Common Use

Imuran contains azathioprine, an immunosuppressant medication. It is commonly used to prevent kidney transplant rejection and to treat conditions such as 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, Reiter's syndrome, and radiation dermatitis.

Dosage and Direction

Take Imuran with food. The dosage varies depending on the condition being treated. Always follow your physician's instructions. Do not take more than one dose at a time.

Precautions

• Do not stop taking Imuran even if you do not feel immediate improvement. Its effects may take several days or weeks to develop.
• If there is no improvement after three months of treatment, consult your doctor.
• The risk of organ rejection may persist even after years of treatment.
• Regular blood cell count tests are required, especially weekly during the first eight weeks.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure, as Imuran may increase the risk of cancer. Regular skin examinations are recommended.
• Patients with joint tissue diseases should not stop treatment without medical approval to avoid worsening their condition.
• This medication may affect the immune system of an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Notify your doctor before surgery or if you experience fever, body aches, weakness, muscle pain, chills, sore throat, easy bruising, bleeding, mouth sores, severe nausea, vomiting, pale stools, darkened urine, or diarrhea.

Contraindications

Imuran should not be used by patients with hypersensitivity to its components, hematopoiesis inhibition (hypoplastic and aplastic anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia), liver failure, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.

Possible Side Effects

• Adverse effects often involve the blood and gastrointestinal system.
• A decrease in white blood cell count may increase infection risk, which usually reverses after dose reduction or discontinuation.
• Nausea and vomiting may occur but often subside with dose adjustments.
• Liver toxicity may develop in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• Less common side effects include hair loss, joint pain, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Drug Interactions

Imuran interacts with about 200 drugs. Inform your doctor about all medications, herbal products, and supplements you are taking. Key interactions include:

• Reduced effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants.
• Increased neuromuscular block with suxametonium.
• Allopurinol increases azathioprine levels and toxicity.
• Enhanced effects of immunosuppressants and cytostatics.
• Risk of anemia and leukopenia with ACE inhibitors.
• Reduced effects of anticoagulants like warfarin.
• Graft rejection risk when used with rifampicin.
• Increased myelotoxic effect with co-trimoxazole.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Skip the missed dose if it is close to the next scheduled intake. Do not double the dose to compensate.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose. Symptoms may include marrow hypoplasia, bleeding, infection, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, leukopenia, and liver impairment.

Storage

Store Imuran at room temperature, between 59-77°F (15-25°C), away from light, moisture, children, and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for general guidance only and does not cover all possible directions, interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions. We are not responsible for any errors in this information or for any consequences of self-treatment.