Information about Azathioprine (Generic Imuran) :


Azathioprine is an antimetabolite that is used for preventing kidney transplant rejection along with other drugs. Azathioprine decreases the effects of certain cells in the body's immune system. It may also be administered for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis.
It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

You should not use Azathioprine in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Azathioprine; you have a tumor or an unusual growth; you have rheumatoid arthritis and are pregnant; you are taking mercaptopurine; you have rheumatoid arthritis and have used alkylating agents (eg, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan) in the past.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Azathioprine:
Before using Azathioprine you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have kidney or liver problems, or gout; you have an infection, a history of frequent or prolonged infections, or you have recently had a vaccination; you have a history of bone marrow problems, anemia, low white blood cell or platelet levels, or unusual bruising or bleeding; you have certain enzyme deficiencies (thiopurine methyltransferase [TPMT] or xanthine oxidase) or you have recently had a blood transfusion; you are taking a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) (eg, methotrexate, adalimumab).

Be aware that Azathioprine may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: alkylating agents (eg, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan) because the risk of developing a tumor may be increased; mercaptopurine because severe toxic effects, including severe bone marrow suppression or death, may occur; allopurinol, aminosalicylates (eg, mesalazine, olsalazine, sulfasalazine), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), doxorubicin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole because they may increase the risk of Azathioprine 's side effects; anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Azathioprine.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Azathioprine:
Take Azathioprine as recommended by your doctor. It may be taken orally with or without food. In case you experience stomach upset, you should take it with food for the purpose of stomach irritation reduction. It is recommended to drink plenty of water or fluids while using Azathioprine.

In case you miss a dose of Azathioprine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
The ability of your body to fight infection may be lowered while using Azathioprine. Try to avoid contact with people with infections. Consult with your doctor in case you have signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

The number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood may be decreased while using Azathioprine. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Consult with your doctor in case you have unusual bruising or bleeding, dark, tarry, or bloody stools.

Notice your doctor or dentist that you are taking Azathioprine before you undergo any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery or receive any vaccine.

Tell your doctor immediately in case you have severe nausea and vomiting (with or without diarrhea, rash, fever, muscle pain, or dizziness). It usually happens within the first several weeks of therapy.

The risk of developing a tumor or other cancer may be increased while taking Azathioprine. Consult with your doctor right away in case any unusual growths or lumps appear.

The risk of developing serious side effects (eg, severe bone marrow problems) may be increased in patients with decreased TPMT enzyme activity. They may need a special dose adjustment.

Lab tests, including complete blood counts, liver function, and TPMT enzyme activity, may be performed while you are using Azathioprine. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Use Azathioprine with extreme caution in CHILDREN as safety and efficacy in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
Azathioprine is deleterious to the fetus. Prevent pregnancy while you are taking it. If you could become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Azathioprine while pregnancy. It is known that Azathioprine passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while using Azathioprine.

Possible side effects of Azathioprine:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: mild nausea or vomiting.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; itching; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain or tightness; dark urine; dizziness; fever, chills, or sore throat; increased or painful urination; muscle pain or aches; pale or fatty stools; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; shortness of breath; stomach pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual growths or lumps; unusual weakness or fatigue; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.