Guest guest Posted March 9, 2004 Report Share Posted March 9, 2004 Skip navigation Other drug names: A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 Azathioprine (ay za thye' oh preen)Brand name(s): Imuran Contents of this page: Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Why is this medication prescribed? Azathioprine is used with other drugs to prevent rejection of kidney transplants. It also is used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How should this medicine be used? Azathioprine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take azathioprine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking aziothioprine for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, you may not experience improvement for 6-8 weeks. Other uses for this medicine Aziothioprine also is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking azathioprine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to azathioprine or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially allopurinol (Zyloprim), benzepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Zestril), methotrexate, quinipril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking azathioprine, call your doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking azathioprine. What should I do if I forget a dose? When you start to take azathioprine, ask your doctor what you should do if you forget a dose. Write down these directions so that you can refer to them later. If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor. What side effects can this medication cause? Although side effects from azathioprine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: loss of appetite upset stomach vomiting diarrhea joint pain cold hands and feet If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: sore throat fever chills mouth sores unusual bleeding or bruising blood in urine bloody or dark, tarry stools yellowing of the skin or eyes skin rash shortness of breath fast heartbeat vision changes What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. In case of emergency/overdose In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. What other information should I know? Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to azathioprine. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Last Revised - 01/01/2003 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, land Copyright© 2001. All Rights Reserved. Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | Home Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine | National Institutes of Health Page last updated: 17 February 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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