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Imuran

Imuran

(azathioprine)

Imuran (Azathioprine) belongs to the group of medications known as immunosuppressive agents. It is used to prevent the rejection of kidney transplants and to treat severe Rheumatoid Arthritis that is not responding to conventional treatment.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable Powder

50MG

Buy Imuran Full drug details

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Imuran information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

Imuran (Azathioprine) is available in tablet and injectable form.

When used to prevent kidney transplant rejection, Imuran (Azathioprine) is usually started on the day of transplant with an intravenous (into the vein) injection. The initial dose is based on body weight at 3 to 5 mg per kilogram of body weight daily. After the transplant, tablets are used. The dose is then generally reduced to a maintenance dose of 1 mg to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Imuran (Azathioprine) is usually given at a dose of approximately 1 mg per kilogram of body weight (50 mg to 100 mg) per day by mouth, in a single daily dose or on a twice-daily schedule. After 6 to 8 weeks, your doctor may increase your dose by 0.5 mg per kilogram daily if needed. Additional increases may be prescribed by your doctor every 4 weeks up to the maximum daily dose of 2.5 mg per kilogram per day.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Imuran (Azathioprine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose and you are taking the pills once a day, do not take the missed dose at all, but go back to your regular dosing schedule.

If you are taking pills more than once a day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Imuran (Azathioprine) at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Imuran (Azathioprine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Imuran (Azathioprine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Imuran (Azathioprine). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

hair loss
nausea
tiredness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

feeling dizzy or faint when rising from a sitting or lying position
feeling tired, dizzy, or generally unwell
Fever or chills
nausea
new marks or change in marks on your skin
signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
signs of infection (symptoms may include fever or chills, severe Diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
symptoms of a lung infection (e.g., shortness of breath, cough, chest pain)
symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g., pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain, strong odour)
vomiting

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

muscle or bone pain
severe skin reaction such as redness or blisters on skin or peeling skin
severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
dizziness or faintness especially when you stand up
signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, change of urine colour)
signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), e.g.:

difficulty breathing
Hives
swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Imuran (Azathioprine).

difficulty breathing

hives

swelling of the face, mouth, throat or tongue

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Imuran (Azathioprine).

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Imuran (Azathioprine).

Cancer: Imuran (Azathioprine) may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, specifically hepatosplenic T-cells lymphoma, a particularly severe cancer of the immune cells, and Skin Cancer.

To reduce the risk of skin cancer, limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. Report any unusual growths on your skin to your doctor as soon as possible.

Bleeding: Imuran (Azathioprine) can decrease the number of platelets (component of the blood that helps blood to clot). Your doctor will monitor your platelet levels regularly while you are taking Imuran (Azathioprine). If you notice any unusual signs of bruising or bleeding (e.g., bleeding gums, blood in urine, dark-tarry stools), contact your doctor immediately or get immediate medical attention.

Infection: Imuran (Azathioprine) reduces the number of white blood cells that fight infection in the body and can increase the risk of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, cough, painful urination) or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you come into contact with someone who has Chickenpox or Shingles. Your doctor will monitor your white blood cell levels regularly while you are taking Imuran (Azathioprine).

Kidney function: Imuran (Azathioprine) may be removed from the body more slowly in people with reduced kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function discuss with your doctor how Imuran (Azathioprine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Imuran (Azathioprine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver damage or reduced liver function may cause Imuran (Azathioprine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Imuran (Azathioprine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Imuran (Azathioprine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Imuran (Azathioprine) may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Imuran (Azathioprine) can cause harm to the baby when taken by pregnant women. Imuran (Azathioprine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Imuran (Azathioprine). If you become pregnant while you are taking Imuran (Azathioprine), contact your doctor at once.

Breast-feeding: Imuran (Azathioprine) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Imuran (Azathioprine) it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Imuran (Azathioprine) have not been established for children.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Imuran (Azathioprine) have not been established for people over the age of 65. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Imuran (Azathioprine) with your doctor.

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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