Azathioprine
Information about Azathioprine
Azathioprine uses
Azathioprine is used in prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients and rheumatoid arthritis.
How azathioprine works
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant. It 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
Nausea, Infection, Low blood platelets, Vomiting, Bone marrow suppression, Abnormal liver function tests, Cholestasis, Pancreatic inflammation, Hypersensitivity, Hemolytic anemia, Neoplasm, Hair loss, Liver injury, Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets), Aplastic anemia, Megaloblastic anemia, Erythroid hypoplasia
Available Medicine for Azathioprine
Expert advice for Azathioprine
- Your doctor has prescribed Azathioprine to stop the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (e.g. kidney, heart or liver).
- Azathioprine also relieves joint pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
- You may have to take additional medications along with Azathioprine for better relief of symptoms.
- Avoid contact with people who have cold, flu or other contagious illness. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Azathioprine
Azathioprine
Q. What is Azathioprine prescribed for? How does it work?
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant which means that it acts by suppressing the immune defense system of the body. Your immune defense system helps to protect you against infections. However, sometimes your immune defense system can become overactive and can cause illness. Azathioprine is used in combination with other medicines to treat the conditions caused due to this abnormal activity of the immune system. It is used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, like the kidney, heart or liver. It is also used to treat chronic active hepatitis, severe rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and acquired hemolytic anemia. It is also used to treat severe cases of specified skin diseases (pemphigus vulgaris, dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, pyoderma gangrenosa), especially when corticosteroids cannot be used.
Q. How long does Azathioprine take to start working?
It may take about 3 to 12 weeks before you see any benefits. Continue the medication even if you do not notice any benefits. Talk to your doctor if you face any issues.
Q. What happens if I forget to take Azathioprine?
If you miss a dose of Azathioprine, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose if it is time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose. inform your doctor if the dose is frequently missed.