What is Azathioprine?

Azathioprine is a prescription drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions in adults. It's also used after a kidney transplant to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. Azathioprine belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressants, which work by suppressing the immune system. This can help to reduce inflammation and prevent the body from attacking its own tissues.

How does Azathioprine Work?

Azathioprine works by suppressing the immune system. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infection and disease. When the immune system is overactive, it can attack the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Azathioprine helps to prevent this by blocking the action of certain immune cells. Azathioprine is converted to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in the body. 6-MP is an active metabolite that inhibits the synthesis of purines, which are essential for the production of DNA and RNA. By inhibiting purine synthesis, azathioprine prevents the proliferation of immune cells and suppresses the immune response. Azathioprine is used to treat a variety of conditions in which the immune system is overactive, including⁚

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Psoriasis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Kidney transplant rejection

Azathioprine is typically taken once or twice daily by mouth. The dose of azathioprine will vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's individual needs. It is important to take azathioprine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Azathioprine can cause side effects, including⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Increased risk of infection

If you experience any side effects from azathioprine, talk to your doctor.

What is Azathioprine Used For?

Azathioprine is used to treat a variety of conditions in which the immune system is overactive, including⁚

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. Azathioprine can help to reduce inflammation and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract. Azathioprine can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with Crohn's disease.
• Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine. Azathioprine can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with ulcerative colitis.
• Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Azathioprine can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with psoriasis.
• Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. Azathioprine can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis.
• Kidney transplant rejection occurs when the body's immune system attacks the transplanted kidney. Azathioprine can help to suppress the immune system and prevent rejection.

Azathioprine is typically used in combination with other medications to treat these conditions. It is important to take azathioprine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Azathioprine can cause side effects, including⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Increased risk of infection

If you experience any side effects from azathioprine, talk to your doctor.

How to Use Azathioprine?

Azathioprine is typically taken once or twice daily by mouth. The dose of azathioprine will vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's individual needs. It is important to take azathioprine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Azathioprine can be taken with or without food. However, it is best to take it at the same time each day to help maintain a consistent blood level of the medication. Azathioprine can cause side effects, including⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Increased risk of infection

If you experience any side effects from azathioprine, talk to your doctor. Here are some additional tips for using azathioprine⁚

• Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Azathioprine can interact with a number of other medications, including methotrexate, leflunomide, and warfarin.
• Avoid alcohol while taking azathioprine.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects from azathioprine.
• Get regular blood tests while taking azathioprine.
• Your doctor will need to monitor your blood counts and liver function regularly to make sure that azathioprine is not causing any adverse effects.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to use azathioprine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Azathioprine Dosage

The dose of azathioprine will vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's individual needs. The usual starting dose for adults is 50 to 100 mg per day. The dose may be increased gradually as needed, but should not exceed 2.5 mg/kg/day. For children, the usual starting dose is 2.5 to 5 mg/kg/day. The dose may be increased gradually as needed, but should not exceed 3 mg/kg/day. Azathioprine is typically taken once or twice daily by mouth. It is best to take it at the same time each day to help maintain a consistent blood level of the medication. Azathioprine can be taken with or without food. However, it is best to take it with food to help reduce the risk of stomach upset. The dose of azathioprine may need to be adjusted if the patient has kidney or liver problems. It is important to take azathioprine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of the medication than prescribed, and do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. If you have any questions or concerns about the dose of azathioprine you are taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Additional Information

• Azathioprine is available as a tablet or an injection.
• The tablet is the most common form of azathioprine.
• The injection is typically used in patients who cannot take the tablet form of the medication.
• Azathioprine is typically taken for a long period of time.
• The length of treatment will vary depending on the condition being treated.

Azathioprine Side Effects

Azathioprine can cause side effects, including⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Increased risk of infection
• Bone marrow suppression
• Liver damage
• Cancer

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common side effects of azathioprine. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days or weeks. Hair loss is a less common side effect of azathioprine. It usually occurs within the first few months of treatment and can range from mild thinning to complete baldness. Hair loss is usually reversible after treatment is stopped. Skin rash is another less common side effect of azathioprine. It can range from a mild rash to a severe blistering rash. Skin rash is usually treated with topical medications or oral antihistamines. Increased risk of infection is a serious side effect of azathioprine. Azathioprine suppresses the immune system, which makes the body more susceptible to infection. Patients taking azathioprine should be careful to avoid contact with people who are sick and should get vaccinated against common infections. Bone marrow suppression is a rare but serious side effect of azathioprine. Bone marrow suppression can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Neutropenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough white blood cells. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough platelets. Bone marrow suppression is usually treated with growth factors or blood transfusions. Liver damage is a rare but serious side effect of azathioprine. Liver damage can lead to jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow; Ascites is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition in which the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma. Liver damage is usually treated with supportive care and may require discontinuation of azathioprine. Cancer is a rare but serious side effect of azathioprine. Azathioprine has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. The risk of cancer is highest in patients who take azathioprine for a long period of time. If you experience any side effects from azathioprine, talk to your doctor.

