Azathioprine

What is Azathioprine?

Azathioprine is an oral immunosuppressant medicine widely used to manage autoimmune disorders and prevent organ rejection after a transplant. Doctors prescribe this tablet when the immune system becomes overactive and starts attacking healthy tissues. By slowing down abnormal immune activity, this medicine helps reduce inflammation and supports long-term disease control. Because it is available in easy-to-take tablet form, many patients use it as a maintenance therapy under regular medical supervision.

Azathioprine Used For

Azathioprine is commonly used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), lupus, and autoimmune hepatitis. It is also an important medicine for kidney, liver, and heart transplant patients to prevent organ rejection.

Chemical Composition

Each tablet contains the active ingredient Azathioprine, which belongs to a class of medicines called immunosuppressants. The tablets also include standard inactive components that support stability and absorption.

Azathioprine Mechanism

Azathioprine works by blocking the production of DNA in certain immune cells called lymphocytes. This reduces their ability to multiply and attack healthy tissues. By regulating the immune response, the medicine helps control chronic inflammation and prevents flare-ups of autoimmune diseases.

How It Helps With Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases often cause recurring inflammation, joint pain, bowel issues, skin problems, and organ damage. By calming down the immune system, Azathioprine helps:

• Reduce disease flare-ups

• Lower dependency on steroids

• Improve long-term symptom control

• Protect organs from immune-related damage

Other Benefits

• Helps maintain remission in inflammatory bowel disease

• Improves response to combination therapy

• Reduces joint swelling and stiffness in autoimmune arthritis

• Supports long-term transplant success by preventing organ rejection

• Available as an affordable tablet option for long-term treatment

Dosages

The dose of Azathioprine varies based on the patient’s condition, weight, and treatment goals. It is generally taken as a daily oral tablet.

Available Strengths or Dosage

Azathioprine tablets are commonly available in 25 mg and 50 mg strengths. Doctors may adjust the dose depending on your treatment response and lab test results.

How and When to Take It

• Take the tablet once or twice daily, or as prescribed

• Swallow it whole with a glass of water

• Take the medicine at the same time each day

• Do not crush or chew the tablet

• Can be taken with food to reduce stomach discomfort

Do not stop this medicine suddenly unless instructed by your doctor.

Overdose Caution

Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause serious problems such as severe fatigue, fever, increased infection risk, nausea, or abnormal bleeding. Seek immediate medical assistance if overdose is suspected.

Who Can Use / Take Azathioprine?

Azathioprine is suitable for adults and older teenagers being treated for autoimmune diseases or transplant care. However, the medicine may not be safe for everyone.

People who should use it with caution or avoid it include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Individuals with liver disease

• People with weak immunity or chronic infections

• Patients with low blood cell counts

• Those with genetic TPMT enzyme deficiency

• People undergoing recent chemotherapy

• Children should only take this medicine if specifically prescribed by a specialist

Your doctor will review your health condition and adjust the treatment accordingly.

Azathioprine: Side Effects & Precautions

What Are the Side Effects?

Not everyone experiences side effects, but some common reactions include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue or weakness

• Mild stomach discomfort

• Loss of appetite

• Hair thinning

• Skin sensitivity to sunlight

• Increased risk of infection

• Low blood cell count

Serious side effects may include liver problems, pancreatitis, unusual bleeding, or high fever. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe or persistent symptoms.

Precautions to Avoid Side Effects

• Get regular blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cell levels

• Use sunscreen to prevent sun sensitivity

• Avoid live vaccines while on this medicine

• Limit alcohol intake to reduce liver strain

• Inform your doctor about any infections or fever

• Do not combine with other immune-modifying drugs unless approved

• Follow dosage instructions carefully

Always consult your doctor before starting dose. If prescribed, you can order Azathioprine tablets online safely from trusted pharmacy sources and ensure timely refills to maintain your treatment progress.