Azathioprine (ay-za-THYE-oh-preen) belongs to the group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.
It is used to reduce the bodys natural immunity in patients who receive organ transplants.
It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Azathioprine is a very strong medicine. You and your doctor should talk about the need for this medicine and its risks.
Even though azathioprine may cause side effects that could be very serious, remember that it may be required to treat your medical problem.
Imuran (Azathioprine) may also be described as being unable to dissolve in water.
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive agent used to prevent rejection after a kidney transplant. It may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach.
Take exactly as prescribed by your health care professional.
Contact your paediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea or stomach upset. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vomiting, diarrhea, rash, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, mouth sores, unusual bleeding or bruising, pale stools, or darkened urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Sometimes, Imuran (Azathioprine) may even cause appearance of moles, severe fatigue, swollen glands, unusual lump formations and sudden weight loss.
Moreover, Imuran (Azathioprine) may even cause night sweats, a severe itching sensation, a severe nauseated feeling, a lack in food consumption and severe abdominal discomfort.
Furthermore, Imuran (Azathioprine) may even cause tremors, troubled breathing, severe dizziness, vision abnormalities and sudden hair loss.
Lastly, Imuran (Azathioprine) may even cause body numbness, difficulties while swallowing, greasy stools, jaundice and fluid retention around the abdomen.
Sometimes, Imuran (Azathioprine) interacts with various other medications, such as, Chlorambucil, Melphalan, Cyclophosphamide, Natalizumab and Mercaptopurine.
Moreover, Imuran (Azathioprine) interacts with various other medications, such as, Benazepril, Lisinopril, Allopurinol, Olsalazine and Sulfasalazine.
Lastly, Imuran (Azathioprine) interacts with various other medications, such as, Enoxaparin, Heparin, Warfarin, Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The patient must visit their health care professional regularly as using Imuran (Azathioprine) for an excessively long period of time may cause the patient to develop lymphoma, fatal blood disorders, anemia or even skin cancer.
It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Imuran (Azathioprine) they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from certain kidney diseases, blood disorders or certain liver diseases.
It is also important for the patient to know that before consuming Imuran (Azathioprine) they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from decreased bone marrow functions, cancer, active infections or certain enzyme disorder (TPMT deficiencies).
Moreover, the patient must be aware of the fact that consumption of Imuran (Azathioprine) reduces the efficiency of intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose. Consult your health care professional about your missed dose.
Imuran (Azathioprine) may also be used to treat Crohn`s disease and autoimmune diseases.
Azathioprine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
TELL YOUR DOCTOR AND DENTIST that you are taking this medicine before having any treatments or surgery.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING ANY IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while your are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION.
Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with infection. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first.
THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur.
FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.