Imuran is the brand name for the generic drug Azathioprine and it is manufactured by Glaxo SmithKline Inc. It is available in tablets of 50, 75 or 100 mg as well as in injectibles of 100 mg. The tablets are circular with a color that is between off white and yellow.
This drug is used in a number of autoimmune diseases and also to prevent organ rejection after a transplant, such as a kidney transplant. It acts as an immunosuppressant in order to allow the body to accept the new organ and not reject it.
In rheumatoid arthritis, it suppresses the immune system which in turn decreases the inflammation and therefore slows down the damage done to the joints. Very often, doctors will prescribe this drug when other pain medication has failed. It is also sometimes used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune hepatitis or myasthenia gravis.
Full list of uses for Imuran/Azathioprine:
- Prevent organ rejection of a transplant
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Atopic Dermatitis
Action
The drug functions as an immunosuppressant, suppressing the effects of an immune system gone wrong. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, it stops the inflammation and because of that, the pain is decreased.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects you could experience could be hair loss, vision blurring, yellow skin or eyes, joint aches, stomach problems, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, sore throat and extreme tiredness. There could also be itching of the skin, swellings, shortness of breath and dizzy spells. Any bleeding, dark colored urine or lumps must be reported to your doctor at once. There is also a tendency to bruise very easily. This drug tends to affect the blood and the gastric system and the WBC count could go low so tell your doctor if there is any sign of fatigue.
Caution
If you are on this medication for a long period of time, it could increase your risk of malignant growths. It could also increase your chances of leucopenia, a blood disorder. This is why you need to notify your doctor at once at the slightest hint of bruising or bleeding as well as any lumps. Your doctor must be given a complete history before he can prescribe – including what infections you have had, what medications you are taking and which places you have visited.
Contraindications
There are patients who are allergic to this drug and it is contraindicated for them. Pregnant women and nursing mothers also need to avoid this drug unless absolutely necessary. It should also not be taken by people who have been treated already with alkylating agents.