
GENERIC NAME: azathioprine
BRAND NAME: Imuran
DRUG CLASS: Azathioprine is classified as an
immunosuppressant
medication. Azathioprine is used to suppress the immune system
in patients
who have had kidney transplants. Although its exact mechanism
of action in
rheumatoid arthritis is not known, its effect in suppressing
the immune
system appears to decrease the activity of this illness.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablet: 50mg; It can also be given
intravenously.
STORAGE: Store at 59 to 77degrees F, in a sealed,
light-resistant, container, avoid moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Azathioprine is used to inhibit the
immune
response that causes rejection of kidney transplants.
Azathioprine is also
used for the treatment of severe, active rheumatoid arthritis.
It is
considered a "second-line," or "slow-
acting" drug and
is usually reserved for rheumatoid arthritis patients who do
not respond
to other first-line or second-line medications.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Azathioprine can cause an increase
in cancer
risk when used long-term. This particular risk increases in
patients with
a prior history of treatment with other powerful
immunosuppressants, such
as Cytoxan, Leukeran, and Alkeran. It also increases the risk
of serious
infections. Azathioprine can impair fertility by reducing sperm
counts in
males. Because azathioprine's toxicity increases when taken
with the gout
medication allopurinol (Zyloprim), its dose is reduced with
simultaneous
use. Severely low white blood counts can occur when taken with
other drugs
that can affect the bone marrow or with ACE-inhibitor class
drugs used to
treat elevated blood pressure, such as Accupril and Vasotec.
The safety
and effectiveness for use in children has not been established.
PREGNANCY: Azathioprine is transferred to the fetus and
is
avoided in pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is also
found in breast milk and is
not used
in nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common serious side effects of
azathioprine involve the blood elements and gastrointestinal
system.
Azathioprine can cause serious lowering of the white blood cell
count,
resulting in an increased risk of infections. This can reverse
when the
dose is reduced or temporarily discontinued. Azathioprine can
cause
nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can resolve when
the dose is
reduced or divided through the day. Azathioprine can also cause
liver
toxicity (in less than 1% of rheumatoid arthritis patients).
All patients
taking azathioprine require regular blood testing for blood
counts and
liver function tests for monitoring. Other side effects
encountered less
frequently include fatigue, hair loss, joint pains, and
diarrhea.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission). Source:MedicineNet
- Crohn's Disease - Learn about Crohn's Disease and the causes, symptoms (including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, rectal bleeding, and more) and treatment of this chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. Source:MedicineNet
- Sjogren's Syndrome - Learn about Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. Primary Sjogren's syndrome only affects the glands, while secondary Sjogren's syndrome also involves the connective tissue. Symptoms may include dry eyes, dry mouth, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. Though there is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 40 more azathioprine related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997