Azathioprine

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About Azathioprine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as immunosuppressants.

Azathioprine is used to prevent the rejection of new organs following a transplant operation. Sometimes the body tries to reject new donor tissue, Azathioprine helps to prevent this rejection by suppressing the body's immune or defence system. It is also used in some auto-immune illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where it can reduce the damage that occurs in the joints.

Azathioprine is available in tablet or injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Immunoprin; Imuran. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Azathioprine

Before taking Azathioprine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you have an infection or have recently suffered from one
• if you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure)
• if you suffer from the condition Lesch-Nyan Syndrome
• if you have a condition where your body produces too little of the natural chemical thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Azathioprine

• Take Azathioprine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Azathioprine tablets with or immediately after food.
• Azathioprine occasionally causes nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick). However it is important to keep taking this medicine at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Azathioprine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• Azathioprine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Azathioprine.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. You will need regular blood tests while taking this medicine.
• Azathioprine may cause dizziness, vomiting or diarrhoea. Make sure you are feeling well and your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• While you are taking Azathioprine, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Azathioprine lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
• If you undergo surgery, including dental treatment and emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking Azathioprine.

Can Azathioprine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

General feeling of being unwell, dizziness, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, fever (high temperature), shivering, muscle pain, joint pain, irregular heartbeat, rash or hair loss.

If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) or any unusual bruising or bleeding contact your doctor immediately.

Because Azathioprine works by suppressing the body's immune or defence system, this may make you more prone to infections. If you develop an infection of any kind, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Azathioprine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 10/02/2005   

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