Imuran

Azathioprine, the active ingredient in Imuran, is an immunosuppressant (antimetabolite) presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It is employed to prevent organ transplant rejection and to manage several autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

GNH USA supplies Imuran as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Azathioprine is used to modulate immune activity in several chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Organ transplant rejection: helps prevent graft rejection by suppressing the immune response. Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and slows disease progression. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis): controls intestinal inflammation and maintains remission.

Azathioprine may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea or vomiting - Loss of appetite - Mild leukopenia or anemia - Rash or pruritus - Fatigue or headache - Elevated liver enzymes

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe bone marrow suppression (pancytopenia) - Hepatotoxicity or cholestatic hepatitis - Acute pancreatitis - Increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections - Malignancies such as lymphoma or skin cancer - Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis

Before initiating azathioprine therapy, several safety considerations are recommended.

Baseline monitoring: obtain complete blood count and liver function tests before starting treatment. Infection risk: monitor for signs of infection and avoid live vaccines during therapy. Hepatic function: adjust dose or avoid use in patients with significant liver impairment. Renal function: use caution and consider dose adjustment in renal insufficiency. Pregnancy and lactation: prescribe only if benefits outweigh potential risks and after specialist consultation. Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets in the original container, protect from moisture and heat.

Azathioprine interacts with several medicines that can alter its safety or effectiveness.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Allopurinol: may increase azathioprine toxicity. - Warfarin: potentiates anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk. - Live vaccines: heightened risk of severe infection.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Sulfasalazine: may augment myelosuppression. - ACE inhibitors: monitor renal function and blood pressure.