Imuran

Imuran (Azathioprine) contains an active ingredient which belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants. It is used to help prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ such as a kidney, liver or heart. This medicine works by suppressing the body`s immune defence system. It can also be used to treat other diseases called autoimmune diseases where your immune system is reacting against your own body.

The dose of Imuran (Azathioprine) that is required will depend on the condition being treated, your bodyweight and how you respond to the medicine. Your initial dose will be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted.

Side effects of Imuran (Azathioprine) include:

• Bruising or bleeding
• Black tarry stools
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Extreme sensitivity to bright light
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness or dizziness
• Irregular heart beat
• Sores in the mouth
• Change in sense of smell or taste
• Skin rash or itching
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Severe joint pain
• Kidney problems
• Feeling faint
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice
• Blistering or peeling
• Stomach pain

Before taking Imuran (Azathioprine), tell your physician if you have or have had liver or kidney disease, thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome, chickenpox or shingles, or if you have recently been vaccinated or immunised or plan to do so.

This medicine should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are affected by rheumatiod arthritis that has been treated with certain other medicines, this drug may not be suitable for you.