What is the mechanism of action of azathioprine?
Mechanism of action Azathioprine inhibits purine synthesis. Purines are needed to produce DNA and RNA. By inhibiting purine synthesis, less DNA and RNA are produced for the synthesis of white blood cells, thus causing immunosuppression.
What drug classification is azathioprine?
Azathioprine is in a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by decreasing the activity of the body’s immune system so it will not attack the transplanted organ or the joints.
What does azathioprine do to your body?
Azathioprine works by decreasing the activity of your body’s immune system. For RA, this keeps your immune system from attacking and damaging your joints. For a kidney transplant, the drug keeps your immune system from attacking the newly transplanted kidney.
Does azathioprine have a black box warning?
Imuran tablets contain a black box warning related to the possibility of developing a specific kind of cancer. This is related in particular to people who take the drug and also have IBD. The risk of developing cancer should be weighed against the risk of not treating the IBD with this drug.
How does azathioprine suppress the immune system?
Azathioprine is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant. These medicines work by suppressing or “calming” your immune system. This means your immune system becomes weaker. If you take azathioprine for an inflammatory or autoimmune condition, it slows down the production of new cells in your body’s immune system.
How long can you stay on azathioprine?
How long will I be taking it? If tolerated, you will probably be on azathioprine for up to 5 years. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel well.
Is azathioprine a immunosuppression?
About azathioprine Azathioprine is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants help “calm” (or control) your body’s immune system.
Is azathioprine a corticosteroid?
Azathioprine (also known as Imuran®) is often prescribed for patients with chronic active inflammatory bowel disease that requires continuous or repeated courses of corticosteroids. Azathioprine is often referred to as a “steroid sparing agent” or “immunomodulator”.
What are the most common side effects of azathioprine?
What are the possible side effects of azathioprine (Imuran®)?
- Increased stomach irritation, abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Changes in hair color and texture, along with hair loss.
- Loss of appetite.
- Blood in the urine or stool.
- Unusual bruising.
- Fatigue.
- Development of mouth sores and ulcers.
How toxic is azathioprine?
Context: The use of thiopurine drugs such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine has become quite common in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, transplantation and acute leukemias. Despite their effectiveness, these drugs are capable of causing drug-induced toxicity with the risk of death by myelosuppression.
Is azathioprine a strong immunosuppressant?
About azathioprine Azathioprine is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants help “calm” (or control) your body’s immune system. This medicine helps treat inflammatory conditions such as: rheumatoid arthritis.
Can you take vitamin D with azathioprine?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between azathioprine and Vitamin D3. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
How does azathioprine affect the risk of developing cancer?
What other information should I know? Azathioprine may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, especially skin cancer and lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells that fight infection). If you have had a kidney transplant, there may be a higher risk that you will develop cancer even if you do not take azathioprine.
What kind of drug is azathioprine used for?
Azathioprine is an antineoplastic antimetabolite drug currently used as an immunosuppressive agent after organ transplantation and for several dysimmunitary diseases. The usual daily dose ranges from 1 to 5 mg/kg orally. Azathioprine is marketed in France under the trade name Imurel in tablet form f …
What is the physicochemical and microbiological stability of azathioprine?
Physicochemical and microbiological stability of azathioprine in InOrpha suspending agent studied under various conditions Azathioprine is an antineoplastic antimetabolite drug currently used as an immunosuppressive agent after organ transplantation and for several dysimmunitary diseases.
How is azathioprine used in organ transplantation?
Last Update: August 21, 2017. Azathioprine is a purine analogue and prodrug of mercaptopurine that is used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ transplantation to prevent rejection and in autoimmune diseases as a corticosteroid sparing agent.