Azamun

Azamun contains the active ingredient Azathioprine, which 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 recognises and protects the body from foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. It also recognises 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 disorders known as autoimmune diseases. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and inflammation. In systemic lupus erythematosus the immune system attacks the skin and internal organs. The activity of the immune system can also be a problem following organ transplants, because it recognises the transplanted tissue as foreign and attacks it, causing the organ to be rejected. In situations such as these it is useful to suppress the activity of the immune system.

The immune system relies on different types of white blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow and lymph glands. Azathioprine works by decreasing the production of these white blood cells. It does this by interfering with the production of the cells genetic material, DNA, which stops the cells from dividing and multiplying.

The decrease in the numbers of white blood cells reduces the ability of the immune system to reject organ transplants. In autoimmune diseases it reduces the immune system attack on normal tissues and so reduces the severity of the symptoms, and in many cases halts the progress of the disease. However, it can take weeks to months of treatment for the full effect of the medicine to become apparant.

Unfortunately white blood cells are needed to fight invading micro-organisms, so during treatment the body becomes more susceptible to infections. Azathioprine also interferes with the growth and division of other types of blood cells in the bone marrow. Reduced production of red blood cells can cause anaemia and reduced production of platelets can cause problems with blood clotting. For this reason, your doctor will monitor the levels of all your blood cells.

Azathioprine is often used in combination with other immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids. When combined with corticosteroids it can often allow a reduced dose of corticosteroid to be used.

Always take Azamun (Azathioprine) as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the correct effects. This is typically once or twice each day with or without food along with a full glass of water. The tablets should always be taken orally and swallowed whole without altering them in any way. This will prevent the destruction of the medicine and ensure the correct effects are experienced.

Side effects of Azamun(Azathioprine)include:

• bone marrow suppression
• leucopenia
• thrombocytopenia
• increased susceptibility to infections
• damage to the liver
• jaundice
• loss of hair
• nausea
• diarrhoea
• pancreatitis
• pneumonitis

Seek immediate medical attention or proceed to your nearest accident and emergency department if you suffer a hypersensitive or allergic reaction. Symptoms usually present during a reaction of this nature include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the limbs or face, tight chest, hives, and skin rashes.

Tell your doctor if you have any liver disease that decreases its function before taking Azamun (Azathioprine) as this could cause serious health problems. Also discuss any current infections or other medications you are taking.

Always ensure your doctor is informed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, using any other type of medication (including non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and supplements), as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or pre-existing medication conditions.