$Unique_ID{BRK01843}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{AZATHIOPRINE}
$Subject{Imuran (Burroughs Wellcome)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


AZATHIOPRINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Imuran (Burroughs Wellcome)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Immunosuppressant
INGREDIENT:
     azathioprine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (50 mg)
STORAGE:
     Azathioprine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to prevent rejection of kidney transplants and to
control the symptoms of severe rheumatoid arthritis.  It is not clear exactly
how azathioprine works, but it is known to act on the body's immune system.

TREATMENT

     In order to prevent nausea and vomiting, you can take azathioprine with
food or after a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the
next scheduled dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just
return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.  If you
miss more than one dose, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as
your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
darkened urine, fever, hair loss, joint pains, mouth sores, muscle aches, skin
rash, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or
skin.

INTERACTIONS

     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you are already taking allopurinol.  It
can increase the blood levels of azathioprine, which can lead to serious side
effects.

WARNINGS

     * Be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions
that you have had to any medications, especially to azathioprine.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had gout, kidney disease, liver disease,
pancreatitis, or recurrent infections.  Azathioprine is potent medicine.  Your
doctor will want to monitor your therapy carefully with blood tests, so that
you take the least amount of the drug possible.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  Stopping therapy with this drug abruptly may lead to a worsening of
your condition.  Your doctor may, therefore, want to start you on another drug
before therapy with azathioprine is stopped.
     * There is a chance that azathioprine may cause unwanted effects months
or years later.  These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer.
Be sure to discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
     * Azathioprine can increase your susceptibility to infections.  It is,
therefore, important to contact your doctor at the first sign of infection.
Your dose of azathioprine may need to be adjusted.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Birth defects have
been reported in the offspring of animals that received large doses of
azathioprine during pregnancy.  This drug also has the potential for producing
birth defects in human offspring.  Use of this drug is not recommended during
pregnancy.  There is a possibility that birth defects may occur in the
offspring if either the male or female is using this drug at the time of
conception.  Use of birth control is recommended while taking this drug.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known
whether azathioprine passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
