Imuran (azathioprine)
Azathioprine 50mg - 100's
Azathioprine 50mg - 200's
Azathioprine 50mg - 30's
Azathioprine is used with other medications to prevent
rejection of kidney transplants. It is also used to treat
severe rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body
attacks its own joints, causing pain and swelling) when other
medications and treatments have not helped. Azathioprine is in
a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by
weakening 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. To help you remember to
take azathioprine, take it 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. 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 some time 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 special precautions should I follow?
Before taking azathioprine,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
azathioprine or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements,
and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of
the medications mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and
the following: allopurinol (Zyloprim); angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin),
captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Lexxel, Vasotec), fosinopril
(Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril
(Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril
(Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, Tarka); anticoagulants
('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antimalarials
such as chloroquine (Aralen), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil),
mefloquine (Lariam), primaquine, proguanil (Malarone),
pyrimethamine (Daraprim), and quinine; cancer chemotherapy
medications; co-trimoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim);
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); gold compounds such as
auranofin (Ridaura) and aurothioglucose (Aurolate, Solganal);
methotrexate (Rheumatrex); penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen);
sirolimus (Rapamune); and tacrolimus (Prograf).
• tell your doctor if you have any type of infection, or if you
have or have ever had kidney, liver, or pancreas 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. Do not breastfeed while you are
taking this medication.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking azathioprine.
• Do not have any vaccinations (e.g., measles or flu shots)
during or after your treatment without talking to your
doctor.
• you should know that azathioprine may decrease your ability
to fight infection. Stay away from people who are sick, and
wash your hands often.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal
diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication
cause?
Azathioprine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• muscle aches
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are
uncommon, but if you experience any of them or those listed in
the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor
immediately.
• mouth sores
• cough
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• rash
• blurred vision
• stomach pain.
What storage conditions are needed for this
medication?
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.
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