Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 , since this is a medication that is suppose to slow your immune system down (ie your white blood cells). Then there is that possiblity that it is the medication. There are many reasons why you could have a low white blood cell count. What it means would really depend on which of the white blood cells are low. Hope this helps. R. Back to last page Azathioprine Available in: Tablets, injectionDrug Class: ImmunosuppressantNot available as GenericNot available over-the-counter See: Pill Images Brand Names Imuran Side Effects SeriousRapid heartbeat; sudden fever or chills; back, side, muscle, or joint pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; cough or hoarseness; shortness of breath; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; difficult or painful urination; severe or sudden stomach pain with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; red spots, red patches, or blisters on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising; abrupt or sudden, unusual feeling of discomfort or illness. These may be signs of serious infection, bleeding emergencies, or gastrointestinal problems. Seek immediate medical assistance. CommonModerate nausea and vomiting; loss of appetite. Less CommonLiver problems, skin rash, sores in mouth, stomach pain, swelling of feet or lower legs, shortness of breath. Precautions Over 60Driving and Hazardous WorkAlcoholPregnancyBreast FeedingInfants and ChildrenSpecial Concerns Principal Uses To slow down or reduce the natural tendency of the immune system to reject organ transplants, and to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. How the Drug Works Azathioprine prevents the immune system from attacking transplanted organs and slows down immune cells that cause inflammation in joints and elsewhere. Dosage For transplant rejection Tablet and injection: Initially, 3 to 5 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily. With improvement the dose may be reduced to 1 to 2 mg per 2.2 lbs daily. For rheumatoid arthritis Tablet: 1 mg per 2.2 lbs daily. This may be increased to not more than 2.5 mg per 2.2 lbs daily. Onset of Effect 4 to 8 weeks. Duration of Action Suppression of the immune system may persist long after the drug is completely eliminated. Dietary Advice Take it with food or immediately following a meal to reduce stomach irritation. Storage Store in a tightly sealed container in a dry place away from heat and direct light. Keep liquid form refrigerated, but do not allow it to freeze. If You Miss a Dose For once-daily schedules: Do not take the missed dose. Take your next scheduled dose at the proper time and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose. For multiple-dose daily schedules: Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next scheduled dose, take the two doses together and resume your regular dosage schedule. If you miss more than one dose in a day, call your doctor. Stopping the Drug Take this drug as prescribed for the full length of treatment, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy Prolonged Use Prolonged use increases the risk of side effects and the possibility of cancer. Precautions Over 60Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients. Driving and Hazardous WorkThe use of azathioprine may impair your ability to perform such tasks safely. AlcoholAvoid alcohol. PregnancyDo not use this drug if you are pregnant. It should not be used by either the male or the female partners if you are trying to become pregnant. Breast FeedingAzathioprine passes into breast milk; avoid or discontinue use while nursing. Infants and ChildrenAzathioprine has not been shown to affect children differently than adults. Consult your pediatrician for advice. Special ConcernsInfection is a great threat to people with suppressed immune systems. Azathioprine may lower your ability to resist infection by lowering the number of white blood cells in the blood. Do not receive any vaccinations without approval from your doctor. Avoid people with infections. Azathioprine may also suppress platelets (the blood components that control blood coagulation), and thus cause bleeding problems. Use care with scissors, nail clippers, nail files, razors, toothbrushes, dental floss, or toothpicks. Inform your dentist that you are taking azathioprine. Overdose Symptoms:Unusual bleeding, increased susceptibility to infection. What to Do:Call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately. Drug Interactions Inform your doctor if you are taking allopurinol, ACE inhibitors, chlorambucil, corticosteroids, cotrimoxazole, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mercaptopurine, or muromonab-CD3. Food Interactions No known food interactions. Disease Interactions Caution is advised when taking azathioprine. Consult your doctor if you have any of the following: chicken pox, shingles, gout, infection, kidney or liver disease, or pancreatitis. Last updated September 11, 2000 Printer-friendly format Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2001 Report Share Posted July 13, 2001 Thank you. W >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> , since this is a medication that is suppose to slow your immune system down (ie your white blood cells). Then there is that possiblity that it is the medication. There are many reasons why you could have a low white blood cell count. What it means would really depend on which of the white blood cells are low. Hope this helps. R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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