Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 15, 2022.
MalignancyChronic immunosuppression with azathioprine, a purine antimetabolite increases risk of malignancy in humans. Reports of malignancy include post-transplant lymphoma and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Physicians using this drug should be very familiar with this risk as well as with the mutagenic potential to both men and women and with possible hematologic toxicities. Physicians should inform patients of the risk of malignancy with azathioprine .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Azasan
- Imuran
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Antirheumatic, Cytotoxic
Pharmacologic Class: Antimetabolite
Uses for azathioprine
Azathioprine is used to prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney. It belongs to the group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. Azathioprine will lower the body's natural immunity in patients who receive transplants to prevent rejection of the new kidney. It is also used to relieve joint pain and swelling for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.
Azathioprine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using azathioprine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For azathioprine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to azathioprine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of azathioprine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of azathioprine in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studi..
