Azathioprine
Description
Azathioprine is an immuno-suppressant medicine (medicine that suppresses the activity of the immune system). It is used after organ transplantation to prevent your body from rejecting the transplanted organ due to the body's immune activity. It is also used in severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis (pain and swelling in the small joints due to abnormal immune activity).
Azathioprine shows side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, upset stomach, low blood cell count, etc. Moreover, it may suppress your immunity and you may be at risk of acquiring other infections. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen. Avoid taking this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Azathioprine should be taken with food to avoid stomach discomfort. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of treatment based on the type of transplant or severity of your condition. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, as it may increase the chances of organ rejection by your body and worsen your condition.
Azathioprine is unsafe for use during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or have any other medical conditions.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Azathioprine
- Fever with chills
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Low blood cell count
- Diarrhoea
Uses of Azathioprine
What is it prescribed for?
- Prevention of organ transplant rejection
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time taken by Azathioprine to show its action is not known.
- Duration of effectThe time duration for which Azathioprine remains active in your body is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?Azathioprine has no habit-forming tendency.
- Usage in pregnancy?Azathioprine is unsafe for use during pregnancy.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Azathioprine is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.
Allergy
Avoid taking Azathioprine if you are allergic to it. Allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling of the face/tongue/throat, breathing difficulty, etc.
Severe liver disease
Azathioprine is broken down in the liver. An impaired liver is unable to break down this medicine, leading to its accumulation in the liver. Hence, Azathioprine is not recommended for use if you have severe liver problems as it may cause further liver damage.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Azathioprine is unsafe for use during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Azathioprine is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.
General warnings
Malignancy
Azathioprine should be used with caution as it may increase the risk of lymphoma (cancer of the cells of the lymph system, a part of the immune system that keeps body fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections) and other cancers, particularly of the skin.
Blood cell count
Azathioprine may cause severe bone marrow suppression (a condition in which there is low production of blood cells) and lead to a low blood cell count. Your doctor may monitor your blood count closely while you are taking this medicine.
Serious infections
Azathioprine may suppress the activity of the immune system and increase the risk of infections.
Renal dysfunction
Azathioprine may accumulate in the body if you have impaired kidney function. Hence it should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your kidney functions periodically and recommended dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Azathioprine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical attention in case of an overdose with Azathioprine.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Warfarin
Live attenuated vaccines
Ramipril
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Azathioprine should be taken with food to avoid stomach discomfort. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet.
Avoid taking more or less than the prescribed dose. Take this medicine for the recommended duration.
Azathioprine suppresses the immune activity in your body. Hence avoid contact with people who have a cold, flu, or other contagious illness. Inform your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever, chills, flu symptoms, sore throat, weakness, etc.).
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Azathioprine works by decreasing the body's immune activity. Thus it prevents the immune system from attacking the transplanted organ or joints.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Other immunosuppressant
Schedule
Schedule H
Ebs.tga.gov.au. 2021. TGA eBS - Product and Consumer Medicine Information Licence. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Stewart, M., 2021. Azathioprine (Imuran). [online] Patient.info. Available at: <o/medicine/azathioprine-azapress-imuran> [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Azathioprine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Azathioprine 50 mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 24 Dec 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.