Azathioprine Oral

In Depth

Generic Name: AZATHIOPRINE - ORAL
Pronounced: (aze-uh-THIGH-oh-preen)

Azathioprine Oral Warning

Long-term use of azathioprine may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer (e.g., skin cancer, lymphoma). You must be closely monitored by your doctor during treatment and regularly afterwards if your doctor stops treatment with this medication. Azathioprine may also cause serious (rarely fatal) blood disorders (decreased bone marrow function leading to anemia, low number of white blood cells and platelets). It can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. The risk of these side effects is higher in patients receiving this medication to prevent kidney transplant rejection than in patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis. To reduce the risk of side effects, use this medication at the lowest effective dose. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following: unusual skin changes, change in the appearance/size of moles, unusual growths/lumps, swollen glands, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, unexplained itching, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, or unusual tiredness.

Azathioprine Oral Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

You may experience stomach/intestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately. These symptoms may be reduced by taking the medication after meals. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other dosing advice that may also help with these symptoms.

Although unlikely, more severe stomach/intestinal symptoms (e.g., severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain) may occur as part of a very serious allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe stomach/intestinal symptoms or other symptoms of a serious allergic reaction which may include:

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