Imuran
Name of the Drug
Imuran (Azathioprine )
Uses of the Drug
Imuran is used in treating serious rheumatoid arthritis. It also decreases less desired immune responses as well as helps in preventing rejection in the patients who have received organ transplants.
How to Take
Use Imuran as directed by your doctor.
- Imuran can be taken orally with food or even without food.
- Ask your physician if you need to abide by some special guidelines to handle Imuran.
Consult your doctor in case you have any query about the usage of Imuran.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Imuran is considered to be an antimetabolite. It functions by reducing effects of some cells inside the immune system of the body.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Imuran, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Imuran should be stored at the room temperature somewhere between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Keep it away from light, heat and moisture. Don’t store it in bathroom. The medicine should be kept away from pets and children.
Warnings Precautions
Imuran should NOT be taken if:
- you are prone to allergies to a single ingredient present in Imuran
- you are having any unusual growth tumor or tumor;
- you take mercaptopurine.
- you are pregnant and suffering from rheumatoid arthritis;
You should get in touch with the doctor very soon if you notice any of the above-mentioned problems.
Important:
- Imuran might reduce the ability of the body to fight against infection. It also helps in preventing infection by staying away from people suffering from some infections or cold. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of infection, such as sore throat, fever, chills, or rash.
- Imuran might decrease the amount of platelets (clot-forming cells) in the blood. If you want to stay away from bleeding, avoid those situations where injury or bruising may occur. Report any case of bruising, unusual bleeding, blood in the stools, or tarry, dark stools to the doctor.
- Before you go for any dental or medical treatments, surgery, or emergency care, you should inform your dentist or doctor that you take Imuran
- You should stay away from vaccinations while taking Imuran.
- Contact your physician immediately in case you are having severe vomiting and nausea. This might occur either with fever, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or muscle pain or without them. If this sort of reaction occurs, it would happen in the initial few weeks.
- Imuran might increase the risk to develop cancer or tumor. Seek doctor’s advice if any unusual lump or growth is observed. In case of any query discuss with the doctor.
- An enzyme known as TPMT helps in breaking down Imuran in your body. Quite often, some patients might have low activity of TPMT enzyme. This might give rise to some severe side effects (e.g., extreme problems in the bone marrow). Patients with low ???TPMT enzyme activity’ might require lower dosage of Imuran. In case of any query discuss with the doctor.
- Lab tests, such as complete liver function, TPMT enzyme activity and blood counts, might be done while using Imuran. These are done for monitoring your development or for checking the occurrence of side effects. Make sure of keeping all lab and doctor appointments.
- Children are not recommended to use Imuran. Effectiveness and Safety are still not confirmed.
- Breast-feeding and Pregnancy: Imuran can cause harmful effects to your fetus. If you conceive, consult with your medical professional about the risks and benefits of taking this drug during pregnancy. Imuran is secreted through the breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding should be strictly avoided when you are taking Imuran.
Common Side Effects
Check whether you have any of the side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* Mild vomiting or nausea
You should consult your doctor immediately in case you have the serious side effects as mentioned below:
* Serious allergic reactions (hives; rash; itching; tightness in chest; difficulty in breathing; swelling of face, lips, mouth, or tongue); chest tightness or pain; dizziness; dark urine; sore throat; fever, chills, painful or increased urination; fatty or pale stools; muscle aches or pain; vomiting, persistent or severe nausea, shortness of breath; diarrhea; unusual bruising or bleeding; stomach pain; unusual lumps or growths; yellowing of skin or eyes; unusual fatigue or weakness.
More Information
You should consult your pharmacist in case of any query. This medicine should be exclusively used by only the patient. Do not share Imuran with some other people. In case the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.