General English name: Azathioprine
Brand: Imuran
Application: Prevention of transplant rejection after organ transplantation – Treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
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Azathioprine drug information
Medication Information: Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant that reduces the function of the immune system. Azathioprine is used to prevent transplant rejection as well as to treat chronic and autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and Crohn’s disease.
After an organ transplant, the body’s immune system naturally considers the donated organ to be foreign and tries to reject it. Azathioprine prevents the immune system from reacting to a new organ by inhibiting the immune system.
In chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks different parts of the body. Azathioprine reduces infections and inflammatory diseases. Because azathioprine suppresses the immune system, it can reduce inflammation and disease-related symptoms.
Contraindications to azathioprine
Pay attention to the expiration date of azathioprine and do not take it if your medicine has expired.
Never give azathioprine to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor for azathioprine.
Check for azathioprine drug interactions and be sure to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking.
Drug interaction of azathioprine
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some products that may interact with azathioprine include: ACE inhibitors (eg, benazepril, lisinopril), allopurinol, aminosalicylates (eg, mesinosalazine) (olsalazine), sulfasalazine, “blood thinners” (eg enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin), bone marrow drugs (eg trimethoprim) Sulfamethoxazole, cancer chemotherapy drugs, febuxostat, past or present use of alkylating-type cancer drugs (eg, chlorambucil), cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide )) Other drugs that weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection, such as rituximab, tofacitinib.
Zathioprine is very similar to mercaptopurine. Do not use mercaptopurine-containing medicines while taking azathioprine.
Tips to consider before taking azathioprine
Some medications can not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed. Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking azathioprine:
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have any type of infection.
- If you have chickenpox and shingles.
- If you are taking other medicines. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor’s prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you are allergic to any medicine. Especially if you are allergic to a drug called mercaptopurine
Possible side effects of azathioprine
All drugs, along with their positive effects, can cause unwanted side effects in the body. However, these complications do not occur in all people. If there is a negative change in your health after taking the medicine, it is better to consult your doctor. Many complications may be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses.
Feeling tired and dizzy, nausea, diarrhea, fever, hives, kidney problems (such as changes in the amount and color of urine): These can indicate an allergic reaction. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Feeling sick, feverish, or similar to an infection: Tell your doctor right away if you have recently been in contact with someone with shingles or chicken pox.
Unexpected bruising or bleeding: These symptoms are caused by bone marrow suppression. Tell your doctor immediately.
Hair loss: This is temporary and will stop after a while, but if it gets annoying, consult your doctor.
How to store azathioprine
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.