What is the medication Imuran used for?
Azathioprine (Imuran®) is a medication that treats diseases that have to do with your immune system. It’s been used in some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), usually if they have problems with standard FDA-approved medications for their MS.
Is Imuran a high risk medication?
Imuran may cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that can be fatal. This has occurred mainly in teenagers and young men with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. However, anyone with an inflammatory autoimmune disorder may have a higher risk of lymphoma.
What are the side effects of taking Imuran?
The most common side effect is nausea and vomiting. This may improve over time, and can get better when the drug is taken after meals or in divided doses. Itchy rashes, a sore mouth or throat and mouth ulcers may occur. Azathioprine may also irritate the liver.
What are the long term effects of Imuran?
The main theoretical risks of prolonged use would be the myelotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and the development of cancer. In fact, serious bone marrow suppression or serious liver damage are uncommon, and can be minimized with proper use of the drug.
Is Imuran considered chemo?
There are quite a few chemotherapy drugs on the market, but only three are widely used in treating rheumatic diseases today. They are Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Azathioprine (Imuran), and Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Methotrexate is the chemotherapeutic drug most widely used by rheumatologists.
Is Imuran a steroid?
Azathioprine (also known as Imuran®) is often prescribed for patients with chronic active inflammatory bowel disease that requires continuous or repeated courses of corticosteroids. Azathioprine is often referred to as a “steroid sparing agent” or “immunomodulator”.
How long can you stay on Imuran?
If tolerated, you will probably be on azathioprine for up to 5 years. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel well. What are the common side effects?
Does Imuran affect memory?
It may cause disability or can be deadly. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs like confusion, memory problems, low mood (depression), change in the way you act, change in strength on 1 side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or change in eyesight.
Does Imuran cause weight gain?
No, Imuran (azathioprine) itself is not causing your weight gain. Perhaps the drug is sufficiently controlling the disease to allow for more complete food absorption. If you’re concerned about your weight, note that most weight reduction diets are well-tolerated in Crohn’s disease patients.
What should I avoid while taking azathioprine?
Wear protective clothing and hats, and stay out of direct sunlight between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. While you are being treated with azathioprine, and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccines) without your doctor’s approval.
Does Imuran make you tired?
Azathioprine oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.
Is azathioprine like chemo?
Should I take Imuran in the morning or at night?
Azathioprine sometimes causes nausea or vomiting. Taking this medicine after meals, in divided doses, or at bedtime may lessen stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or continue to have problems with nausea or vomiting.
Does Imuran make you gain weight?
Does Imuran make your hair fall out?
During the early weeks of treatment azathioprine may cause nausea and loss of appetite, rash, flu-like illness with fever, and generalised aches and pains. You may notice some hair loss while taking azathioprine. However, hair often does grow again, even if you carry on taking the medicine.