Imuran

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (bone marrow suppression)

Decreased white blood cell count (leucopenia)

Decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

Increased susceptibility to infections

Damage to the liver

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Loss of hair

Allergic reaction - see warnings above for symptoms

Nausea

Diarrhoea

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Inflammation of the lungs due to chest infection (pneumonitis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

The blood level of azathioprine is greatly increased if it is taken with allopurinol. If you are taking both these medicines together your doctor will prescribe you a lower than normal dose of azathioprine to prevent the increased blood level and increased risk of side effects.

This medicine may reduce the anti-blood-clotting effect of anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin. If you are taking this medicine with warfarin your blood-clotting time (INR) should be monitored.

There may be an increased risk of blood cell abnormalities if azathioprine is taken with the following medicines:

Co-trimoxazole or trimethoprim, particularly in individuals who have had a kidney transplant

ACE inhibitors such as captopril

Aminosalicylates such as mesalazine, olsalazine, sulfasalazine.

Vaccines may be less effective in people receiving immunosuppressant medicines, because the immunosuppressant can prevent the body forming adequate antibodies. Live vaccines should be not be given because they may cause infection. Live vaccines include the following: oral polio; rubella; measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); BCG; yellow fever and oral typhoid vaccines.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

	Immunoprin

Azathioprine tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

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