Azasan (Azathioprine)

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Azathioprine (Azasan) is used to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus nephritis, Crohn’s disease, or Ulcerative Colitis . Azasan is also used to prevent transplanted kidney rejection.

How should it be used?

Follow the doctor’s instructions while taking this medication.

  • Take with a full glass of water.
  • Take with or without food.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, don’t take the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Special Precautions/Instructions

Before you take this medicine tell the doctor about any of the following:

  • All medicines (including over the counter), vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking.
  • Any allergy to Azasan, azathioprine, mercaptopurine or anything in Azasan.
  • Have ever had cancer.
  • If you have taken, or are now taking:
    • o Leukeran (chlorambucil), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Alkeran (melphalan).
  • Need to have a vaccination while taking this medicine.
  • Have liver, kidney, or pancreas disease.
  • Your body produces too little of a substance called thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT).
  • Have a bone marrow disorder.
  • If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breast feeding.
  • If you are having surgery (including dental surgery).

Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid contact with those who are sick.

Side Effects

Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low white blood cell count, and reduced resistance to infections.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of an allergic reaction including:

  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling sick
  • Fever, shivering/chills, rash
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Kidney problems (changes in the amount of urine or color of urine)
  • Tiredness, dizziness

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Swelling of feet or legs
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rash
  • Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Pale skin
  • Headache
  • Mouth sores
  • Cough
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infections
  • Develop changes in your skin or notice lumps anywhere on the body.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight (including tanning beds) while on this medication.

Storage Conditions

Store this medication at room temperature and away from heat or moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Emergency/Overdose

Call the national poison control center 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the event of overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection.

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