Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive agent. Azathioprine can suppress or reduce the body s natural immunity, making it less able to fight infections and preventing the rejection of foreign bodies.

Azathioprine reduces unwanted immune responses and helps to prevent rejection in patients who receive organ transplants. The response of the immune system may contribute to arthritis, and Azathioprine helps to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Azathioprine is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant. Azathioprine is used to dampen down the activity of cells in the immune system.

The immune system normally recognizes and protects the body from foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. Azathioprine also recognizes and attacks transplanted tissue and cells that have become cancerous.

Sometimes however, the immune system can react excessively, or mount an attack against normal healthy tissues. This can result in various

Take Azathioprine tablets by mouth. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If Azathioprine upsets your stomach, take Azathioprine with food or milk.

For transplant rejection:

Adults, teenagers, and children:
Azathioprine dose is based on body weight or size. The usual beginning dose is 3 to 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (1.5 to 2 mg per pound) of body weight a day. As time goes on, your doctor may lower your dose to 1 to 3 mg per kg (0.5 to 1.5 mg per pound) of

You should tell your doctor what medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start Azathioprine . Likewise, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines during your treatment.

The blood level of Azathioprine is greatly increased if it is taken with allopurinol. If you are taking both these medicines together your doctor will prescribe you a lower than normal dose of Azathioprine to prevent the increased blood level and increased risk of side

Most Important Fact about Azathioprine
Take Azathioprine exactly as prescribed. It is important that you take all the prescribed amount of Azathioprine to obtain the maximum benefit.

Azathioprine precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Women should use effective contraception to avoid getting pregnant and men should use effective contraception to avoid fathering a child during treatment with Azathioprine . Women who do get pregnant while they or their partner is receiving treatment should consult

More common side effects of Azathioprine may include:

• cough or hoarseness,
• fever or chills,
• lower back or side pain,
• painful or difficult urination,
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects of Azathioprine may include:

• black, tarry stools,
• blood in urine or stools,
• pinpoint red spots on skin,
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Rare side effects of Azathioprine may include:

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