What is Imuran?
Imuran helps to weaken your immune system so that it does not "reject" a transplanted kidney. When the immune system attacks the new organ, it is called "organ rejection".
Imuran prevents your body from rejecting kidney transplants. This medicine can also be used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.Imuran can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Imuran
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Imuran can cause a serious brain infection, which may lead to death or disability. If you experience problems with your speech, thinking, vision, or muscle movements, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms can start slowly and then get worse very quickly.
If you experience any of the following symptoms of lymphoma, stop using Imuran immediately and contact your doctor.
- Fever, swollen glands, body aches and sweats, feeling unwell,
- Pale skin, rash, or easy bleeding
- Feeling light-headed or cold feet and hands;
- Pain in the upper abdomen that can spread to your shoulder
- Feeling full after eating a small portion of weight reduction
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Signs of infection: fever, chills, weakness, flu symptoms (sore neck, cough, or pain when you urinate);
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- Shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat
- Pale skin, cold feet, and hands;
- Dark urine jaundice
Imuran side effects may include:
- Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
- Hair loss;
- Skin rash.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Entyvio, Zeposia, Kesimpta, Cimzia, Colazal, Simponi, and Saphnelo
Warnings
Imuran can cause a rare form of lymphoma, or cancer, of the liver, bone marrow, and spleen. This is most common in young men and teenagers with Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Imuran, then Imuran should be avoided.Do not take Imuran if you're pregnant. This medication can harm an unborn child. While using this medication, use birth control to avoid pregnancy.
Imuran can cause a rare form of lymphoma in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. This is more common among teenagers and young males with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Anyone with an inflammatory auto-immune disorder is at greater risk for lymphoma. Speak to your doctor about the risk you face.
You may be at a greater risk of developing cancerous skin while taking Imuran. Consult your doctor for information on skin symptoms.
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- If you use Imuran to treat rheumatoid arthritis, then a transplant of the kidney may be necessary.
- Any type of viral or bacterial infection,
- Liver disease
- Chemotherapy with medications such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, Melphalan, Busulfan, and others
Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Imuran.
How to take Imuran?
You will be tested for conditions that could prevent you from using Imuran safely.Follow the directions in the guide or instructions that comes with the medication. Your doctor may change your dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.Imuran can be given before or on the day of a kidney transplant. This medicine is taken daily for rheumatoid arthritis.
Your symptoms may improve up to eight weeks after starting Imuran. Continue to use Imuran according to the directions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms after 12 weeks.If Imuran causes a stomach upset, take it with food.Imuran may interfere with other medications for arthritis. Dosage or schedule should not be changed without consulting your doctor.
Imuran can affect your immune system. You could get more infections, including serious or deadly infections. You will need to be examined by your doctor on a regular schedule.Store away from heat, moisture, and light. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Imuran increases your risk of skin cancer. Use sunscreen when outdoors.Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while taking Imuran. It may not protect you as well from disease, and the vaccine may not perform as well. Live vaccines are measles (MMR), rubella, poliovirus, rotavirus (typhoid), yellow fever (rotavirus), varicella, varicella virus (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), typhoid (rotavirus), typhoid (rotavirus), and syphilis.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about all medications that you take. Imuran can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Allopurinol;
- Febuxostat;
- Ribavirin.
This list isn't complete, and other drugs can also affect Imuran. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
