IMURAN (AZATHIOPRINE)

Imuran Description

Imuran or generic Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant medication that may be prescribed to you to reduce the risk of rejection after a solid organ transplant such as a liver, kidney, or lung. Imuran is safe to take along with other immunosuppressant drugs after transplantation or alone for treating autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although your immune system is extremely important to your well-being, it does not recognize a transplanted organ as matching your own tissue and will launch an attack on the organ to destroy it.

Imuran Reduces the Risk of Organ Rejection

Imuran is a pro-drug, which means that the active ingredient is not actually activated until it is in your body. Once taken as directed, Imuran works to suppress the increase of T and B lymphocytes. These are a type of white blood cell that your immune system depends on to defend your body against diseases and foreign objects, such as a transplanted organ. With a reduced lymphocyte population, there is an increased chance the transplant will be successful.

For those with an autoimmune disease, Imuran or Azathioprine generic helps to decrease a misguided immune response so your joints, organs, or tissues are not under attack and allows you pain relief. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Imuran

Dealing with an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause you loss of earnings, education, social events, family time, play time, and sleepless nights from the pain of the inflammation and severe diarrhea. Crohn’s is the inflammation of your digestive tract lining, like the large or small intestine or both, and can spread deep into the tissues. Ulcerative colitis usually affects the innermost lining of your large intestine and rectum where ulcers can develop from the inflammation flare-ups.

Although the exact cause of IBD and rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, genetics and your immune system appear to be associated with it. For some individuals, their immune system is alerted inadvertently that there is a danger present so it begins to attack your own tissues, joints, or organs. Imuran can help suppress this reaction and allow you some relief from the inflammation process.

Before You Take Imuran

Advise of any other medical conditions or allergies you have and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take, including herbal preparations and dietary or vitamin supplements as it could cause or increase the risk of side effects. Understand that Imuran lowers your ability to fight infections so it’s advisable to avoid crowded areas where contact with people that have colds or the flu is increased.

Imuran Precautions

Whether male or female, you may be advised to use birth control methods to avoid a pregnancy during your treatment period, and for some time afterwards, to avoid any possible birth defects. Advise your dentist or surgeon that you are taking Imuran before you undergo any dental or surgical procedures.

Possible Side Effects of Imuran

• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Flu-like symptoms
• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Unusual bleeding or bruising