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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2013 Sep 1.
Published in final edited form as: J Burn Care Res. 2012 Sep-Oct;33(5):561–576. doi: 10.1097/BCR.0b013e318247eb06

Table 1. Most frequently used immunosuppressive drugs in FCTA and their main side effects.

Drug Family Main Side effects
Tacrolimus Calcineurin inhibitor

  • Hyperglycemia

  • Neurotoxicity

  • Hyperkalemia

  • Anemia

  • Nephrotoxicity

  • Hyperkalemia

  • Diarrhea
Mycophenolate Mofetil IMPD inhibitor

  • Diarrhea

  • Leukopenia

  • Sepsis
Sirolimus =Rapamycin mTOR inhibitor

  • Peripheral edema

  • Hypercholesterolemia

  • Hypertriglyceridemia

  • Anemia

  • Pain

  • Hypertension

  • Renal dysfunction

  • Thrombocytopenia

  • Constipation

  • Fever
Prednisone Corticosteroid

  • Hypernatremia

  • Water retention

  • Hypertension

  • Adrenal suppression

  • Peptic ulcers

  • Cataracts

  • Fat redistribution

  • Glucose intolerance

  • Hyperlipidaemia

  • Osteoporosis

  • Aseptic necrosis

  • Dermal atrophy

IMPD = Inosine MonoPhosphate Dehydrogenase.

mTOR = mammalian Target Of Rapamycin.

Legend: Although overall functional and aesthetic outcome is acceptable, serious side effects and complications related to immunosuppresion are still challenges hindering progress in face CTA. The most frequent ones include diabetes, leucopenia, renal failure and hypertension. Face and hand CTA share equivalent immunosuppressive regimens.