Indications
- Azathioprine is used to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant recipients.
- Typically taken with other medications to support normal kidney function.
- Also employed for treating rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks healthy joints.
- Belongs to the class of drugs called immunosuppressants.
- Works by weakening the immune system to facilitate acceptance of a new kidney or prevent joint damage.
- Consult with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using azathioprine, especially in children and young adults.
Dosage and administration
- Take the medication orally as directed by the doctor, usually once or twice daily.
- Consume the medication with food to minimize stomach upset.
- Dosage depends on medical condition, weight, and treatment response.
- Do not exceed prescribed dose or use more frequently/for a longer duration than instructed.
- Regular use is crucial for maximum benefits; take it at the same time(s) daily.
- For arthritis treatment, improvement may take up to 2 months; inform the doctor if no improvement after 3 months.
- Due to potential harm to an unborn baby, pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should not handle the medication or inhale tablet dust.
Side effects
- Nausea or vomiting may occur; taking the medication after meals can help reduce these effects.
- Temporary hair loss might also happen; inform the doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
- Serious side effects may occur, but the medication is prescribed based on the doctor’s judgment of the benefits outweighing risks.
- Promptly inform the doctor of serious side effects, including diarrhea or new/worsening joint/muscle pain.
- Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects like symptoms of liver disease or signs of a rare but serious brain infection (PML).
- Very serious allergic reactions are rare; seek immediate medical help for symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- Not a complete list of possible side effects; contact the doctor or pharmacist for other observed effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about allergies to azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or any other substances.
- Discuss medical history, especially kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or enzyme disorders, with the doctor or pharmacist.
- Due to an increased risk of skin cancer, limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths, and use sunscreen and protective clothing; consult the doctor about phototherapy.
- Azathioprine may raise infection risk; avoid contact with individuals with easily spread infections and inform the doctor if exposed or for more details.
- Before surgery, disclose all products in use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- Inform healthcare professionals about azathioprine use before immunizations/vaccinations; avoid contact with people who recently had live vaccines.
- Exercise caution with sharp objects and activities like contact sports to lower the risk of injury.
- Pregnant or potentially pregnant women should not handle the medication or inhale tablet dust; discuss reliable birth control methods with the doctor.
- Azathioprine can harm an unborn baby; inform the doctor if pregnant or planning pregnancy and discuss the risks and benefits.
- The medication passes into breast milk; consult the doctor before breastfeeding due to potential undesirable effects on the nursing infant.