Azathioprine

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (ay za thye' oh preen)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Azathioprine is used with other medications to prevent transplant rejection (attack of the transplanted organ by the immune system) in people who received kidney transplants. It is also used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) when other medications and treatments have not helped. Azathioprine is in a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by decreasing the activity of the body's immune system so it will not attack the transplanted organ or the joints.


How should this medicine be used?

Azathioprine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day after meals. Take azathioprine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take azathioprine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking azathioprine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase your dose after 6-8 weeks and then not more than once every 4 weeks. Your doctor may gradually decrease your dose when your condition is controlled. If you are taking azathioprine to prevent kidney transplant rejection, your doctor may start you on a high dose and decrease your dose gradually as your body adjusts to the transplant.

Azathioprine controls rheumatoid arthritis but does not cure it. It may take up to 12 weeks before you feel the full benefit of azathioprine. Azathioprine prevents transplant rejection only as long as you are taking the medication. Continue to take azathioprine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking azathioprine without talking to your doctor.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking azathioprine,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to azathioprine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in azathioprine tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: allopurinol (Zyloprim); aminosalicylates such as mesalamine (Apriso, Asacol, Pentasa, others), olsalazine (Dipentum), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine); and anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have any type of infection, or if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should use birth control to be sure you or your partner will not become pregnant while you are taking this medication. Call your doctor if you or your partner become pregnant while you are taking azathioprine. Azathioprine may harm the fetus.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking azathioprine.
  • do not have any vaccinations during or after your treatment without talking to your doctor.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Azathioprine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately.
  • rash
  • fever
  • weakness
  • muscle pain

This medication may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking azathioprine.


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Antimetabolites
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
  • Other immunosuppressants
Prescribed For use in rheumatoid arthritis, preventing renal transplant rejection, Crohn's disease, and colitis.
Weight :277.263
Structure Azathioprine
Generic Drug Azathioprine prescribed For use in rheumatoid arthritis, preventing renal transplant rejection, Crohn
Formula

C9H7N7O2S

Azathioprine has 14 Brands listed


AprinAzap (50 mg)
Azathioprine (50 mg)Azimune (50 mg)
Azoprine (50 mg)Azoran (25 mg)
Azoran (50 mg)Immuzat (50 mg)
Imuran (50 mg)Imuzat (50 mg)
Thiazprine (50 mg)Transimune (50 mg)
Zinothin (50 mg)Zymurine (50 mg)

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