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 manage 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, providing consistent quality and regulatory compliance across EU and global markets through reliable logistics and dedicated support to customers.

Azathioprine is used in several immune‑mediated conditions to reduce pathological immune activity. - Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis: prevents acute and chronic rejection episodes by suppressing lymphocyte activation. - Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation, pain and disease progression. - Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis): maintains remission and decreases flare frequency. - Systemic lupus erythematosus: controls disease activity and organ involvement.

Azathioprine may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to potentially life‑threatening.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea or vomiting - Loss of appetite - Mild leukopenia - Elevated liver enzymes

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe bone‑marrow suppression (pancytopenia) - Hepatotoxicity (clinically significant liver injury) - Opportunistic infections

When prescribing azathioprine, clinicians should observe several safety precautions to minimize toxicity. - Monitor blood counts: perform regular complete blood count (CBC) testing. - Assess liver function: schedule periodic liver‑function tests (LFTs). - Screen for infections: test for latent tuberculosis, hepatitis B/C before initiation. - Adjust dose in renal/hepatic impairment: follow clinical guidelines for dose reduction. - Store at room temperature: keep tablets in original packaging, protect from moisture.

Azathioprine interacts with several medicines that can alter its efficacy or increase toxicity.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Allopurinol: potentiates azathioprine toxicity, may require dose reduction. - Warfarin: enhances anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk. - Ribavirin: combined use raises risk of severe myelosuppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - ACE inhibitors: may affect renal function, requiring monitoring. - NSAIDs: additive bone‑marrow suppression potential. - Live vaccines: reduced efficacy and possible infection risk.