 Home / Immunosuppressants / Imuran, azathioprine |
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Buy Imuran, azathioprine Buy Imuran to assist in the management of rheumatoid arthritis where other treatments have failed, and as an adjunct in prevention of rejection of renal homotransplantation. Imuran should be taken exactly as instructed by your doctor. It may be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.Contraindications: Consult a doctor before taking Imuran if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, if you are taking any other medications (especially blood thinners, gout medications, cotrimoxazole, anti-cancer drugs, anti-inflammatories, or ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril), or if you have or have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, infection, or any allergies. To read more about Imuran, azathioprine side effects, Imuran, azathioprine dosage, and for more useful information about Imuran, azathioprine, please click the product information link below.  PRODUCT INFORMATION |
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Other name(s): Azasan, Azamun, Imurel |
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Often prescribed for arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, organ transplant rejection |
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READ MORE ABOUT IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS
Imuran, azathioprineChemical Namesazathioprine Ingredients Active Ingredients: azathioprine Non-Active Ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch, povidone, and stearic acid. Each 100-mg vial contains azathioprine, as the sodium salt, equivalent to 100 mg azathioprine sterile lyophilized material and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH. Indications Imuran is indicated in the management of rheumatoid arthritis where other treatments have failed, and as an adjunct in prevention of rejection of renal homotransplantation. How It Works Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant, a drug that inhibits the action of the human immune system. Since rheumatoid arthritis and organ transplant rejection are both caused by the immune system problematically attacking parts of the body we do not want them to attack, both conditions can be treated by suppressing the immune system. Azathioprine accomplishes this by inhibiting the synthesis of lymphocytes, a major component of the immune system. Dosage Available tablet sizes: 25 mg, 50 mg Imuran should be taken exactly as instructed by your doctor. It may be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Renal Homotransplantation: The dose of Imuran required to prevent rejection and minimize toxicity will vary with individual patients; this necessitates careful management. The initial dose is usually 3 to 5 mg/kg daily, beginning at the time of transplant. Imuran is usually given as a single daily dose on the day of, and in a minority of cases 1 to 3 days before, transplantation. Imuran is often initiated with the intravenous administration of the sodium salt, with subsequent use of tablets (at the same dose level) after the postoperative period. Intravenous administration of the sodium salt is indicated only in patients unable to tolerate oral medications. Dose reduction to maintenance levels of 1 to 3 mg/kg daily is usually possible. The dose of Imuran should not be increased to toxic levels because of threatened rejection. Discontinuation may be necessary for severe hematologic or other toxicity, even if rejection of the homograft may be a consequence of drug withdrawal. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Imuran is usually given on a daily basis. The initial dose should be approximately 1.0 mg/kg (50 to 100 mg) given as a single dose or on a twice-daily schedule. The dose may be increased, beginning at 6 to 8 weeks and thereafter by steps at 4-week intervals, if there are no serious toxicities and if initial response is unsatisfactory. Dose increments should be 0.5 mg/kg daily, up to a maximum dose of 2.5 mg/kg per day. Therapeutic response occurs after several weeks of treatment, usually 6 to 8; an adequate trial should be a minimum of 12 weeks. Patients not improved after 12 weeks can be considered refractory. Imuran may be continued long-term in patients with clinical response, but patients should be monitored carefully, and gradual dosage reduction should be attempted to reduce risk of toxicities. Maintenance therapy should be at the lowest effective dose, and the dose given can be lowered decrementally with changes of 0.5 mg/kg or approximately 25 mg daily every 4 weeks while other therapy is kept constant. The optimum duration of maintenance Imuran has not been determined. Imuran can be discontinued abruptly, but delayed effects are possible. Relatively oliguric patients, especially those with tubular necrosis in the immediate postcadaveric transplant period, may have delayed clearance of Imuran or its metabolites, may be particularly sensitive to this drug, and are usually given lower doses. Consult a doctor before taking Imuran if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have or have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, infection, or any allergies. Long-term use of this medication increases the risk of developing neoplasias (cancerous or noncancerous growths). Azathioprine can also cause blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia). Immediately notify your doctor if you develop unusual growths, easy bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection such as persistent sore throat or fever. When taking Imuran, notify your doctor immediately of any sign of infection, as taking this medication can increase your susceptibility to infectious bacteria. Drug Interactions Consult a doctor before taking Imuran if you are taking any medications, especially blood thinners, gout medications, cotrimoxazole, anti-cancer drugs, anti-inflammatories, or ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril. Adverse/Side Effects Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. If you experience any of these rare but serious side effects, report them promptly: hair loss, unusual fatigue, stomach pain, joint or muscle pain, vision changes, yellowing of eyes or skin, darkened urine, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual lumps or growths. Overdose Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Storage Instructions Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light, and out of reach of children and pets. |
