AZATHIOPRINE (Oral route, Intravenous route) - ay-za-THYE-oh-preen.(Drug overview)

Warning --

Chronic immunosuppression with this purine antimetabolite increases risk of neoplasia in humans. Physicians using this drug should be very familiar with this risk as well as with the mutagenic potential to both men and women and with possible hematologic toxicities .

Brand names in the United States --

* Azasan

* Imuran

Dosage forms --

* Tablet

* Powder for Solution

Therapeutic classification: Antirheumatic, Cytotoxic

Pharmacologic classification: Antimetabolite

DESCRIPTION OF USE

Azathioprine belongs to the group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. It is used to reduce the body's natural immunity in patients who receive organ transplants. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Azathioprine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Azathioprine is a very strong medicine. You and your doctor should talk about the need for this medicine and its risks. Even though azathioprine may cause side effects that could be very serious, remember that it may be required to treat your medical problem.

Azathioprine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, azathioprine is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

* Bowel disease, inflammatory

* Cirrhosis, biliary

* Dermatomyositis, systemic

* Glomerulonephritis

* Hepatitis, chronic active

* Lupus erythematosus, systemic

* Myasthenia gravis

* Myopathy, inflammatory

* Nephrotic syndrome

* Pemphigoid

* Pemphigus

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies --

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care …