Imuran
Azathioprine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Imuran
Imuran is an antimetabolite drug. It acts by reducing the effects of some cells in the immune system of the body.
Therapeutic Uses of Imuran
Imuran is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is a disease modifying agent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used in case of organ transplantation to reduce the immune response of the body, so that transplanted organ is not rejected by the body.
Direction of use of Imuran
Imuran should be taken as per the direction of your doctor. It is usually taken orally with food or on empty stomach. To reduce stomach irritation and stomach upset it should be taken along with food or on full stomach. Your doctor will tell you if you have to follow certain guideline in taking Imuran. Consult your doctor or other health care provider if you have any question regarding Imuran and how to take it.
If You Miss a Dose of Imuran
If you miss a dose of Imuran during your treatment you should take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose because you forgot to take it for long duration than skip the dose and continue your dosing as usual. Do not take 2 doses of Imuran at a time.
How to Store Imuran
Imuran should be stored at room temperature (20 to 25 degree Centigrade). It should ideally be stored in a dry, cool and dark room. You should keep Imuran out of reach of children as it is toxic to children.
More Information About Imuran
Imuran should be used by the patient only, for whom it is prescribed and never shared with anyone. If there is no improvement in your symptoms you should consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Imuran
Do not take Imuran if you have any of the following medical problems with Imuran:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Imuran.
- If you are a woman and pregnant.
- If you have rheumatoid arthritis, a tumor or any unusual growth.
- If you are on mercaptopurine.
Important notes to remember for users of Imuran:
- Imuran can lower your capacity to fight infection. That is why you should try to avoid contact with persons having infection or cold. You should inform your doctor immediately if you notice any of the signs of infection like fever, chills, sore throat, rash etc.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Imuran has been proved to cause harm to the growing fetus. So you should not start taking Imuran if you are pregnant or you should avoid pregnancy during treatment with Imuran. If you think you are pregnant during treatment, you should discuss with your doctor about the risks of using it during pregnancy. Imuran is secreted in the breast milk and you should avoid breast feeding during treatment or you should not take Imuran if you are breast feeding.
- Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Imuran, before you receive any medical or dental care, any emergency treatment or any surgery.
- You should tell your doctor that you are taking Imuran before you receive any live vaccine.
- Imuran can reduce the platelet count in blood, which is responsible for clotting of blood. So you should avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. If you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding you should tell your doctor. Inform your doctor if you notice any dark color stool, bloody stool or tarry stool.
- Use Imuran with extreme caution in case of children. Safety and effectiveness of Imuran is not established in case of children.
- Imuran can increase you chance of developing cancer or other tumors. You should consult your doctor if notice any growth or lump in your body.
- Consult your doctor if you develop severe nausea, vomiting, severe nausea and vomiting may occur with or without rash, fever, diarrhea, muscle pain or dizziness. All the above reactions or side effects usually occur within first few weeks of treatment with Imuran.
- Lab tests like complete blood count, liver function tests, kidney function tests and TPMT enzyme (this enzyme help to break down the Imuran in the body) activity should be performed while you are taking Imuran. All these tests may also be used to monitor the side effects of Imuran. Make sure that you keep all lab appointments and doctor appointments.
- Measuring the levels of TPMT in blood is very important as it is the enzyme which breaks Imuran in the body. If the level of TPMT enzyme is reduced it can cause serious side effects (bone marrow depression) of Imuran by increasing the blood concentration of Imuran (by reducing breakdown of Imuran). If the enzyme level is reduced the dose of Imuran should also be reduced to prevent side effects. You should discuss with your doctor about the dose.
Possible Adverse Effects of Imuran
- The commonest and minor side effects of Imuran are nausea and vomiting. If these side effects persists or become bothersome you should take your doctor’s advice to prevent them.
- The uncommon and serious side effects of Imuran are severe allergic reaction to Imuran, chest pain or chest tightness, dizziness, painful and increased urination, dark urine, severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, chills, sore throat, muscle pain, stomach pain, fatty stool, fatigue, generalized weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the eyes, etc. You should consult your doctor if you get any of the above serious side effects.