Calcineurin Inhibitors
These immunosuppression agents are widely used in solid organ transplantation and contributed significantly to improved outcomes. Drugs in this category include tacrolimus (Prograf) and cyclosporine (Neoral and Gengraf.)
The mechanism of action is through the inhibition of IL-2 production by activated T cells, which reduces cellular proliferation. Although extremely effective, side effects include toxicity to the kidney and nerves and hair loss (tacrolimus) and hirsuitism (cyclosporine,)