Imuran and/or Equivalents

Imuran

Imuran Drug Description

The generic drug Azathioprine which is actually an immunosuppressant is manufactured, marketed, supplied and sold under the trade or brand name Imuran by GlaxoSmithKline. Imuran as an immunosuppressive medication that is used extensively during and after organ transplantation, for treatment of specific kinds of disease conditions associated with the bowel, and also for the prophylaxis of autoimmune diseases. Imuran (azathioprine) is classed under the chemical category of purine analogues and was originally formulated for the treatment of various forms of cancer and was analogous in its application with mercaptopurine of which it is a derivative. Since the time it was developed, it has comprehensively been used as an immunosuppressant. Imuran is available as an anti-metabolite tablet to be taken orally and each tablet has 50 mg of azathioprine. The other constituting ingredients are magnesium stearate, povidon, stearic acid, potato starch, and lactose all of which are inert and inactive. It is actually derived from 6-mercaptopurine, and therefore many of the biological repercussions or effects of Imuran are similar and comparable to the principal compound. The drug is not soluble in water but can be turned into a solute by adding a molecule of alkali. Azathioprine remains stable in solution under acid or neutral pH but undergoes hydrolysis in the presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) transforming to mercaptopurine.

Conditions treated by Immuran

Imuran is either used in conjunction with other immunosuppressive drugs or singly to thwart rejection following a surgical process of organ transplantation, mainly a kidney or a liver. It debilitates your immune system so that the newly transplanted organ is accepted by your body. The azathioprine in Imuran is also effective in allaying the adverse effects of several autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (LPE), pemphigus, atopic dermatitis, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthiritis, autoimmune hepatitis, Devic’s disease, and Behcet’s disease, and so on. It also has vital therapeutic use for bowel conditions considered inflammatory including Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and ulcerative colitis.

Immuran Dosage Information

a) Typical Dosage recommendations

Imuran is generally imbibed (taken orally) everyday by patients who’ve undergone renal homotransplantations or are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or various forms of renal dysfunctions. For renal or hepatic transplantation patients, the typical dosage is 3-5mg/kg each day starting from the day of the transplant. Since the exact dose needed to rebuff organ rejection and dispel toxicity may vary from patient to patient, meticulous monitoring and management of dose will be necessary. Dosage can be reduced to more manageable levels (1-3mg/kg) under certain conditions. For rheumatoid arthritic patients the initial daily dose should be about 1.0 mg/kg administered once or twice a day. Thereafter the dosage can be increased gradually in case there is no toxicity and if the patient does not respond to the medication satisfactorily enough. The incremental range should be between 0.5mg/kg-2.5mg/kg each day. It takes about 8 weeks to gauge the patient’s responsiveness to treatment although the standard trial period is 12 weeks. Those who develop tubular gangrene immediately after a transplant may register azathioprine sensitivity and hence should be administered lower dosage. Always take your medications after your meals and with sufficient water.

b) Missing a dose

Take your dose the moment you recall having missed it in case you’re taking Imuran only once in a day but if it’s nearly time to take your subsequent dosage, refrain from taking the dose you’ve missed. Never increase your dosage to make good the one that you somehow missed. In case you’re taking the medication two times in a day, then you can take the missed dose along with your next dose and then resume your regular dosing plan. If you’ve missed out on more than one dosage, get in touch with your doctor.

c) Overdosing

Symptoms of an overdose of Imuran may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bleeding and other infectious signs. Excessive overdosing might result in bone marrow hypoplasia, haemorrhage, and septicaemia that can turn fatal. Skin rashes, hair loss that is common with transplant patients may get aggravated. Patients who are prescribed with a course of the medication will periodically need to monitor their blood count. It does not need to be stressed that you should seek immediate medical relief in case of an overdose.

Imuran Warnings

If you’re particularly allergic or hypersensitive to azathioprine, then you should discontinue or stop taking Imuran. Risk of being diagnosed with lymphoma accentuates in individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Patients who’ve had a kidney transplant are vulnerable to contracting skin cancer or lymphomatous cysts or polyps. To ensure that you can take Imuran or any other medication containing azathioprine in a safe manner you should always consult your physician and apprise him if you have any of following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Any fungal, bacterial or viral infection
• Any of the cytopenia types including severe leukopenia, macrocytic anaemia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, low platelet count, and bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Undergoing chemotherapy procedures with medicines such as Chlorambucil or Cyclophosphamide
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding mothers

Imuran Side effects

If you notice any symptom of an allergic reaction including hive, shortness of breath, redness or swelling of the face, mouth and throat then you report the development to your doctor as soon as possible. Continued and long term use of Imuran may lead to your having one or more of the following side effects:

• Fever
• Excessive night sweat
• Skin rashes
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Getting bruises easily leading to bleeding and light pallor of skin
• Dizziness or giddiness
• Shortness of breath
• Tachycardia
• Yellowing of eyes or skin leading to jaundice
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain in the upper abdomen that passes on to shoulders
• Dark coloured stools
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and itching
• White patches on the mouth or on the lips
• Hair loss

Imuran Drug interactions

Before you can start taking Imuran inform your doctor clearly about all other medicines you’re already taking. Also seek his advice before you start a course of any new medicine including but not limited to the following:

• Cyclosporine
• Methotrexate
• Allopurinol
• Warfarin
• Mercaptopurine
• Olsalazine
• Sulfasalazine
• ACE (angiotensin-converting-enzyme) inhibitors like Quinapril, Lisinopril, Trandolapril, and Benazepril

This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other drugs or medications that might interfere with the effectiveness of azathioprine. Let your physician know about all the medicines you’re on and likely to use in the future.

If you have any questions about buying discount Imuran online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Imuran and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information