Azathioprine Warnings

Azathioprine can cause serious side effects, including⁚

• Bone marrow suppression
• Liver damage
• Cancer

Bone marrow suppression is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. This can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Neutropenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough white blood cells. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough platelets. Bone marrow suppression is usually treated with growth factors or blood transfusions. Liver damage is a condition in which the liver is damaged. This can lead to jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Ascites is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition in which the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma. Liver damage is usually treated with supportive care and may require discontinuation of azathioprine. Cancer is a condition in which cells in the body grow out of control. Azathioprine has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. The risk of cancer is highest in patients who take azathioprine for a long period of time. Other warnings

• Azathioprine should not be used by patients who are allergic to it.
• Azathioprine should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver problems.
• Azathioprine can interact with a number of other medications, including methotrexate, leflunomide, and warfarin.
• Azathioprine can increase the risk of infections.
• Azathioprine can cause birth defects.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking azathioprine. If you have any questions or concerns about azathioprine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Azathioprine Drug Interactions

Azathioprine can interact with a number of other medications, including⁚

• Methotrexate⁚ Azathioprine can increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity, including bone marrow suppression and liver damage.
• Leflunomide⁚ Azathioprine can increase the risk of leflunomide toxicity, including liver damage.
• Warfarin⁚ Azathioprine can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, which can lead to bleeding.
• Allopurinol⁚ Azathioprine can increase the risk of allopurinol toxicity, including skin rash and liver damage.
• NSAIDs⁚ Azathioprine can increase the risk of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Live vaccines⁚ Azathioprine can suppress the immune system, which can make live vaccines less effective.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of azathioprine or the other medication to reduce the risk of side effects. Do not start or stop taking any medications without talking to your doctor first.

Azathioprine Overdose

An overdose of azathioprine can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose may include⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma

If you think someone has overdosed on azathioprine, call 911 immediately. Do not induce vomiting. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position and make sure they are breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives. Treatment for an overdose of azathioprine may include⁚

• Intravenous fluids
• Electrolyte replacement
• Blood transfusions
• Bone marrow transplant

The prognosis for an overdose of azathioprine depends on the severity of the overdose and the promptness of treatment.

Azathioprine Storage

Azathioprine should be stored at room temperature, between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Azathioprine should be stored in a dry place, away from light. Azathioprine should be stored out of reach of children and pets. Do not use azathioprine if the expiration date has passed. Expired medications can be harmful. If you have any questions about how to store azathioprine, talk to your pharmacist. Additional storage information

• Azathioprine tablets can be stored for up to 5 years at room temperature.
• Azathioprine injection can be stored for up to 2 years at room temperature.
• Azathioprine suppositories can be stored for up to 3 years at room temperature.

If you are traveling with azathioprine, be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place. Do not expose azathioprine to extreme heat or cold;

Azathioprine and Pregnancy

Azathioprine should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects. Azathioprine is a teratogen, which means that it can cause harm to the unborn baby. Studies have shown that azathioprine can cause an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Azathioprine has also been linked to an increased risk of birth defects, including cleft lip and palate, heart defects, and neural tube defects. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks of taking azathioprine. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking azathioprine before you become pregnant or that you switch to a different medication. If you are taking azathioprine and you become pregnant, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately. Azathioprine can also pass into breast milk. Therefore, you should not breastfeed while taking azathioprine.

Azathioprine and Breastfeeding

Azathioprine can pass into breast milk. Therefore, you should not breastfeed while taking azathioprine. Azathioprine is a medication that is used to suppress the immune system. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Azathioprine can cause side effects in breastfed infants, including⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bone marrow suppression
• Liver damage
• Cancer

Bone marrow suppression is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. This can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Neutropenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough white blood cells. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough platelets. Liver damage is a condition in which the liver is damaged. This can lead to jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Ascites is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition in which the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma. Cancer is a condition in which cells in the body grow out of control. Azathioprine has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. If you are breastfeeding and you are taking azathioprine, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking azathioprine or that you switch to a different medication.

