Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: AZATHIOPRINE (ay-za-THYE-oh-preen)
This medicine is an antimetabolite used in combination with other medicines to help prevent rejection after a kidney transplant. It may also be used to treat signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: LONG-TERM USE OF THIS MEDICINE INCREASES THE RISK OF DEVELOPING TUMORS.This medicine may also cause blood disorders (such as anemia, low white blood cell, or low platelet levels). Contact your doctor at once if you develop unusual growths, easy bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat). Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking mercaptopurine, or if you have rheumatoid arthritis and have taken alkylating agents (such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, or melphalan) in the past. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking allopurinol, aminosalicylates (such as mesalazine, olsalazine, or sulfasalazine), anticoagulants (such as warfarin), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (such as enalapril or lisinopril), disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (such as methotrexate or adalimumab), doxorubicin, hydantoins (such as phenytoin), or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including infection, or a history of prolonged or frequent infections, bone marrow problems, blood problems (such as anemia, low white blood cell levels, low platelet levels, or unusual bruising or bleeding), certain enzyme deficiencies (thiopurine methyltransferase or xanthine oxidase deficiency), gout, kidney or liver problems, recent blood transfusions, recent vaccinations, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a tumor or unusual growths. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. ASK YOUR DOCTOR if you should follow any special guidelines for handling this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C) away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests, complete blood counts, and TPMT enzyme activity may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING ANY IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with infection. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop severe nausea and vomiting. This may occur with or without diarrhea, rash, fever, muscle pain, or dizziness. If this reaction occurs, it usually happens within the first several weeks of therapy. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK of developing a tumor or other cancer. Contact your doctor at once if you notice any unusual growths or lumps. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. AN ENYME CALLED TPMT helps to break this medicine down in the body. Infrequently, some patients may have decreased TPMT enzyme activity. This may increase the risk of developing serious side effects (such as severe bone marrow problems). Patients with decreased TPMT activity may need a lower dose of this medicine. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking this medicine. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine should not be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in pregnant women. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking this medicine include mild nausea or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mouth sores, unusual growths or lumps, or unusual weakness or fatigue. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain or tightness, unusual bleeding or bruising, pale or fatty stools, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, symptoms of infection (such as chills, fever, sore throat, or increased or painful urination), severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle pain or aches, or stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or unusual bruising or bleeding.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. IF YOU NO LONGER NEED THIS MEDICINE, ask your doctor how to properly dispose of it.
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