Uses of Azathioprine

Azathioprine is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients (kidney, liver, heart, lung, or pancreas) and to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Therapeutic Category

Azathioprine: Immunosuppressants

How Azathioprine works

Azathioprine reduces the action of body's own defense system (the immune system) and prevents rejection of the transplanted organ. It also blocks the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, swelling, and redness associated with certain joint diseases.

Common side effects of Azathioprine

• infections
• reduction in the number of blood platelets
• increases the risk of bleeding or bruising
• decrease in red blood cells in the blood (anemia)
• nausea, vomiting
• loss of appetite
• increased infections in patients with bowel inflammation
• decrease in the number of the white blood cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
• liver disease
• inflammation of the pancreas, which causes severe pain in the back and abdomen

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• tiredness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
• swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips
• redness of the skin nodules or a skin rash
• pain in muscles or joints
• sudden wheeziness, coughing, or difficulty in breathing
• increased temperature, or other signs of an infection such as sore mouth, sore throat, urinary problems, or chest infection causing breathlessness and cough
• problems with liver, signs include skin or whites of eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
• rash (increased pink, red or purple lumps which are sore to touch), particularly on your hands, arms, fingers, face and neck, which may also be accompanied by a fever

Health Tips for Azathioprine

• Take Azathioprine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your doctor
• Do not abruptly stop taking Azathioprine without consulting your doctor
• Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking
• Azathioprine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women