Azasan

Generic name:azathioprine [ ay-za-THYE-oh-preen ]
Brand names: Azasan, Imuran
Drug classes:Antirheumatics, Other immunosuppressants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 27, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Azasan?

Azasan weakens your body's immune system, to help keep it from "rejecting" a transplanted organ such as a kidney. Organ rejection happens when the immune system treats the new organ as an invader and attacks it.

Azasan is used to prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted kidney. This medicine is also used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Azasan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Azasan may cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that can be fatal. This has occurred mainly in teenagers and young men with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Azasan if you are allergic to Azasan.

You should not use Azasan to treat rheumatoid arthritis if you are pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine.

Azasan may cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that can be fatal. This has occurred mainly in teenagers and young men with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. However, anyone with an inflammatory autoimmune disorder may have a higher risk of lymphoma. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

While taking Azasan, you may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Ask your doctor about skin symptoms to watch for.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease, or a kidney transplant (if you are using Azasan for rheumatoid arthritis);

• any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection;

• liver disease; or

• chemotherapy with medications like cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan, busulfan, and others.

You should not breast-feed while you are using Azasan.

How should I take Azasan?

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using Azasan.

Follow all directions on your prescription la...