Imuran (Azathioprine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Arthritis »

What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints.

Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

There are many types of arthritis (over 100 identified, and the number is growing). The types range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many types of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), metabolic abnormalities (such as gout and pseudogout), hereditary facto...

Read the Arthritis article »

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Imuran Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azathioprine (Imuran)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to azathioprine.

Taking azathioprine may increase your risk of developing cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

Before taking azathioprine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease;
any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection; or
if you have recently received chemotherapy treatments with medications such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), chlorambucil (Leukeran), melphalan (Alkeran).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use azathioprine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

This medication can affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Azathioprine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take azathioprine (Imuran)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take azathioprine with a full glass of water.

Take azathioprine with food to lessen stomach upset.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using azathioprine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Azathioprine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also to need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store azathioprine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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