Immunity, Blood Cell Growth Factors, Immune Disorders, HIV, and Cancer Pharmacology Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive practice flashcards matching terms and definitions from the lecture notes on immune medications, antiretrovirals, chemotherapy classes, and oncologic emergency management.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A blood cell growth factor produced naturally by the kidneys (man-made as epoetin alfa and darbepoetin) that increases RBC production; requires twice-weekly Hgb/Hct monitoring until stable and strict BP monitoring due to cardiovascular event risks if H&H rises too fast.

Filgrastim (Neupogen)

A Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) medication that functions to increase neutrophil production.

Sargramostim / Molgramostim

Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) medications that increase both granulocytes and macrophages.

Active Artificial Immunity (Vaccines)

Immunity where the body produces its own antibodies following vaccination (administered IM in the deltoid for adults); produces IgM on first exposure and IgG plus a memory response on subsequent exposure. Contraindicated as live/attenuated vaccines in immunocompromised patients.

Immunoglobulin

A form of passive artificial immunity that provides immediate but short-lasting protection; administered along with a vaccine for unvaccinated individuals exposed to tetanus.

Epinephrine

The drug of choice for anaphylaxis and angioedema, acting on Alpha (vasoconstriction, increases BP, reduces swelling), Beta 1 (increases HR and cardiac output), and Beta 2 (bronchodilation) receptors; given IM immediately and repeated every 5 to 15 minutes as needed.

Corticosteroids (Immune / Anaphylaxis Context)

Anti-inflammatory drugs that take time to work and serve as an add-on (not first-line) treatment for anaphylaxis; side effects include acne, Na+/fluid retention, HTN, and immunosuppression requiring infection precautions.

Methotrexate

A DMARD used for rheumatoid arthritis and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) that slows joint degeneration; requires adequate hydration, folic acid supplementation, and renal/hepatic monitoring.

Cyclosporine

An immunosuppressant used for GVHD that tastes/smells like a skunk; must be mixed in glass (never plastic) with milk, chocolate milk, or OJ, and must never be taken with grapefruit.

Hydroxychloroquine / Chloroquine

Immune-modulating antimalarial medications causing photosensitivity and ocular toxicity leading to permanent vision loss; requires a visual-field exam prior to initiation and every 6 months thereafter.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

A second-line/add-on antihistamine used for allergic transfusion reactions; does not replace epinephrine in anaphylaxis and is ineffective for poison ivy (a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction).

Purified Protein Derivative (PPD)

An intradermal TB skin test read at 48 to 72 hours; a positive test is determined by induration $\ge 10\,\text{mm}$ (not redness) and requires a follow-up chest X-ray.

Enfuvirtide

An antiretroviral fusion inhibitor administered via SubQ injection that prevents HIV from fusing with CD4+ cells; requires monitoring for hypotension, hepatotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy.

NRTIs (Zidovudine / Tenofovir)

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors that block the RNA to DNA viral transcription step; class risks include hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, and peripheral neuropathy. Tenofovir is also used for HIV + Hep B and carries risks of nephrotoxicity, decreased bone density, and GI upset.

Efavirenz

A Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI) administered at bedtime to manage side effects, which include vivid dreams, dizziness, mood changes, rash, and hepatotoxicity.

Raltegravir

An integrase inhibitor taken with food (do not crush) that prevents viral integration into the host cell nucleus; major risks include hyperglycemia and rhabdomyolysis.

Protease Inhibitors (Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Atazanavir, Tipranavir)

Antiretroviral medications that stop viral protein modification, causing hepatotoxicity and heart block (check pulse and report <60); do not crush and avoid St. John's wort. Tipranavir specifically carries lipid abnormalities and bleeding risks.

Antimetabolites (5-FU, Azacitidine, Cytarabine)

Chemotherapy agents acting as counterfeit metabolites to trick cancer cells in bone marrow and GI cancers; primary side effects are neutropenia and diarrhea.

Antitumor Antibiotics (Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Epirubicin)

Chemotherapeutic vesicants governed by a lifetime maximum dose due to cardiac toxicity (monitoring ejection fraction with Doxorubicin) and pulmonary toxicity (requiring PFTs).

Mitosis Inhibitors (Docetaxel, Paclitaxel, Vincristine)

Chemotherapy agents that stop cancer cells from dividing; key side effects include peripheral neuropathy (protect feet) and extreme constipation requiring an aggressive bowel regimen (especially Vincristine).

Alkylating Agents (Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Cyclophosphamide)

Chemotherapy agents that inhibit cell division and cause peripheral neuropathy, severe N/V, and renal failure. Cisplatin requires pre/post hydration, hearing tests, antiemetics, CBC, and renal function monitoring.

Topoisomerase Inhibitors (Irinotecan / Topotecan)

Chemotherapy drugs that induce cell death, with severe diarrhea listed as the primary major side effect.

Loop Diuretics (Hypercalcemia Management)

Diuretics used alongside aggressive NS hydration to promote calcium excretion in urine during oncologic hypercalcemia; thiazides are strictly avoided because they retain calcium.

Bisphosphonates / Calcitonin

Agents (such as pamidronate and zoledronic acid) used in hypercalcemia and bone loss in multiple myeloma to drive calcium back into the bones.

Allopurinol (Tumor Lysis Syndrome)

A supportive oncologic medication used during tumor lysis syndrome specifically to treat hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels).

Polystyrene Sulfonate & IV Glucose + Insulin

Medical therapies administered to manage hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium) in patients experiencing tumor lysis syndrome.

Tamoxifen

A SERM used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer that blocks estrogen in breast tissue; major risks include DVT/PE, endometrial cancer, and cataracts.

Anastrozole

An aromatase inhibitor for postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer that blocks androgen-to-estrogen conversion; causes osteoporosis/fractures, requiring bone density monitoring, calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise.