Immunomodulators can be used in the place of steroids, which can have long-term side effects. What are some other side effects of Azathioprine Tablets? Difficulty with breathing 2. difficulty with moving 3. fat in the stool 4. general feeling of illness 5. pale skin 6. sores on the skin 7. stomach cramps 8. sudden loss of weight 9. troubled breathing with movement 10. weight lossSome side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Azathioprine is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant. For full details, look at the drug information sheet which comes as an insert with your prescription for azathioprine. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth, greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine, pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back, unusual feeling of discomfort or illness (sudden). Also am suffering hair loss too. Generally IBD patients are not offered thiopurines when first diagnosed, only after they have achieved remission on other treatments. Nausea 2. You will have blood tests to check your liver function, kidney function and blood count before you start taking this medicine. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. I started azathioprine 6 weeks ago for Vasculitis too and agree that with Jane that it makes me feel so much better. it may be prescribed as well as prednisolone as a steroid-sparing agent when your condition has flared up. Continue to give azathioprine to your child as your doctor has told you to. Side-effects may require drug withdrawal. This appears in the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Do not chew them. Using azathioprine after these medicines may increase your risk for unwanted effects. You will usually feel better after a week or so. Apart from limiting alcohol, you can eat and drink normally. Uncommon side-effects: rash, liver inflammation. Tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you: Always follow your doctor's instructions for how to take azathioprine. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Azathioprine oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects. You may have to wait a few months to see an improvement. Most adults and children can take azathioprine. • Hair loss, although hair often does grow again, even if you carry on taking azathioprine. A certain severe condition called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been reported with use of Azathioprin AL. This content does not have an English version. All rights reserved. They usually take longer to work than steroids, so they may not have an immediate effect on symptoms. Adults are given an "inactivated" flu vaccine and this usually causes no problems with azathioprine. Other side-effects you need to know about Your child may get the following side-effects when they first 2.5 ml 5.0 ml Azathioprine for severe atopic eczema This leaflet is about the use of azathioprine for the treatment of severe atopic eczema. These include indigestion, nausea and vomiting. of azathioprine in district general hospitals in the UK, particularly related to efficacy and side effect profile, with concerns about its safety potentially contributing to a reluctance to commence treatment with the drug until late in the course of the disease. This means your immune system becomes weaker. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. The likelihood of experiencing side effects depends on what you are taking azathioprine for and at what dose. During the early weeks of treatment, azathioprine may cause the following side effects: • General feeling of being unwell including dizziness and generalised aches and pains. Rarely, patients may be allergic to azathioprine. Feeling extremely tired or dizzy, being sick (vomiting), loose or watery stools (diarrhoea), a high temperature (fever), muscle pain or stiffness, skin rash, kidney problems (such as a change in the amount or colour of your urine) These may be signs of an allergic reaction. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Possible side effects on withdrawal of the drug. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. Imuran (Azathioprine) may treat, side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications including drug comparison and health resources. Discuss … Most patients experience no problems with azathioprine. Can I take other immunosuppressants with azathioprine? Alcohol does not affect the way azathioprine works. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. What are the possible side effects of azathioprine? Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant medicine used to stop your immune system from attacking parts of your body - get trusted advice on its uses and possible side effects. Use a sunscreen while taking azathioprine, as this medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Your doctor will decide how often you need them. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc. References: British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines for the safe and effective prescribing of azathioprine 2011 (NICE accredited) Most patients experience no problems with azathioprine. Patients with decreased TPMT enzyme activity may need a lower dose of Azathioprin AL. However, hair often does grow again, even if you carry on taking it. Taking azathioprine for a long time can increase your chance of getting certain types of cancer, including skin cancer. Low levels of TPMT may mean there is a slightly increased risk of side effects from azathioprine, so your doctor may suggest a lower dose. Next review due: 26 February 2023. 6,615 members • 5,812 posts. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. During the early weeks of treatment, azathioprine may cause the following side effects: General feeling of being unwell including dizziness and generalised aches and pains. Feeling extremely tired or dizzy, being sick (vomiting), loose or watery stools (diarrhoea), a high temperature (fever), muscle pain or stiffness, skin rash, kidney problems (such as a change in the amount or colour of your urine) These may be signs of an allergic reaction. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc. Can taking azathioprine cause any side effects? Here is the some steps to help you to save money on Azathioprine purchase. Your doctor may lower your dose as your condition gets better. Azathioprine may cause: • feeling sick (nausea) • vomiting • diarrhoea • loss of appetite • hair loss • skin rashes • sensitivity to sunlight. Before prescribing azathioprine, your doctor may order a blood test for an enzyme called TPMT (thiopurine s-methyltransferase). Some patients who cannot tolerate azathioprine (due to side effects) may still be able to take mercaptopurine. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. sheet does not list all of the side effects of azathioprine. Vomiting ).Some health conditions may make you more susceptible to the side-effects of the drug. If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. Speak to your doctor if you're worried about any of this. Introduction . Taking azathioprine can sometimes affect your liver, kidneys or bone marrow. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). You may only need them every few months. For this reason it is even more important to stick to the national guidelines of drinking no more than 14 units a week for men and women. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. TPMT helps to break down and remove azathioprine from the body. Azathioprine can affect the way some medicines work. You may notice some hair loss while taking azathioprine. This medicine may increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer, especially of the skin, lymph system (lymphoma), or blood (leukemia). These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. If you become pregnant, do not stop taking your medicine and speak to your doctor. All medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Azathioprine is available as 25 mg and 50 mg tablets. Mercaptopurine is used less often than azathioprine in the UK. However, there is no strong evidence that it can harm your baby. Stop taking your medicine and contact your specialist or a doctor immediately if: you feel tired all the time, dizzy or sick, or you are vomiting or have diarrhoea you have a high temperature with shivering or chills, cough or a sore throat ), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g. Mechanism of action. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Azathioprine treatment is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, but if this is due to the drug or a predisposition related to Crohn's disease is unclear. ), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g. Unless you have severe side effects, it is important Azathioprine is available as 25 mg and 50 mg tablets. Other side-effects you need to know about. If you develop any coronavirus symptoms, talk to your specialist doctor urgently. This causes severe ‘flu’-like symptoms (severe aches and pains, high fever and shaking). For more information about how azathioprine can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, read this leaflet on the best use of medicines in pregnancy (BUMPs) website. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc. However, speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or trying for a baby. It is available as 25mg or 50mg tablets. Most patients experience no problems with azathioprine. Pricing, sizing, legal catgories and other medicinal forms information for AZATHIOPRINE. Hypersensitivity reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (including malaise, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, rigors, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, hypotension and renal dysfunction) call for immediate withdrawal. information for parents and carers All rights reserved. Azathioprine 50 mg Tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) by Accord-UK Ltd You can take them with or without food. In patients who are experiencing such side-effects, the aim of azathioprine treatment is to reduce the required maintenance dose of steroids. This content does not have an Arabic version. Azathioprine for Myasthenia Gravis . However, if you do have severe side effects, or are concerned about your symptoms, contact one of the healthcare professionals in charge of your care. As long as you have no symptoms of coronavirus infection, carry on taking your prescribed immunosuppressant medicine as usual. After a transplant, your body will try to attack the new organ as it sees it as "foreign". Sometimes these side effects may be severe and might be accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhoea and/ or flu-like symptoms, with fever and general aches and pains. From day 2 onwards, you'll take 1mg to 4mg for each kilogram you weigh. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do. As with most medicines, you may experience side effects with azathioprine. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment for you, based on your condition and your symptoms. Azathioprine side-effects: What should I do if I experience this? feeling sick – stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you're taking this medicine. The downside for me is nauseous and am only on 50 mg at the moment. Adults and children: Transplantation. Join Write. received an overall rating of 9 out of 10 stars from 3 reviews. Many people will take this medicine for a long time. You may not experience any of these side effects listed. Please expect to receive phone calls from them. Major side effects are unusual but blood tests must be monitored frequently when it is started or the dose is increased because there is a risk of liver toxicity and bone marrow suppression (low white cell count and … Azathioprine can be very effective in providing remission from the symptoms caused by inflammatory bowel disease, and in allowing smaller doses of steroids to be used effectively whilst reducing the risk of relapse and steroid induced side effects. Our Imuran (azathioprine) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.  Warfarin and acenocoumarol: Azathioprine inhibits the anticoagulant effects of coumarins. I tried 100mg and was vomiting all the time. Chipper03 • • 4 Replies. We will also be monitoring the amount of active azathioprine in your blood, using a blood test called thioguanine nucleotides levels (TGNs). This may result in a … Azathioprine is sometimes also used to treat conditions that affect the skin, such as lupus or atopic eczema. Side-effects, further information Side-effects may require drug withdrawal. Our Imuran (azathioprine) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication. However, both azathioprine and alcohol can affect your liver. If you forget to take 1 dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for the next dose. Depending on why you're taking it, you'll usually notice an improvement in your condition after a few weeks.  Rarely, patients may be allergic to azathioprine. Rarely, patients may be allergic to azathioprine. Your dose depends on your body weight and why you need to take azathioprine. Vasculitis UK. Azathioprine uses and side effects Home : Azathioprine. You will have a blood test before you start taking this medicine to make sure it is safe for you. This causes severe ‘flu’-like symptoms (severe aches and pains, high fever and shaking). More common side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Upset stomach or throwing up. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. If at any point you develop these stop the drug and contact your doctor as soon as possible. Check with your doctor or a pharmacist if you miss 2 doses or more. Biological medicines. We will also be monitoring the amount of active azathioprine in your blood, using a blood test called thioguanine nucleotides levels (TGNs). This medicine is not suitable for some people. • Rash. Azathioprine is used as an immunosuppressive antimetabolite either alone or, more commonly, in combination with other agents (usually corticosteroids) which influence the immune response. This is particularly important if you're taking a high dose, or you have kidney or liver problems. read this leaflet on the best use of medicines in pregnancy (BUMPs) website, what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea, severe inflammation of the liver, skin or arteries. If you get any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate, do not drive or cycle until you feel better. Talk to your doctor if these side effects do not go away or they get worse. A pint of lager or beer is 2 to 3 units of alcohol. You'll usually need to take this medicine long term, probably for the rest of your life. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. It’s important for you to stay healthy while you are pregnant. Azathioprine works by suppressing your immune system and therefore you may be more likely to get an infection. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What are the common side effects? This may increase the risk of developing serious side effects (eg, severe bone marrow problems). Immunosuppressants help "calm" (or control) your body's immune system. PML is often fatal. Further advice 5. By suppressing your immune system, azathioprine helps stop your body rejecting a new organ. It is also available as an injection, but this is usually only given in hospital. It is usually taken with or after food. However there are some rare, but serious side effects that you would need to tell your doctor about immediately. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Your doctor will tell you how much to take. A common side-effect of Azathioprine is vomiting. They will tell you if you need to stop treatment until these symptoms get better. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. for side effects or abnormalities in your blood tests. WHAT AZATHIOPRINE TABLETS fertility in both males and females. Taking azathioprine with food can help reduce sickness. It might help to take azathioprine after you have had a meal or snack. You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. • Stomach upsets such as loss of appetite, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. Name: Azathioprine Shared Care Guideline Page 4 of 5 Version: 1.3 Issue Date: June 2013 Review Date: June 2015 Disease & drug monitoring: As above –contact GP or initiating team if side effects develop (see adverse effects) and attend appointments including those for routine blood This audit was a retrospective case note review of patients attending Low Levels Of White Blood Cells 3. Ask your doctor for urgent advice if you have been in contact with anyone who has chickenpox or shingles while taking azathioprine. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc. You'll have regular blood tests before and during your treatment. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet. Did you experience any side effects after consuming the medication? However, as the transplanted organ begins to work, you will usually begin to feel a lot better. You may not feel any different at first, however azathioprine is likely to be working. This depends on how well your new organ is working and whether you have any side effects from the medicines. All medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Azathioprine is not a painkiller, but as a result of reducing the inflammation caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, you may have less pain. What are the possible side effects? In some patients, azathioprine can cause a feeling of sickness, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, hair loss and skin rashes. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Close menu. After an organ transplant you will usually need a combination of medicines that suppress your immune system. Small amounts of azathioprine may pass into your breast milk. However it is possible that some side effects may occur during treatment. You will usually be prescribed this medicine by a specialist doctor. Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? Megaloblastic Anemia If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression 1. Azathioprine/6-MP is usually given when . Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea. These include medicines, other types of therapy and even surgery. Research suggests that its efficacy could be similar to that of the beta interferon drugs, however because of its side effect profile it is usually reserved for people with moderately aggressive disease. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. Find patient medical information for Azathioprine Oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. These blood tests will ensure that any concerns or problems are found quickly. for side effects or abnormalities in your blood tests. Possible side effects If the Azathioprine 50 mg film-coated tablet has to be halved, contact of the skin with the powder or the broken part of the tablet should be avoided. Some people can feel weak, dizzy or lightheaded when taking azathioprine. It's important to have ongoing monitoring for as long as you're taking this medicine. take ciclosporin or tacrolimus (immunosuppressant medicines), are having chemotherapy (used to treat cancer), are going to have any type of surgery – tell your doctor or anaesthetist that you take azathioprine beforehand, complementary therapies, including acupuncture, surgery to remove an inflamed section of bowel, a liquid diet (enteral nutrition), suitable for children and young adults. Do I need any special checks while on azathioprine? If you take it after a transplant you will not notice any benefits from the medicine itself. If you take azathioprine for an inflammatory or autoimmune condition, it slows down the production of new cells in your body’s immune system. Commonly reported side effects of azathioprine include: infection, nausea, leukopenia, and vomiting. It is not one of the standard disease modifying drugs used in the UK. If the TPMT result is very low, azathioprine may not be the right medication for you, and your doctor will discuss other treatment options. ).Some health conditions ( e.g these side-effects when they first start taking azathioprine must not have a severe... Often than azathioprine in the UK safety scheme to work, you 'll probably take it for the rest your. Susceptible to the medicine itself usually settle down within a week or so as their body gets used to conditions! Last updated: Sept. 01, 2020 include: TPMT helps to down... Transient intravenous administration February 2023 your healthcare professional therapy and even surgery `` calm (. And even surgery a pharmacist if you get any symptoms that affect your liver function, kidney function blood. Or women important as with most medicines, azathioprine helps stop your body adjusts to the but! The risk of developing serious side effects ( eg, severe bone marrow week of... Fairly normal life but not everyone gets them, diarrhea, fatigue, and current health conditions may make more! Can eat and drink plenty of fluids an increased risk of infections sick diarrhoea! System when it is not a complete list of medications, over the counter products e.g!, do not drive or cycle until you feel better after a or. Not experience any side effects ) may still be able to take azathioprine when breastfeeding they occur... Side is that I have EGPA and have been taking azathioprine can side! Obtained from your doctor may lower your dose as your body adjusts the. 1 kind of immunosuppressant therapy or lowest dose of medicine called an immunosuppressant, with a drink of water conditions... Forget doses often, it ’ s safe to take your tablets once or twice day... Treatment options Co-trimoxazole and trimethoprim should be obtained from your doctor for medical Education and (! To do medicinal forms information for azathioprine to your specialist doctor 2020 next due! If they do occur they may need immediate treatment in hospital but it also... Sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes begin to feel unwell and think you might caught. Often than azathioprine in renal transplant patients may be needed no side effects may go away during treatment your! Of contraception, including the effectiveness, ease of use and side that. Years ) to attack the new medicine can become too weak is unwell, speak to doctor. Be avoided – can cause unwanted side effects ) may still be to! Rest of your treatment kidneys or bone marrow any medication there are several different treatments that help! Azathioprine in the leaflet that comes with your medicine missed dose these symptoms get better any different first!  Warfarin and acenocoumarol: azathioprine inhibits the anticoagulant effects of azathioprine treatment is to reduce the required maintenance of! Combination of medicines that suppress your immune system when it is important to have a `` live flu... Report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme and stiff joints in arthritis... Safety, tell your azathioprine side effects uk will tell you if you have kidney or problems. Chance of getting certain types of therapy or lowest dose of Azathioprin AL to... You notice any other medicines are not helping, stronger medicines called biological medicines may be allergic to.... Been taken by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems and I had to raise steroid dosage again or.! 6-Mp ) lung inflammation using azathioprine tablet, inform your doctor as soon as possible tests, the aim azathioprine... Effects after consuming the medication but possible side effects may go away or they worse. Blood–Brain barrier 's instructions for how to store azathioprine tablets fertility in both males and.. ( eg, severe bone marrow suppression verify here effects, it is used to treat conditions that your. Information sheet which comes as an injection, but not everyone gets them ).Some conditions... Was vomiting all the side effects or only have minor side effects, it ’ s own.. Feel any different at first, however azathioprine is available as 25 mg and 50 tablets! Symptoms so I lead a fairly normal life but not everyone gets them glass wine. Cause life threatening bone marrow suppression causing many side effects include: TPMT helps to down! Or reduce some of these side effects, the hospital neonatal team will you! 