Common Uses

Azathioprine contains azathioprine, which is an immunosuppressant. It is commonly used for:

• Preventing rejection of kidney transplants
• Treating rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic active hepatitis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Dermatomyositis
• Periarteritis nodosa
• Acquired hemolytic anemia
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Gangrenous pyoderma
• Psoriasis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Pemphigus (chronic blistering skin disease)
• Reiter's syndrome (autoimmune condition caused by infection)
• Radiation dermatitis

Dosage and Directions

Take Azathioprine with food. The dose varies depending on your condition. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

• Never take more than one dose at a time
• Always follow your physician's specific recommendations

Important Precautions

• Continue taking this medication even if you don't immediately feel improvement
• Therapeutic effects may take several days or weeks to appear
• Report to your doctor if symptoms don't improve after three months
• Risk of graft rejection may persist even after years of treatment
• Requires regular blood tests (weekly for first eight weeks)
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure (increased skin cancer risk)
• Regular skin examinations are recommended
• Joint tissue disease patients must not stop treatment without medical approval
• May affect unborn baby's immune system - inform doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Planned surgery
• Fever or chills
• Body aches or muscle pain
• Weakness or fatigue
• Sore throat
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Mouth sores
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Pale stools or darkened urine
• Persistent diarrhea

Contraindications

Azathioprine should not be used by:

• Patients hypersensitive to its components
• Individuals with hematopoiesis inhibition conditions
• Those with liver failure
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Children

Possible Side Effects

Most common adverse reactions affect blood and gastrointestinal systems:

• Decreased white blood cell count (increased infection risk)
• Nausea and vomiting (often improves with dose adjustment)
• Liver toxicity in rheumatoid arthritis patients
• Less common effects include hair loss, joint pain, fatigue, diarrhea

Drug Interactions

Azathioprine interacts with about 200 medications. Always inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.

• Reduces effectiveness of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants
• Enhances neuromuscular block from suxametonium
• Allopurinol increases azathioprine toxicity
• Potentiates effects of immunosuppressants and cytostatics
• May cause anemia/leukopenia with ACE inhibitors
• Reduces effectiveness of warfarin
• Rifampicin may lead to graft rejection
• Co-trimoxazole increases myelotoxic effects

Missed Dose Guidelines

• Take missed dose as soon as remembered (unless close to next dose)
• Skip if almost time for next scheduled dose
• Never take extra dose to compensate

Overdose Information

Seek emergency help immediately for suspected overdose. Possible effects include:

• Marrow hypoplasia
• Serious bleeding or infection
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Liver impairment
• Potential fatality in extreme cases

Storage Instructions

• Keep at room temperature (59-77°F / 15-25°C)
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep away from children and pets
• Discard after expiration date

Important Disclaimer

This information provides general guidelines about azathioprine. It does not cover all possible uses, interactions, or precautions. Never use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. We cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of this information and are not liable for any consequences resulting from its use.