Your session is about to expire
What is Azathioprine
AzathioprineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAzathioprine is a medication used to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and to help prevent organ rejection after a transplant surgery. It was originally developed in 1956 and approved by the FDA in 1968. Azathioprine is a derivative of 6-mercaptopurine, meaning it is related to, but does not contain, the same active ingredient.
Imuranis the brand name
Azathioprine Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Imuran
Azathioprine
1968
50
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Azathioprine, otherwise called Imuran, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses like Kidney Transplantation and Rheumatoid Arthritis .Kidney Transplantation
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Effectiveness
How Azathioprine Affects PatientsAzathioprine is a daily medication that helps to suppress the immune system. It works by affecting the cells that cause inflammation, and can also reduce the risk of cancer of the skin or lymph nodes. However, it is important to be aware that it can have side effects, so patients should discuss this with their doctor.
How Azathioprine works in the bodyAzathioprine's exact effects aren't known, but it seems to limit the production of molecules called purines. It also blocks B and T cells from working properly. Azathioprine's metabolite, 6-thioguanine triphosphate, stops T cells from activating and causes them to die. This seems to be an effect of the molecule's action on a protein called rac1, which in turn affects other proteins like mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-kappaB.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Azathioprine is subject to the determined condition, such as Atopic Dermatitis, Kidney Transplantation and Crohn's Disease. The measure can be seen in the table below, contingent upon the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet, film coated - Oral or Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous).Condition
Dosage
Administration
Kidney Transplantation
50.0 mg, , 75.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension
Crohn's Disease
50.0 mg, , 75.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension
Psoriasis
50.0 mg, , 75.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension
Rheumatoid Arthritis
50.0 mg, , 75.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension
Uveitis
50.0 mg, , 75.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension
Multiple Sclerosis
50.0 mg, , 75.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension
Pericarditis
50.0 mg, , 75.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension
Lupus Nephritis
50.0 mg, , 75.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension
Warnings
Azathioprine ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Alkylating Agents
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Azathioprine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Azathioprine Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Azathioprine is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Azathioprine is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Azathioprine is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Azathioprine is combined with Acteoside.
Aldosterone
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Azathioprine is combined with Aldosterone.
Azathioprine Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of the drug in mice has been found to be 2500mg/kg and 400mg/kg in rats. Those who overdose may experience decreased bone marrow production, bleeding, and infection, which can potentially be fatal. Treatment includes managing symptoms and hemodialysis, which can remove 45% of the dose from the bloodstream.
Azathioprine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Azathioprine?
430 active clinical trials are currently underway to assess the potential of Azathioprine in the management of Rejection; Transplant, Kidney, Uveitis and Crohn's Disease.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Multiple Sclerosis
195 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Rheumatoid Arthritis
61 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Lupus Nephritis
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Psoriasis
0 Actively Recruiting
Uveitis
15 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Kidney Transplantation
0 Actively Recruiting
Pericarditis
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3
Crohn's Disease
35 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Azathioprine Reviews: What are patients saying about Azathioprine?
5Patient Review
2/2/2016 I have autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver, and this treatment has done wonders for me. My doctor increased my Ursodial dosage, and now my ALK PH levels are starting to drop as well.
4.7Patient Review
12/23/2019 I've had Crohn's for a long time, and this treatment has really helped me stay in remission. I'm grateful that it exists, but my doctor wants me to switch to a different medication due to potential risks.
4.7Patient Review
7/21/2016 I was diagnosed with UC in December 2015 and then put on infliximab. I've been doing very well for the past six months, only experiencing some joint pain that is subsiding now. It's important to note that it takes 2-3 months for this drug to take effect.
4Patient Review
6/12/2017 I've been taking azathioprine for my autoimmune hepatitis for a year and a half now. The side effects were tough at first, but they've lessened with time. My doctor also prescribed me omeprazole for the nausea, which has helped immensely. I'm also being treated with plaquinel for my lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and I'm hoping to feel normal soon.
3.7Patient Review
4/29/2015 I did gain some weight while taking this medication, but it didn't make me lose my hair, so that's a plus.
3Patient Review
2/8/2017 I'm finding that Aza is making me really tired and depressed. Has anyone else experienced this?
3Patient Review
7/29/2020 So far, so good. I'm hopeful that this treatment will be effective in the long run.
2.7Patient Review
1/15/2015 I'm experiencing numbness in my hands and an upset stomach. I think it might be time to stop this medication.
2.7Patient Review
9/21/2015 Azathioprine has been terrible for myAutoimmune Hepatitis. I've lost a lot of hair, and I'm constantly exhausted with joint and stomach pain. It's also made it hard to think clearly. My doctor doesn't seem to care about any of these side effects.
2.3Patient Review
6/17/2016 I started taking these tablets a few days ago and almost immediately thereafter, I developed an electric shock sensation on the side of my head. It's been getting worse since then and is now painful to the touch. I hope this stops soon.
2Patient Review
6/3/2021 Azathioprine was an absolute nightmare for me. I had to stop taking it after just six months because the side effects were so severe. I would absolutely not recommend this medication to anyone.
2Patient Review
5/8/2015 I found this medication made me excessively drowsy to the point where it was difficult to function. I discontinued use after three months.
1.7Patient Review
9/30/2015 Azathioprine was supposed to help me reduce my daily intake of prednisone, but it's just been awful. I constantly feel sick, like I have a cold, and my stomach is in knots all the time. The last few times I've vomited there's even been blood in it. This prescription does nothing for my muscles, so it seems like prednisone is the only way.
1Patient Review
8/9/2017 I developed a cyst after just three weeks of using this medication. It was incredibly painful and my doctor had to remove it surgically. He said it was an allergic reaction to the medication, so I stopped taking it immediately. I'm doing much better now!
Patient Q&A Section about azathioprine
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is the drug azathioprine used for?
"Can you take azathioprine with other medications?
Azathioprine is used with other medications to prevent transplant rejection (attack of the transplanted organ by the immune system) in people who received kidney transplants."
Answered by AI
Is azathioprine a steroid?
"Azathioprine is not a steroid, and it is thought to be safer to take in the long term than steroids."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking azathioprine?
"The following are potential side effects of the medication: increased stomach irritation, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, changes in hair color and texture (along with hair loss), loss of appetite, blood in the urine or stool, unusual bruising, fatigue, development of mouth sores and ulcers."
Answered by AI
Is azathioprine like chemo?
"There are a few chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat rheumatic diseases. The three that are most widely used are Methotrexate, Azathioprine, and Cyclophosphamide. Methotrexate is the chemotherapy drug that is most often used to treat rheumatic diseases."
Answered by AI