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Article: Immunomodulators.(Drugs, Pregnancy, and Lactation)
- Article from:
- OB GYN News
- Article date:
- April 15, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 International Medical News Group. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Several immunologic agents--adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, three classes of interferons, and thalidomide--are classified in the general category of immunomodulators. They are used for various approved and offlabel indications: multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and complications of leprosy, and for antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial uses.
With the exception of thalidomide, these compounds are large molecules and may not reach the fetus. But their complex pharmacologic mechanisms may directly affect a number of maternal biologic processes, such as immune functions, response to infections and inflammation, cell proliferation, ...