What is Azathioprine?
Azathioprine reduces the body's immune system to prevent the process of "rejecting" a transplanted organ like kidneys. Organ rejection occurs when the immune system perceives the organ transplant as an intruder and begins to attack it.
Azathioprine can stop your body's rejection of the transplanted kidney. Azathioprine can also be utilized to treat symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Azathioprine can also be employed for other purposes not covered in this medication guide.
Warnings
Azathioprine could cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the spleen, liver, and bone marrow which could be fatal. It has been seen most often in young men and teenagers who have Crohn's disease, as well as ulcerative colitis.
Before you take this medication
It is not recommended to take Azathioprine if you are sensitive to Azathioprine.
Azathioprine should not be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis when you are expecting it. The medicine could harm the unborn baby. Utilize effective birth control methods to stop pregnancy when taking this medication.
Azathioprine can cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, which can be fatal. It has been seen most often in young men and teenagers with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. But, anyone who has an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation could have a chance of developing lymphoma. Consult your doctor about the risk you face.
If you are taking Azathioprine, you may be at risk of a higher chance of developing skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about any warning signs for skin that you should be aware of.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Kidney disease or an organ transplant (if you are taking azathioprine to treat rheumatoid arthritis);
- Any viral fungal, bacterial, or viral disease;
- Liver disease liver disease
- Chemotherapy includes medications like chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and many more.
It is not recommended to breastfeed when you take Azathioprine.
How to Take Azathioprine?
The doctor will conduct tests on your blood to ensure there are no issues that could make it unsafe to use the drug azathioprine.
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and study all medication guides or instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Follow the medication precisely as prescribed. Azathioprine is usually administered before or on the transplant date if it is prescribed for kidney transplants. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis is used regularly.
It can take as long as eight weeks before symptoms begin to improve. Take Azathioprine according to the directions, and inform your physician if your symptoms haven't changed after 12 weeks of treatment.
- Consume with food if Azathioprine causes stomach upset.
- You might not be allowed to take other arthritis medicines with Azathioprine. Do not alter your dose or schedule of dosing without a doctor's approval.
- Azathioprine can affect the immune system. You could contract infections more often, including deadly or life-threatening infections. Your physician will have to test you regularly.
- Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Make sure the bottle is tightly shut when not being used.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, do not take your missed dosage if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds. Azathioprine increases the chance of developing skin cancer. Protect yourself with protective clothes and apply sunblock (SPF 30 or greater) whenever you go out in the sun.
Beware of those that are ill or suffer from infections. Inform your doctor immediately if you show symptoms of an infection.
Don't receive any "live" vaccine while using Azthioprine. The vaccine might not function similarly or entirely protect you from diseases. Live vaccinations cover measles, rubella, and mumps (MMR) as well as polio, typhoid virus, rotavirus, yellow fever and varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).
Side Effects of Azathioprine
Contact a medical professional immediately If you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Azathioprine could cause severe brain infection, resulting in disability or even death. Contact your physician immediately in case you are experiencing issues with your speech, thoughts or vision, or movement. These symptoms may begin gradually and become more severe.
Mild Effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- Hair loss; or
- The skin eruption.
This is a partial list of possible side effects; other effects may also be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects.
Adverse Effects
Stop taking Azathioprine and contact your doctor immediately if you exhibit any of the following symptoms of lymphoma.
- Swelling of glands and body aches. sweats, unwell;
- Skin tone pale, rash bleeding or bruising;
- Cold feet and hands and feet, feeling lightheaded or breathless;
- Abdominal pain that could extend to your shoulder or
- I was feeling full after eating the smallest amount and weight loss.
- Contact your doctor at the earliest opportunity if you are suffering from the following:
- Symptoms of signs (fever weakening, chills signs of flu (fever, chills such as cough, sore throat, and burning sensations whenever you go to the bathroom);
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- Superficial bleeding, unusual bruises;
- Rapid heartbeats, breathlessness;
- Pale skin or feet that are cold and dry cold hands and feet
- Dark urine jaundice, dark urine (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
The Interaction with Other Drugs
Inform your doctor about the medicines you are currently taking. A variety of drugs can alter Azathioprine, including:
- Allopurinol
- Febuxostat
This list isn't complete, and other drugs could interfere with Azthioprine. This includes over-the-counter and prescription supplements, vitamins, and herbal products. The list of possible drug interactions is not exhaustive. They are listed here.
