Immunoprin

- Abnormal destruction of liver cells by the body's immune system
- Abnormal destruction of red blood cells by the body's immune system (autoimmune haemolytic anaemia)
- Blistering skin disorder caused by abnormal attack of the skin cells by the body's immune system (pemphigus vulgaris)
- Abnormal destruction of blood platelets by the body's immune system
- Inflammatory disease of the skin and muscles (dermatomyositis)
- Inflammatory disease of the muscles (polymyositis)
- Long-term inflammation of skin and internal organs due to abnormal attack of the body tissues by the immune system (systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Inflammation of the walls of arteries (polyarteritis nodosa)
- Preventing the body from rejecting transplanted organs, eg heart, liver, kidney transplants
- Severe inflammatory disease of the joints caused by abnormal attack on the joints by the immune system

Warning!

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- This medicine decreases the normal amounts of blood cells in your blood. For this reason you will need to have regular blood tests to monitor the levels of your blood cells. You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they may indicate a problem with your blood cells: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever), feeling tired or general illness or infection.
- People having long term or intense immunosuppressive treatment are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other cancers, particularly skin cancer. For this reason you should minimise your exposure to strong sunlight and UV light by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor, in order to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Discuss this with your doctor.
- If you suffer from liver problems your doctor should monitor your liver function while you are taking this medicine.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they may suggest that you are allergic to this medicine: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, shivering, skin rash, or pain in the muscles or joints.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Elderly people
- Inherited deficiency of an enzyme called thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT)

Not to be used in

- Allergy to mercaptopurine
- Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby.

- Women should use effective contraception to avoid getting pregnant and men should use effective contraception to avoid fathering a child during treatment with this medicine. Women who do get pregnant while they or their partner is receiving treatment should consult their doctor immediately. Azathioprine may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and miscarriage. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Label warnings

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- Take this medication with or after food.