Brand
name: AZORAN
(Imuran, Imuzat, AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine))
GENERIC
NAME: AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine)
BRAND NAME: Imuran
DRUG CLASS:
AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) is classified as an immunosuppressant medication.
AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) is used to suppress the immune system in patients who
have had kidney transplants. Although its exact mechanism of action
in rheumatoid arthritis is not known, its effect in suppressing the
immune system appears to decrease the activity of this illness.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablet: 50mg; It can also be given intravenously.
STORAGE: Store at 59 to 77degrees F, in a sealed, light-resistant,
container, avoid moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR:
AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) is used to inhibit the immune response
that causes rejection of kidney transplants. AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) is also used
for the treatment of severe, active rheumatoid arthritis. It is considered
a "second-line," or "slow- acting" drug and is
usually reserved for rheumatoid arthritis patients who do not respond
to other first-line or second-line medications.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) can cause an increase in cancer risk
when used long-term. This particular risk increases in patients with
a prior history of treatment with other powerful immunosuppressants,
such as Cytoxan, Leukeran, and Alkeran. It also increases the risk
of serious infections. AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) can impair fertility by reducing
sperm counts in males. Because AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine)'s toxicity increases
when taken with the gout medication allopurinol (Zyloprim), its dose
is
reduced with simultaneous use. Severely low white blood counts can
occur when taken with other drugs that can affect the bone marrow
or with ACE-inhibitor class drugs used to treat elevated blood pressure,
such as Accupril and Vasotec. The safety and effectiveness for use
in children has not been established.
PREGNANCY: AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) is transferred to the fetus and is avoided
in pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is also found in breast milk and is not used in
nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS:
The most common serious side effects of AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine)
involve the blood elements and gastrointestinal system. AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine)
can cause serious lowering of the white blood cell count, resulting
in an increased risk of infections. This can reverse when the dose
is reduced or temporarily discontinued. AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) can cause nausea,
vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can resolve when the dose is
reduced or divided through the day. AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) can also cause liver
toxicity (in less than 1% of rheumatoid arthritis patients). All
patients taking AZORAN (Imuran, Imuzat, Azathioprine) require regular blood testing for blood
counts
and liver function tests for monitoring. Other side effects encountered
less frequently include fatigue, hair loss, joint pains, and diarrhea.
