Imuran

Azathioprine, the active ingredient in Imuran, is an immunosuppressant presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It is employed to reduce immune system activity in patients undergoing organ transplantation, as well as in autoimmune conditions 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, pharmacies and clinics worldwide. The company adheres to stringent quality standards and provides reliable sourcing for regulated markets.

Azathioprine is used to modulate immune activity in several chronic inflammatory and transplant‑related conditions. - Organ transplantation: helps prevent graft rejection by suppressing T‑cell activation. - Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and slows disease progression. - Inflammatory bowel disease: maintains remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. - Systemic lupus erythematosus: diminishes auto‑antibody production and organ involvement.

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

Common Side Effects: - Nausea: mild gastrointestinal upset. - Vomiting: occasional episodes. - Diarrhea: loose stools. - Decreased white blood cell count: mild leukopenia. - Elevated liver enzymes: mild transaminase rise.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe bone marrow suppression: pancytopenia. - Hepatotoxicity: significant liver injury. - Increased infection risk: opportunistic infections. - Malignancy: heightened risk of lymphomas and skin cancers. - Pancreatitis: acute inflammation of the pancreas.

Before initiating azathioprine therapy, several safety considerations should be reviewed. - Baseline testing: obtain complete blood count and liver function tests. - Monitoring: perform regular CBC and LFTs to detect hematologic or hepatic toxicity. - TPMT activity: assess thiopurine methyltransferase levels to identify patients at risk of severe myelosuppression. - Pregnancy: avoid use unless benefits outweigh risks; classified as pregnancy category D. - Infection risk: screen for latent infections such as tuberculosis and hepatitis before treatment. - Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets in original container, protect from moisture and heat below 25 °C.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Allopurinol: may increase azathioprine toxicity; dose reduction required. - Febuxostat: similar risk of enhanced myelosuppression. - Mycophenolate mofetil: additive immunosuppression increasing infection risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Warfarin: azathioprine can potentiate anticoagulant effect; monitor INR. - ACE inhibitors: may worsen renal function when combined. - Live vaccines: increased risk of infection; avoid administration during therapy.