The drug is also used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
Azathioprine is in class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. It works by altering the activity of the body's immune system so it won't attack a transplanted organ or joint.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1968.
Azathioprine has different name brands and is produced by several manufacturers. In the United States, Imuran is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
Azathioprine Warnings
Azathioprine carries a black-box warning because it may increase your risk of developing certain cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, and skin cancer.However, if you have a kidney transplant, you may be at a higher risk for developing cancer even if you don't take azathioprine.
Tell your doctor if you've ever had cancer or if you've ever taken any of the following drugs:
- Chlorambucil (Leukeran)
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- Melphalan (Alkeran)
Some teenagers and young males who took this drug alone or with another medicine known as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker to treat Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis developed a serious type of cancer called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL).
Azathioprine is not approved by the FDA to treat Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, but some doctors may prescribe the medicine off-label.
You should call your doctor immediately if you are taking the drug for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis and experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain or tenderness
- Night sweats
- Easy bleeding or bruising
Certain medicines may also increase this risk when taken with azathioprine. Tell your doctor if you are taking:
- ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril, lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), Ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik)
- Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
- Ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Virazole)
- Pale skin
- Excessive fatigue
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Other signs of an infection
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to azathioprine or any other medications.
This medicine controls symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but it doesn't cure it. It might take up to 12 weeks before you feel the full benefits.
Don't stop taking azathioprine without first talking to your doctor.
You should tell your doctor you are taking this drug before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
Don't have any vaccinations during or after your treatment with azathioprine without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have or have had:
- Any type of infection
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Any blood disorder
- TPMT deficiency (an enzyme disorder)
Azathioprine for Dogs and Cats
Azathioprine may be used in dogs to treat certain conditions such as the following:- Hemolytic anemia
- Arthritis and skin disease caused by an immune problem
- Chronic liver, kidney, or stomach diseases
- Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
Azathioprine can increase the risk of infection in a pet, so owners should monitor their animals for unusual symptoms.
Azathioprine and Pregnancy
Azathioprine might harm an unborn baby.You shouldn't take this drug during pregnancy, or if there's a chance you may become pregnant.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. You should use birth control if you're able to become pregnant while taking azathioprine.
Most evidence finds that breastfeeding is safe while taking azathioprine, but talk to your doctor about breastfeeding while taking the drug.
Azathioprine Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Azathioprine
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Serious Side Effects of Azathioprine
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the Warning section or any of the following severe side effects:- Rash
- Muscle pain
Azathioprine Interactions
- Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
- Aminosalicylates such as mesalamine (Apriso, Asacol, Pentasa, others), olsalazine (Dipentum), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
- Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Azathioprine Dosage
Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
You should follow the directions on your prescription label when taking this drug. Don't take more or less of the medicine than is prescribed.
Try to take azathioprine around the same time each day. You can take this drug with or without food.
If you're taking azathioprine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, your physician may start you on a low dose and then gradually increase it.
Once your condition is controlled, your doctor may decrease your dose again.
If you're taking this drug to prevent organ rejection, your doctor may start you on a high dose and then decrease it as your body adjusts to the transplant.
Azathioprine Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, you should contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.
Missed Dose of Azathioprine
If you miss a dose of azathioprine, take it as soon as you remember.However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular medication schedule.
Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
Azathioprine Pictures
