Azathioprine Tablets

What is this medication?

AZATHIOPRINE (ay za THYE oh preen) prevents the body from rejecting an organ transplant. It works by lowering the body's immune system response. This helps the body accept the donor organ. It may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Azasan, Imuran

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Infection
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to azathioprine, lactose, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Febuxostat
• Mercaptopurine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Allopurinol
• Aminosalicylates, such as sulfasalazine, mesalamine, balsalazide, and olsalazine
• Leflunomide
• Medications called ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, quinapril, lisinopril, ramipril, and trandolapril
• Mycophenolate
• Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• Vaccines
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Change in your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in a mole
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion or trouble speaking
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.