Imuran

The active ingredient in Imuran is azathioprine, which belongs to the medication class known as immunosuppressants. In other words, it impairs your immune system. After a kidney transplant, it's critical to reduce your immune response to prevent your body from organ rejection or transplant rejection. It can prevent your immune system from attacking your joints if you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Imuran. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Imuran:

• Imuran is typically administered just before or on the day of a kidney transplant. This medication is given regularly to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Your symptoms may not improve for up to eight weeks. Continue taking Imuran as prescribed, and after 12 weeks, let your doctor know if your symptoms have not subsided.
• If Imuran causes stomach distress, take it with meals.
• Imuran may interfere with other arthritis drugs that you are taking. Never alter your dosage or regimen without first consulting your physician.
• Your immune system is impacted by Imuran. This puts you at a higher risk for infections, even dangerous or lethal ones. You will require frequent examinations by your physician.
• Before or during treatment, your doctor may perform a blood test called TPMT activity level. The enzyme thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) helps clear the medication from your system.
• You should wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with a high protection factor when going outside.

The most common side effects of Imuran include:

• Vomiting and nausea.
• Leukopenia (lowering of white blood cell count).
• Increased risk of infections.
• Tiredness.
• Hair loss.
• Damage to the liver.
• Fevers.
• Abdominal pain.
• Weight loss.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Imuran. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, peeling skin, skin rash, swelling (on your face, lips, tongue, or throat), sore throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Inexplicable bruising or unusual bleeding (see the ER).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Imuran. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Imuran, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Kidney disease.
• Any kind of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
• Liver disease.
• To use chemotherapy drugs such as busulfan, melphalan, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, and others.
• A history of any alcohol abuse, hepatitis, or jaundice.
• A history of skin cancer.- A scheduled vaccine or surgery.

Boxed Warning

• Imuran may result in a rare and potentially lethal form of bone marrow, spleen, and liver lymphoma (cancer). This has mostly happened to young men and teenagers who have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Anybody with an inflammatory autoimmune disease, however, might be more susceptible to lymphoma. Discuss your own risk with your physician.

Pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis should not use Imuran. Imuran may pose an unaffordable risk of cancer for rheumatoid arthritis patients who have already received treatment with alkylating drugs (cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan, or others).

Azathioprine takes time to start working. It may take up to 12 weeks of taking the appropriate dose for inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, before you experience any improvements. It may take several months or longer for certain skin disorders to improve.

When Imuran is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Allopurinol.
• Febuxostat.
• Ribavirin.
• Warfarin.
• Mercaptopurine.
• ACE inhibitors.

Each person has a different dosage for this drug. Your weight and other variables are taken into account by your healthcare provider.

Kidney transplantation: The usual dosage is 1–3 mg per kilogram of body weight taken orally once a day after receiving a kidney transplant and becoming stable. This often amounts to 50–150 mg daily.

The usual dosage for rheumatoid arthritis is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken orally once daily or in two doses.

If your doctor needs to control your condition or reduce side effects, your dosage will change.

Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Sebela Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the company that manufactures Imuran.

Yes, there are several lower-cost generic versions available of Imuran.

You can safely quit taking this medicine without having to taper off (slightly reduce your dosage) if your doctor advises it.

If you are pregnant, you should not take Imuran for rheumatoid arthritis. An unborn child may be harmed by this medication. While using this medication, avoid getting pregnant by using an effective birth control method.

You should not breastfeed while you are using Imuran, as this medication can pass into the breastmilk leading to possibly affecting the infant.