Azathioprine

Imuran is a medicine that is given for patients who had undergone kidney transplant. The drug helps in preventing transplant rejection. Coming in brands Imuran and Azasan, the drug is also used for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

An antimetabolite, Imuran works on the cells in the immune system. Patients who are administered Imuran should continue the drug till the doctor advises to stop it. Moreover, persons should strictly adhere to the prescription.

If a person is pregnant, then the doctor should have to know it as the drug can cause certain complications in the unborn child. While using Imuran, it is better not to get pregnant. The doctors may ask to take some birth control precautions while advising Imuran. But if becoming pregnant in the middle of using Imuran, talk with the doctor immediately. Imuran medicine can also affect fertility in both men and women.

There is also an increased threat of developing cancer while taking Imuran. There is also a chance that Azasan tends to lessen the number of blood cells, which helps in fighting infections. This means that there is a higher risk of bleeding or getting sick.

The doctors may go for some drug adjustments or may prescribe an alternative medicine if a person has received chemotherapy or if he or she is suffering from liver disease, bacterial or fungal or viral infections

The doctors would advise frequent medical tests for seeing if the kidneys are functioning normally. They also conduct tests for getting an idea about the overall body condition. In case a person needs to undergo any surgery, the doctors may stop azathioprine for a short period.

When undergoing treatment with Imuran, patients are not given live vaccinations. Moreover, the patient should not come in contact with persons who had received live vaccination as there is a possibility of the virus being transmitted.

There are certain drugs that could interact with Imuran. So a person using Imuran should be careful when using medicines like Alkylating agents as it increases the risk of development of tumors. The Anticoagulants should also be avoided as it decreases the effect of Imuran in the body. Do not use Imuran with Mercaptopurine as it can affect the bone marrow. Drugs aminosalicylates, Allopurinol, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors and doxorubicin should not be taken along with Imuran as it increases the risk of side effects.

Imuran only comes with minor side effects. Some of the common side effects that a person comes across while taking Imuran include vomiting and mild nausea. However, some persons using Imuran can also have some severe side effects like rashes, breathing problems, itching, swelling (tongue, mouth, lips, face) hives, tightness, chest pain, dizziness, chills, fever, dark urine, painful urination, pale stool, muscle aches, severe nausea, bruising, diarrhea, stomachache, lumps, yellowing of eyes/skin and fatigue. In case a person experiences such problems, it is better to stop Imuran and to contact the doctor without any further delay. The doctor may either prescribe another medicine or make changes in the dosage levels.