Sunday, January 10, 2021

Patient Information on Azathioprine

 Azathioprine ( Imuran) is given for kidney transplants in order to prevent rejection, ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

How does Azathioprine work?

As an immunosuppressive drug, it works in order to reduce the activity of the immune system. in RA, this function is effective in order to reduce the inflammation as well as reduce the pain and swelling. It is also believed that this medicine limits damage to the joints and helps for preventing disability. Because this drug acts for reducing damage to the joints, instead of just relieving pain, it falls under the group of medications named DMARDs.

 How is azathioprine taken?

Azathioprine should be taken orally in 25mg or 

50mg tablets which need to be swallowed whole.

Dosage: The azathioprine dose mainly depends on the specific immune or inflammatory related conditions. The azathioprine dose is usually initiated at 50mg to 100mg per day. The azathioprine tablets can be consumed once or twice daily.

Possible Side Effects: Commonly reported azathioprine side effects may include:
  • nausea
  • signs of fever or infection
  • unexpected bruising or bleeding 
Although, uncommon side effects of azathioprine 50 mg tablet may include:
  • new marks on skin
  • cough
  • difficulty breathing
  • tiredness
  • dizziness 
  • muscle or bone pain
  • kidney problems
  • feeling faint 
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain 
  • serious skin reaction 
If you experience any side effects, not listed above, inform your healthcare professionals.

What precautions are necessary?
  • Since the liver as well as blood cells may be affected by azathioprine 50 mg, you must go for regular blood tests while on treatment. 
  • Consuming allopurinol together with azathioprine may be very hazardous. You should inform your healthcare practitioner if you are consuming allopurinol.
  • The combined pain drugs such as Panadeine as well as Panadeine Forte should be used safely. 
  • Because azathioprine 50 mg tablet uses may be responsible for affecting the liver, you must avoid heavy consumption of alcohol.
  • In case you wish to become pregnant or you intend to breastfeed, you need to talk with your healthcare provider.
  • When consuming imuran generic, it is necessary to apply sunscreen and the prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. 
Overdose: In case of overdose, call your healthcare practitioner or head to the hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs and symptoms.

Missed Dose: If you forget to consume a dose of azathioprine, avoid consuming extra tablets in order to make up for the forgotten dose. Talk to your healthcare provider immediately, about your missed doses.


How azathioprine should be stored?
Store azathioprine tablets ip 50 mg in a cool, dry place, away from the heat as well as light. You must keep your medicines out of reach of children.

How much does azathioprine cost? 
The cost of azathioprine may vary from generic to branded drugs. Any WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical company can offer this drug at varying prices around 100 INR to 450 INR.


NOTE: Before starting azathioprine treatment, consult a physician. To know more about azathioprine read full prescribing information. 

FAQ's

What is azathioprine used for in humans?
This immunosuppressive drug is used for the treatment of following conditions:
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • granulomatosis with polyangiitis
  • Crohn's disease
  • ulcerative colitis
  • systemic lupus erythematosus
  • in kidney transplants to prevent rejection
What are the side effects of azathioprine?
In patients with azathioprine, possible side effects may include vomiting, bone-marrow suppression, increased stomach irritation, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, hair loss, blood in the urine or stool, fatigue, unusual bruising and development of mouth sores/ulcers.

What is the alternative to azathioprine?
Some existing alternative are as follows:
Azoran 50mg Tablet: The azoran 50 mg is manufactured by Rpg Life Sciences Ltd. 
Imoprine 50mg Tablet: It is developed by the Canixa Life Sciences Pvt Ltd. 
Azapure 50mg Tablet: The apazure is manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 
Imuza 50mg Tablet: It is manufactured by the Panacea Biotec Ltd. 
Vaprin 50mg Tablet: Vapirn manufactured by the Cadila Healthcare Ltd (Zydus). 
Aparin 0.5mg Tablet: The aparin tablets are manufactured by Race Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. 
Imurel 50 mg Tablet: The imurel 50 mg is manufactured by aspen. 

What are some other common medications for organ transplant? 
Mycophenolic acid (MPA): As an immunosuppressant, mycophenolate mofetil 500 mg is used for preventing the rejection following the organ transplantation. Specifically it is recommended after kidney, heart, and liver transplantation. This drug is available at reasonable cost. 

Sirolimus: It is a macrolide agent that is used to prevent organ transplant rejection. The sirolimus 1mg price is quite reasonable. 







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