What is azathioprine?
Azathioprine specifically is a prescription drug that weakens the body’s immune system. It is FDA approved for use in the recipients of the organ transplant and to treat rheumatoid arthritis.It is also widely recommended off label in order to treat certain other conditions.
How does azathioprine work?
Azathioprine is believed to target the body’s WBC, slowing down their ability in order to multiply and respond to an infection. This weakening of the immune system may also help in order to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Who should take azathioprine?
Azathioprine should only be taken as directed by your healthcare practitioner. It is commonly prescribed in order to treat the autoimmune diseases and certain forms of pulmonary fibrosis when inflammation exists in the lungs.
Before taking azathioprine, your healthcare practitioner may perform a special blood test named TPMT testing in order to see in case you are at risk for severe effects on your bone marrow from azathioprine.
In case you are at risk, your healthcare team may decide to give you a reduced azathioprine dose or to not to give you this medication at all.
How should azathioprine be taken?
Azathioprine basically comes in 50mg tablets that should be taken orally. Your healthcare practitioner will determine the appropriate dose for you.
What are the side effects of azathioprine?
The most common side effects of azathioprine 50 mg are decreased white blood cell counts, nausea, infections, vomiting, and decreased blood platelet counts.
In a few cases, this medication may be responsible for causing abnormalities in liver blood tests.
Rarely, this medication can cause a severe allergic reaction, pancreatitis and liver disease. Some other side effects may also occur. Talk to your healthcare practitioner in case any of these side effects occur.
Are there specific precautions I need to take if I'm on azathioprine?
Yes. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must discuss with your healthcare team about birth control and the risks of taking azathioprine 50 mg during pregnancy. Food and Drug Administration suggests that women of childbearing age/potential do not become pregnant.
How will my healthcare provider monitor me while I am taking azathioprine?
Your healthcare provider will monitor you for adverse reactions and will perform blood tests periodically. In case you have adverse reactions, your healthcare provider might reduce your dose or temporarily/permanently interrupt the treatment with azathioprine.
What drug interactions should I know about?
Allopurinol may increase the blood levels of azathioprine. In case you need to take both drugs, discuss with your healthcare provider in order to find out whether your azathioprine dose needs to be adjusted.
The azathioprine tablets can be also responsible for reducing the effectiveness of warfarin.
Certain other drug interactions may occur, so it is crucial to update your healthcare team about any medicine changes or additions including prescriptions, vitamins, over the counter, and herbal supplements.
Are there some individuals who should not take azathioprine?
- Individuals with the history of an allergic reaction to azathioprine should avoid taking azathioprine.
- The Food and Drug Administration suggests that women of childbearing age must avoid becoming pregnant.
- Azathioprine uses in nursing mothers need to be avoided.
What is the price of azathioprine?
The azathioprine price for a 50 mg tablet is around 1944 INR for a supply of 30 tablets, depending on the wholesaler/pharmacy you choose to purchase.
NOTE: The piece of information mentioned about "A Quick Guide On Azathioprine" in this article is just for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of a qualified healthcare professional.