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What is Imuran
AzathioprineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAzathioprine is a drug used to treat inflammation and suppress the immune system. It was first created in 1956 and has been used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and to help prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant patients. Azathioprine is approved by the FDA and has been used since 1968.
Imuranis the brand name
Imuran 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 Imuran Affects PatientsAzathioprine is a drug that lowers the body's natural immunity. It should be taken daily and should be used with caution, as it has a small margin of safety. People taking this drug should be aware of the possible risks of developing skin cancer or lymphoma.
How Imuran works in the bodyAzathioprine stops cells from making certain molecules that are necessary for the body's immune system. It also makes it harder for B and T cells to survive. A molecule made by the body when azathioprine is taken, 6-thioguanine triphosphate, also stops these cells from staying alive. This is thought to be due to a protein called rac1, which works with NF-kappaB to control the immune system.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested measure of Imuran is contingent upon the determined ailment, including Atopic Dermatitis, Kidney Transplantation and Crohn's Disease. The amount as well depends on the mode of delivery (e.g. Tablet, film coated - Oral or Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous) featured in the table beneath.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
Imuran ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Alkylating Agents
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Azathioprine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Imuran 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.
Imuran Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of a drug in mice is 2500mg/kg and 400mg/kg in rats. Overdosing on the drug can lead to a reduced number of cells in the bone marrow, bleeding, and infection, which can eventually cause death. Treatments include supportive and symptomatic treatments as well as hemodialysis, which can remove 45% of the drug from the bloodstream.
Imuran Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Imuran?
There are 430 active trials currently assessing the potential of Imuran to manage Rejection; Transplant, Kidney, Uveitis and Crohn's Disease.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Rheumatoid Arthritis
61 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Multiple Sclerosis
194 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Lupus Nephritis
21 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
Imuran Reviews: What are patients saying about Imuran?
5Patient Review
3/4/2016 Ulcerative proctitis was my diagnosis in 1985, which then progressed to UC in 2012. I tried various treatments like canasa, anusol, budesonide, uceris, and more; none of them helped much. However, once I started Imuran (100mg daily) about 15 months ago in addition to Lialda, I've been in remission for the most part. This has improved my quality of life immensely--I almost feel normal again!
5Patient Review
10/6/2017 I've had Ulcerative Colitis for six years now. Prednisone helped to get things under control, and Imuran has been a really stable medication during my remission. I've been using it for three years with no known side effects, which is great.
5Patient Review
4/17/2014 Imuran finally allowed me to get a clean colonoscopy after fifteen years of struggling with UC. I've also been able to go for runs without flareups for the first time in years, which is amazing. The only downside is that I sometimes experience some joint pain in my hips afterwards; however, this could just be due to the fact that I'm 50 years old and not necessarily related to the Imuran.
5Patient Review
3/1/2015 This drug was my last hope, and it really worked. I had tried everything else before this, and nothing helped.
4.7Patient Review
11/4/2015 I've been on imuran for 32 years to prevent organ rejection, and it's definitely effective. The only downside is that I've developed 7 skin cancers and my skin is looking increasingly brown and spotted. My dermatologist says this isn't from the imuran, but I'm not so sure.
4.7Patient Review
11/11/2015 I've been on imuran since 2006 and it's been great. I haven't had any issues except for some diarrhea and short gut B-12 deficiency, but I think that has more to do with the surgery than the Imuran. This is by far the best stretch of time I've had since being diagnosed in 1968.
4.7Patient Review
2/5/2016 I've been taking Imuran for over 35 years in conjunction with Prednisone. It's been effective for me, even though I've had to deal with treatable skin cancers a few times.
4.7Patient Review
8/22/2015 I've been managing my lupus with this medication for a while now, and it seems to help. I'm always a little worried about potential side effects, but so far so good.
3.3Patient Review
5/13/2017 I started to experience some negative side effects after just a few days of taking the 50mg dosage. These included abdominal pain and swelling, red blotches on my forearms, and small bumps. I've since lowered my dosage to 25mg and have been taking it for four days with no issues.
3Patient Review
6/11/2014 I experienced a lot of heat flashes, sweating, joint pain, abdominal pain, bloating, and easy bruising.
2.3Patient Review
12/31/2014 About an hour after taking the medication, I became incredibly nauseous and vomited uncontrollably for nearly half an hour. Additionally, I experienced extreme disorientation and had difficulty walking. Thankfully, a kind bystander helped me to the emergency room where I was hospitalized for five days.
2.3Patient Review
7/15/2017 While this does help to control my arthritis, it unfortunately also causes my blood sugar levels to spike. I also have a hard time tapering off the medication because I swell up and become ravenous.
2.3Patient Review
9/26/2015 I have a heart condition and take Imuran 50mg every day, but my symptoms have only gotten worse. My doctors don't seem to care--they're just telling me to keep taking the drug so that they can collect insurance. Has anyone else had hallucinations from this drug? I see things moving that I know are stationary. For example, bridges moving 20 feet in the air while I'm driving. It's scary. Somebody please help me.
1Patient Review
2/13/2015 I had a really severe reaction to this medication. I was hospitalized and it was honestly a really scary experience. Definitely not something I would recommend to anyone.
1Patient Review
5/26/2014 Unfortunately, this medication did not work at all for me. In fact, it made me feel much worse and I was incredibly sick the whole time I took it. Thankfully, I found alternative treatments that have helped me immensely.
Patient Q&A Section about imuran
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the long term side effects of Imuran?
"If you experience any of the following health problems, you should see a doctor right away: muscle loss, hair loss, cold or numbness in the fingers, mouth sores, difficult or painful swallowing, or greasy stools."
Answered by AI
What is the drug Imuran used for?
"Azathioprine is a medication used to treat diseases related to the immune system. It is sometimes used in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have not had success with standard FDA-approved medications."
Answered by AI
What drug class is Imuran?
"Azathioprine, marketed under the brand name Imuran, is an immunosuppressive medication. It works by weakening the body's immune response. This is important after a kidney transplant, as it prevents the body from attacking the new kidney."
Answered by AI
What is the difference between Imuran and prednisone?
"The two drugs Imuran and prednisone have different purposes and side effects. Imuran is designed to suppress the immune system while prednisone is a corticosteroid. However, both drugs can cause nausea or vomiting."
Answered by AI