Imuran

Azathioprine, the active ingredient in Imuran, is an immunosuppressant presented as a tablet for oral use. It is employed to prevent organ transplant rejection and to treat several autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), 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. The product complies with EU regulatory standards and is distributed across multiple markets, ensuring consistent quality and availability.

Azathioprine is used to modulate immune activity in several chronic inflammatory and transplant‑related conditions. - Organ transplant rejection: helps prevent the immune system from attacking the transplanted organ. - Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and slows disease progression. - Inflammatory bowel disease: induces and maintains remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. - Systemic lupus erythematosus: decreases disease activity and flares.

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

Common Side Effects: - Nausea: mild gastrointestinal upset. - Fatigue: general tiredness. - Elevated liver enzymes: mild hepatic enzyme rise. - Decreased white blood cell count: mild leukopenia.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Bone marrow suppression: severe leukopenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia. - Hepatotoxicity: significant liver injury. - Increased risk of malignancy: especially lymphomas and skin cancers.

Before initiating azathioprine therapy, several precautions should be considered to minimize risks. - Baseline testing: obtain complete blood count and liver function tests prior to treatment. - Monitoring: perform regular CBC and liver enzyme assessments during therapy. - Infection risk: avoid use in patients with active infections or uncontrolled viral illnesses. - Pregnancy: drug is classified as Category D; discuss risks with a healthcare professional. - Drug interactions: assess concomitant medications that affect thiopurine metabolism. - Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets below 25 °C in the original container, protected from moisture.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Allopurinol or febuxostat: may cause severe bone marrow suppression. - Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) inhibitors: increase risk of toxicity. - Live vaccines: heightened risk of infection due to immunosuppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Warfarin: azathioprine may enhance anticoagulant effect. - Mycophenolate mofetil: additive immunosuppressive effect. - Corticosteroids: may increase risk of infection when combined.