AZATHIOPRINE-ORAL (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take azathioprine, tell your doctor your medical history especially if you have: liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, any infection, any allergies. This medication can increase your risk of developing an infection. Notify your doctor at the first sign of a possible infection (fever, persistent sore throat). Azathioprine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using it. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all drugs you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparins), allopurinol, drugs affecting bone marrow (e.g., cotrimoxazole, numerous anti-cancer drugs), "alkylating" type cancer drugs (e.g., chlorambucil, melphalan, cyclosporine), ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
NOTES: Lab tests will be done frequently while taking this medication to monitor its effects. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you take this once daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered but not if it is almost time for the next dose. Skip the missed dose and resume regular schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up. If you take this several times daily and miss one dose, take it as soon as you can or double-up the very next dose. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor. You may need to have your dosing schedule adjusted.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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