Azathioprine

Azathioprine belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressants used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ such as heart, kidney or liver. Also, it is used to treat autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, severe rheumatoid arthritis, chronic active hepatitis, and certain muscle, blood and skin diseases. Organ rejection occurs when a patient’s immune system recognizes the donor organ as foreign and tries to eliminate it. 

Azathioprine contains Azathioprine which works by decreasing the number of white blood cells in the body that normally attacks foreign invaders and defend the body against foreign cells and infection. Thereby, preventing organ rejection in transplanted patients and helping the body in accepting the new organ. In autoimmune disease, Azathioprine reduces the immune system attack on normal tissues. Thereby, it helps reduce the severity of symptoms.

Azathioprine will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. Some people may experience bacterial, viral and fungal infections, hair loss (particularly after a kidney transplant), stomach pain with vomiting and fever, thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels), leucopenia (low white blood cell count) and depression of bone marrow function as side effects of $nsme. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. 

If you are allergic to Azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine or any other ingredients, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Azathioprine. You or your partner are advised to use effective contraceptive measures while taking Azathioprine. Avoid alcohol consumption with Azathioprine as it may increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and liver damage. Drive only if you are alert after taking Azathioprine. If you are about to get vaccinated or have recently been vaccinated, inform your doctor before taking Azathioprine. Inform your dentist, surgeon and anaesthetist that you are taking Azathioprine before undergoing any surgical procedure. Azathioprine may increase the risk of infections or tumours, including skin cancer, as it lowers the body’s immune defence system.

Azathioprine contains Azathioprine, an immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ such as heart, kidney or liver. Also, it is used to treat autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, severe rheumatoid arthritis, chronic active hepatitis, dermatomyositis (causes skin rash and muscle weakness), polymyositis (causes muscle weakness), polyarteritis nodosa (swollen arteries), pemphigus vulgaris (causes blisters on the skin and in the mouth), auto-immune haemolytic anaemia, ulcerative colitis (inflammation in the digestive tract) and chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (platelet disorder). Azathioprine is used alone or more commonly in combination with other medicines such as corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs and procedures. Also, it reduces the corticosteroid requirements of kidney transplant recipients. Azathioprine is used in the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in patients who cannot tolerate corticosteroid therapy and in whom corticosteroid therapy is required.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
• Azathioprine will be administered by the doctor or healthcare professional.
• Do not self-administer.

• Bacterial, viral and fungal infections
• Hair loss (particularly after a kidney transplant)
• Stomach pain with vomiting and fever
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels)
• Leucopenia (low white blood cells count)
• Depression of bone marrow function