Imuran

Imuran Drug Information

• Imuran Overview

  Azathioprine is used to prevent organ rejection in people who have received a kidney transplant. It is usually taken along with other medications to allow your new kidney to function normally. Azathioprine is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In this condition, the body's defense system (immune system) attacks healthy joints. Azathioprine belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. It works by weakening the immune system to help your body accept the new kidney as if it were your own (in the case of an organ transplant) or to prevent further damage to your joints (in the case of rheumatoid arthritis). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of azathioprine, especially when used in children and young adults.

• Imuran Warnings

  Azathioprine may rarely increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer (such as lymphoma, skin cancer). This risk is higher in people using azathioprine after an organ transplant and in children/young adults being treated for certain bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). Keep all medical and lab appointments.unusual skin changes, change in the appearance/size of moles, unusual growths/lumps, swollen lymph nodes, swollen abdomen, unexplained weight loss, night sweats. Imuran may decrease bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding.unusual tiredness, pale skin, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), easy bruising/bleeding.

• How to Use Imuran

  Take Imuran by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Take Imuran with food to reduce stomach upset. The Dosage of Imuran is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use Imuran more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase. Use Imuran regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. For the treatment of arthritis, it may take up to 2 months before your symptoms get better. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 3 months of treatment. Since Imuran can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle Imuran or breathe the dust from the tablets.

• Imuran Precautions

  Before taking azathioprine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to mercaptopurine; or if you have any other allergies. Imuran may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Imuran, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, certain enzyme disorders (TPMT deficiency, NUDT15 deficiency). Imuran may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Your doctor may direct you to avoid phototherapy while you use Imuran. Ask your doctor for details. Azathioprine can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Since Imuran can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle Imuran or breathe the dust from the tablets. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using azathioprine. Azathioprine may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using Imuran. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of Imuran. Imuran passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Imuran Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Imuran, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Imuran Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.febuxostat, past or present use of certain cancer drugs (such as cyclophosphamide, melphalan), other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as rituximab, tofacitinib). Azathioprine is very similar to mercaptopurine. Do not use medications containing mercaptopurine while using azathioprine.

• Imuran Side Effects

  What are Imuran side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Imuran may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Imuran as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Imuran

  The side effects of Imuran may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Imuran. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Imuran may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Imuran, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Imuran.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Imuran, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Imuran and the side effects associated with Imuran are described in the following:

  Common Imuran Side Effects

  Severe

  • infection
  • megaloblastic anemia
  • leukopenia

  Less Severe

  • nausea
  • vomiting

  Less Frequent Imuran Side Effects

  Severe

  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • anemia

  Less Severe

  • skin rash

  Rare or Very Rare Imuran Side Effects

  Severe

  • Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma
  • acute myeloid leukemia
  • neoplasm
  • pancytopenia
  • hepatic veno-occlusive disease
  • interstitial pneumonitis
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • Sweet's syndrome
  • hepatitis
  • Malignant Lymphoma
  • acute pancreatitis
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
  • Macrophage Activation Syndrome

  Less Severe

  • hypotension
  • steatorrhea
  • alopecia
  • arthralgias
  • myalgias
  • fever
  • malaise
  • diarrhea

• Imuran Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Imuran when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.