About azathioprine
Immunosuppressant antimetabolite
Used for
- Prevents organ transplant rejection
- Treats rheumatoid arthritis
- Treats inflammatory bowel and autoimmune diseases
Usual adult dose
Usually 1–3 mg/kg once daily for transplant prevention; 1–2.5 mg/kg daily for rheumatoid arthritis, adjusted by response.
Usual dose in children
For transplant prevention, usually 1–3 mg/kg once daily; specialist-adjusted dosing is required.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Increased infection risk
- Low blood cell counts
- Liver injury or pancreatitis
Important warnings
- Regular blood counts and liver tests are essential.
- Serious infections and some cancers may occur with long-term treatment.
- Contact a clinician promptly for fever, unusual bruising, or severe abdominal pain.
- Testing for TPMT or NUDT15 enzyme activity can help identify toxicity risk.
Pregnancy
May be continued for some conditions when needed; treatment decisions require specialist review. Do not stop without medical guidance.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter milk; use may be considered with clinical monitoring, particularly in infants.
Interactions
- Allopurinol and febuxostat can greatly increase toxicity; dose adjustment or avoidance is needed.
- Ribavirin may increase bone-marrow suppression.
- Warfarin effects may be reduced.
- Live vaccines may be unsafe during treatment.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.