Azathioprine and Children

Azathioprine can be used to treat children with certain conditions, such as⁚

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Kidney transplant rejection

Azathioprine is typically used in children who are at least 2 years old. The dose of azathioprine will vary depending on the child's weight and condition. Azathioprine can cause side effects in children, including⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Increased risk of infection
• Bone marrow suppression
• Liver damage
• Cancer

Bone marrow suppression is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. This can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Neutropenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough white blood cells. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough platelets. Liver damage is a condition in which the liver is damaged. This can lead to jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Ascites is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition in which the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma. Cancer is a condition in which cells in the body grow out of control. Azathioprine has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. If you are considering giving azathioprine to your child, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the medication.

Azathioprine and Seniors

Azathioprine can be used to treat seniors with certain conditions, such as⁚

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Kidney transplant rejection

Seniors are more likely to experience side effects from azathioprine than younger adults. This is because seniors are more likely to have kidney and liver problems, which can affect the way azathioprine is processed and eliminated from the body. Common side effects of azathioprine in seniors include⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Increased risk of infection

Serious side effects of azathioprine in seniors include⁚

• Bone marrow suppression
• Liver damage
• Cancer

Bone marrow suppression is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. This can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Neutropenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough white blood cells. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough platelets. Liver damage is a condition in which the liver is damaged. This can lead to jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Ascites is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition in which the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma. Cancer is a condition in which cells in the body grow out of control. Azathioprine has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. If you are a senior and you are considering taking azathioprine, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the medication.

Azathioprine and Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with azathioprine and increase the risk of side effects, such as⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Increased risk of infection
• Bone marrow suppression
• Liver damage
• Cancer

Bone marrow suppression is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. This can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Neutropenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough white blood cells. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough platelets. Liver damage is a condition in which the liver is damaged. This can lead to jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Ascites is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition in which the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma. Cancer is a condition in which cells in the body grow out of control. Azathioprine has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. Drinking alcohol while taking azathioprine can also increase the risk of liver damage. It is important to avoid alcohol while taking azathioprine; If you have any questions about drinking alcohol while taking azathioprine, talk to your doctor.

Azathioprine and Smoking

Smoking can interact with azathioprine and increase the risk of side effects, such as⁚

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Increased risk of infection
• Bone marrow suppression
• Liver damage
• Cancer

Bone marrow suppression is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. This can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Neutropenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough white blood cells; Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body does not have enough platelets. Liver damage is a condition in which the liver is damaged. This can lead to jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Ascites is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition in which the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma. Cancer is a condition in which cells in the body grow out of control. Azathioprine has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. Smoking can also increase the risk of liver damage in people who are taking azathioprine. It is important to avoid smoking while taking azathioprine. If you have any questions about smoking while taking azathioprine, talk to your doctor.

Alternatives to Azathioprine

There are a number of alternative medications that can be used to treat the same conditions as azathioprine. Some of these alternatives include⁚

• Methotrexate is another immunosuppressant medication that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
• Leflunomide is an immunomodulatory drug that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Ciclosporin is an immunosuppressant medication that is used to prevent kidney transplant rejection.
• Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant medication that is used to prevent kidney and liver transplant rejection.

The best alternative medication for you will depend on your individual condition and needs. Talk to your doctor about the different options available to you. It is important to note that these alternative medications can also have side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of each medication before starting treatment.

Azathioprine Generic and Brand Names

Azathioprine is available as a generic medication and as a brand-name medication. The brand name for azathioprine is Imuran. The generic medication is typically much cheaper than the brand-name medication. However, both the generic and brand-name medications are effective in treating the same conditions. When choosing between the generic and brand-name medications, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of each option. Your doctor can help you decide which medication is right for you. Here are some tips for saving money on your azathioprine prescription⁚

• Ask your doctor if there is a generic version of azathioprine available.
• Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication.
• Talk to your insurance company about discounts on azathioprine.
• Look for coupons or discounts on azathioprine online.

If you have any questions about the cost of azathioprine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Azathioprine Cost

The cost of azathioprine will vary depending on the dosage and quantity of the medication you need. The generic medication is typically much cheaper than the brand-name medication. Here are some examples of the cost of azathioprine⁚

• A 50 mg tablet of generic azathioprine costs about $0.50.
• A 100 mg tablet of generic azathioprine costs about $1.00.
• A 50 mg tablet of brand-name Imuran costs about $2.00.
• A 100 mg tablet of brand-name Imuran costs about $4.00.

The cost of azathioprine can also vary depending on your insurance coverage. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of azathioprine, while others may require you to pay a copay. If you are uninsured, there are a number of ways to save money on your azathioprine prescription. You can use a mail-order pharmacy, talk to your doctor about discounts, or look for coupons or discounts online. Here are some tips for saving money on your azathioprine prescription⁚

• Ask your doctor if there is a generic version of azathioprine available.
• Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication.
• Talk to your insurance company about discounts on azathioprine.
• Look for coupons or discounts on azathioprine online.

If you have any questions about the cost of azathioprine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.