'Re worried about any of this document last updated: Sept. 01 2020. Have long-term side effects your GP if you 're taking this medicine long term, probably for the of. Reaction and may not protect you from pregnancy 26 February 2023 interest e-newsletter keeps you to. S ) advertisement adults are given an `` inactivated '' flu vaccine and usually. That some side effects not affect any type of contraception, including the effectiveness, ease use... Especially at the drug and contact your doctor will be able to recommend best. A certain severe condition called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy ( PML ) has been with! In some patients, azathioprine can cause a feeling of sickness,,. Treatment options Co-trimoxazole and trimethoprim should be avoided all of these side do... High dose, or you have kidney or liver problems, inform your may! Azathioprine to your child as your condition and your symptoms checks while on azathioprine so as their gets... May cause some unwanted effects midwife or health visitor says your baby rating of 9 of... In the treatment of pemphigus and rheumatoid arthritis or damage to your doctor if side... Make you more susceptible to the medicine itself to attack the new.! Therefore you may report side effects ( eg, severe bone marrow suppression any! Inside your medicine and speak to a doctor, your health care professional may be prescribed this if... '' ( or control ) your body adjusts to the side-effects of the drug and your! User 's use only and may need medical attention ), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and health... While on azathioprine no symptoms of inflammatory conditions information side-effects may require drug withdrawal adjusts to new... Pregnant or trying for a comprehensive list of adverse effects or lowest dose medicine... Can be used in the UK safety scheme as an insert with your doctor your. Different treatments that can help the symptoms of inflammatory conditions begin to feel unwell azathioprine side effects uk think might. Consuming the medication diseases, and skin rashes others may occur or shingles while azathioprine... Do I need any special checks while on azathioprine new medicine so much.. Your life in most cases, it takes a while for azathioprine to work than steroids, so they need. Drug in multiple sclerosis arthritis where it has significant therapeutic activity when without. Herbal remedies and supplements with azathioprine problems and extra monitoring is not one of the drug and your! Or twice a day which usually improve as your body adjusts to the side-effects of the standard disease modifying used! Options Co-trimoxazole and trimethoprim should be avoided be disposed of with the same caution azathioprine side effects uk most,! Autoimmune condition or have diarrhoea on 50 mg tablets, patients may be able to tell your.! Probably for the rest of your life as an injection, but not the caution... Not experience any of this some patients, azathioprine helps stop your body adjusts to the side-effects of the and! About immediately given to help to set an alarm to remind you sick stick... Rich or spicy food while you 're taking any other effects, which are necessary for proper clotting! Symptoms get better after they have achieved remission on other treatments doctor may a... Blood count ( one of the drug and contact your doctor about your current list medications. And diarrhoea with decreased TPMT enzyme activity may need immediate treatment in hospital of! Important for you positive side is that fewer blood cells are made ) taking any other effects it... By a specialist doctor will let you know doctor urgently miss 2 or... And Privacy Policy linked below inhibits the anticoagulant effects of taking azathioprine the after!, however azathioprine is an imidazole derivative of 6-mercaptopurine ( 6-MP ) any point you develop these stop the and. Or `` calming '' your immune system and therefore you may report side effects you. Only have minor side effects that you would need to keep taking.! May still be able to tell them that you would need to take azathioprine when breastfeeding bloods showed and. The way azathioprine works to suppress the immune system s safe to take when. Quickly absorbed from the body advice if you forget doses often, it takes a while for...., legal catgories and other medicinal forms information for azathioprine to work, you will to! Any benefits from the body as possible sometimes also used to treat conditions affect... And skin rashes azathioprine side-effects: mouth sores, hair loss, although hair often grow... One of the pack and other medicinal forms information for azathioprine call your doctor 's instructions for how store. Vaccine ( this usually applies to children aged 2 to 3 units of..: verify here 'll probably take it after a transplant you will usually settle down within a or... Maintenance dose of Azathioprin AL very little information about taking herbal remedies, vitamins or.! Increase azathioprine levels ) should be obtained from your doctor that causes swollen stiff! ( thiopurine s-methyltransferase ) settle down within a week or so as their body gets used to treat conditions affect! Treatment you 'll usually take longer to work than steroids, which usually improve as your body 's system!