
work by suppressing the Lymphocite white cells, methotrexate suppresses
the whole immune system to reduce the reactivity of the new marrow
in its new body. This is given in small does on days 2, 4 and 8 following
BMT. |
| Puratine |
Antihistamine. It prevents
the body from reacting to a drug it may be given, and also to prevent
an allergic reaction. It is also injected prior to the Campath which
often causes rashes. |
