How does it work?

Azathioprine belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants. These medicines reduce the body's immune response. Azathioprine is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, and produces its effects by preventing the formation of DNA (genetic material). The immune system normally protects the body from foreign substances such as toxins that cause infections, by producing antibodies to fight them. In the same way, transplanted organs can be attacked by the immune system as it is taken to be a foreign substance. Immunosuppressants are therefore useful in preventing the body from rejecting a transplanted organ. For some unknown reason, the body's immune system is sometimes unable to distinguish between its own tissues and foreign tissues and so attacks and destroys its own cells resulting in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Azathioprine can be used to treat autoimmune diseases as it suppresses the body's immune response. Individuals taking this medicine are more susceptible to infections due to low immune response.

What is it used for?

Active chronic autoimmune hepatitis

An attack of the body by its immune system resulting in the destruction of red blood cells (autoimmune haemolytic anaemia)

An itchy blistering disorder of the skin caused by an attack of the body by its own immune system (pemphis vulgaris)

Attack on the body by its immune system causing the destruction of blood platelets which leads to bruising (thrombocytopaenia purpura), with long term effects and not responding to treatment.

Inflammation of the skin and underlying tissues such as the muscles (dermatomyositis) and generalised disease of the muscle (polymyositis)

Long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs (systemic lupus erythematosus)

Patchy inflammation of the walls of arteries of unknown cause (polyarteritis nodosa)

Preventing the body from rejecting transplanted organs

Severe inflammatory disease of the joints ( severe rheumatoid arthritis)

Warning!

This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. For this reason, if you experience any unexplained bruising, purple spots, bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever), feeling tired or general illness, you should consult your doctor immediately so that blood tests can be carried out to check for this.

Individuals taking this medicine are advised to monitor blood cell counts regularly.

Individuals taking this medicine must be regularly monitored for adverse effects.

This medicine may cause an increase in fertility

The effect of this medicine may not be evident for several weeks or months.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Elderly people

Liver disease

Overproduction of uric acid caused by a hereditary disease

Not to be used in

Pregnancy

Women of child-bearing potential

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. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. 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

Take this medication with or after food.

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