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Imuran (Generic)

Azathioprine is used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and for cases of severe arthritis that do not respond to other therapies.

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Uses

Imuran (azathioprine) lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader. Azathioprine is used to prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted kidney. It is also used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

How to take

Azathioprine tablets should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's approval.

Side effects

The most common serious side effects of azathioprine involve the blood elements and gastrointestinal system. Azathioprine can cause serious lowering of the white blood cell count, resulting in an increased risk of infections. This can reverse when the dose is reduced or temporarily discontinued. Azathioprine can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can resolve when the dose is reduced or divided through the day. Azathioprine can also cause liver toxicity (in less than 1% of rheumatoid arthritis patients). All patients taking azathioprine require regular blood testing for blood counts and liver function tests for monitoring. Other side effects encountered less frequently include fatigue, hair loss, joint pains, and diarrhea.

Precaution

Before you take azathioprine, tell your doctor your medical history especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, any infection and/or any allergies. This medication can increase your risk of developing an infection. Notify your doctor at the first sign of a possible infection (fever, persistent sore throat). Azathioprine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using it. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Azathioprine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
·1 Alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan) because the risk of developing a tumor may be increased
·2 Mercaptopurine because severe toxic effects, including severe bone marrow suppression or death, may occur
·3 Allopurinol, aminosalicylates (e.g., mesalazine, olsalazine, sulfasalazine), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., enalapril), doxorubicin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole because they may increase the risk of Azathioprine 's side effects
·4 Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) or hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Azathioprine

Missed dose

If you take this once daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered but not if it is almost time for the next dose. Skip the missed dose and resume regular schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up. If you take this several times daily and miss one dose, take it as soon as you can or double-up the very next dose. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor. You may need to have your dosing schedule adjusted.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.