Our body’s immune system fends off diseases by signaling some type of white blood cells to send antibodies that destroy harmful antigens or foreign bodies. However, there are instances when the immunity system of a body is impaired, either in a weakened state or in an overly active state. Any of those two conditions are harmful and can lead to the deterioration of our health.

 

What Causes the Immune System to Weaken

 

A weakened immune system makes your body “immunocompromised.” While some individuals were born with weak immune systems, certain viruses like the COVID-19 strain or some types of medications can impair the body’s ability to fight disease-causing antigens.

 

While an overly active immune system is known as an autoimmune disease that requires the taking of immunosuppressants. Yet certain medical conditions such as recuperating from an organ transplant, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis also call for the taking of immunosuppressants as treatment.

 

Lupus, by the way, is a medical condition in which antibodies attack and destroy the host’s own tissues and cells making up the important organs of the body.

 

While medications known as immunosuppressants intentionally weaken the immune system as treatment, a weakened immune system can also be the resulting side effect of certain medications. Know this to be one of the reasons why it’s important to consult with a physician first, before taking non-prescription medicines or supplements, whether branded or generic

 

Types of Medicines that Can Weaken a Body’s Immune System

 

Numerous medications can lead to a side effect of weakening the immune system. The most common of these medications are those formulated as immunosuppressants that are either biologic or biosimilar. The use of these medications as treatment depends on the kind and severity of the autoimmune disease.

 

Biologics refer to treatments using living cells of microorganisms, animals, or humans. Biosimilar medicines, on the other hand, are likened to generic medications since they contain an exact copy of the formulation of active ingredients used by a branded medication. These medications work as immunosuppressants by blocking certain kinds of protein that would normally activate our immune system. If not administered properly, immunosuppressants can cause not only a weakening but also impairment of our immune system.

 

Are Generic Medicines Unsafe?

 

This discussion though does not suggest that all generic medicines cause autoimmune conditions. In India, generic or biosimilar medications are common forms of medications, as a way to keep pharmaceutical products affordable to millions of Indians. While the national government runs its own pharmaceutical company, manufacturers also sell their products through a system known as PCD Pharma Franchise.

 

PCD stands for Propaganda Cum Distribution, a system of pharmaceutical trading that empowers anyone to invest and engage in a pharma distribution business of selling generic medications in specific areas across India. However, those interested in setting up a PCD Pharma Business have to work with companies whose core business is to broker distribution deals with pharmaceutical companies involved in the manufacture of generic medicines.