Azathioprine

About Azathioprine

Azathioprine weakens your immune system and is used to treat inflammation of the bones and joints (rheumatoid arthritis), inflammation of the intestines (ulcerative colitis), skin, and liver.

It is also used after a transplant to keep your body from rejecting the new organ.

How does Azathioprine work?

When a “foreign” object (such as bacteria or a new organ from transplant surgery) enters your body, your body targets and attacks the foreign object.

In certain conditions, the response to foreign objects can be overactive and result in the destruction of your cells in addition. Other conditions can cause your body to attack and destroy itself.

Azathioprine weakens your immune system (the defense system). The weakening of the immune system controls the damage to your cells.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Sensitivity to sunlight

  You can apply sunscreen to your skin to help manage this side effect. It is advisable to stay out of strong sunlight.

• Nausea Take azathioprine with food to help alleviate this side effect.

• Headache

Please stop taking this medication and contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you experience:

• Change in urine color

• Bleeding

• Lumps on any part of your body

• Blisters or peeling of skin

• Severe fatigue with vomiting or diarrhea

• Severe abdominal pain

• Fever with cough, chills, or a sore throat

Useful information

Azathioprine increases your risk of infection. Your doctor will order regular medical tests to monitor your organ functions when taking azathioprine for the long term.

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking azathioprine.

• Azathioprine can be taken with or without meals, but it should not be used with, but you should not take azathioprine with milk or milk products (cheese and yogurt). You can take milk products an hour before or two hours after taking this medication.

• Alcohol can damage your liver. Azathioprine can also be harmful to the liver. Excessive alcohol consumption is not recommended.

• Make a note of all the medications you're taking in addition to azathioprine and show it to your pharmacist or doctor.

• Vaccines may be affected by azathioprine. If you require any immunizations while taking azathioprine, talk to your doctor.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

You shouldn’t drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or weak when taking azathioprine.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Azathioprine isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

Azathioprine hasn’t been proven to affect fertility in males or females. Speak to your doctor if you are trying to have a baby.

Azathioprine doesn’t affect contraceptives.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• There is not enough evidence to conclude that azathioprine is not harmful in pregnancy. It is therefore not recommended to use azathioprine during pregnancy.

  When taking azathioprine, it is recommended that you use a contraceptive method for a month following treatment in women and three months after therapy in males. If you become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Azathioprine can be found in breast milk. Your doctor will run tests to make sure your baby is safe.

  Observe your baby and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice poor feeding, or you have any concerns.