| |
AZATHIOPRINE DESCRIPTION
Imuran (Azathioprine) - Tablet
Azathioprine is manufactured by Glaxo SmithKline Inc. This medicine is an immunosuppressive agent used to prevent rejection after a kidney transplant. It may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Where Can I order Azathioprine From?
Can I buy Azathioprine at Canadian Prices?
Yes, if you are from the U.S. then you can
buy Azathioprine at Canadian prices. Currently we will only
accept an order for Azathioprine from U.S. and Canadian residents.
Both U.S. and Canadian residents require a prescription to purchase
Azathioprine and when you order Azathioprine it will be delivered
with express shipping.
Why is Azathioprine prescribed?
Azathioprine is given after organ transplant surgery to help prevent rejection of organs (kidney, heart, or liver) by holding down the body's immune system. It is also used to avoid long-term rejection in people previously treated with other immunosuppressant drugs, such as Imuran. Neoral is a newer formulation of Azathioprine's active ingredient, cyclosporine. In addition to prevention of organ rejection, it is prescribed for certain severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Some doctors also prescribe Azathioprine to treat alopecia areata (localized areas of hair loss), aplastic anemia (shortage of red and white blood cells and platelets), Crohn's disease (chronic inflammation of the digestive tract), and nephropathy (kidney disease). Azathioprine is sometimes used in the treatment of severe skin disorders, including psoriasis and dermatomyositis (inflammation of the skin and muscles causing weakness and rash). The drug is also used in procedures involving bone marrow, the pancreas, and the lungs.
Azathioprine is always given with prednisone or a similar steroid. It is available in capsules and liquid, or as an injection.
Most important fact about Azathioprine
If you take Azathioprine orally over a period of time, your doctor will monitor your blood levels of cyclosporine to make sure your body is receiving the correct amount of Azathioprine. The reason for this repeated testing is that the absorption of this drug in the body is erratic. Constant monitoring is necessary to prevent toxicity due to overdosing or to prevent possible organ rejection due to underdosing. It is important to note that Azathioprine may need to be taken by mouth for an indefinite period following surgery.
How should you take Azathioprine?
Take the Azathioprine capsule or oral liquid at the same time every day. You may take the medication either with a meal or between meals, but be consistent. To make Azathioprine oral liquid more palatable, you may mix it with room-temperature milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice. Try to use the same beverage as often as possible. Neoral oral solution may be mixed with room-temperature orange or apple juice. It does not taste good in milk. Use a container made of glass, not plastic. Never let the mixture stand; drink it as soon as you prepare it. To make sure you get your full dose, rinse the glass with a little more liquid and drink that too. You should maintain good dental hygiene and see your dentist frequently for cleaning to prevent tenderness, bleeding, and gum enlargement. After you use the dosage syringe to transfer the oral solution to a glass, dry the outside of the syringe with a clean towel and put it away. Do not rinse or wash it. If you do have to clean it, make sure it is thoroughly dry before you use it again. You may notice an odor when you open the capsule container; this is nothing to worry about and will soon dissipate. Neoral should start to work on rheumatoid arthritis in 4 to 8 weeks, and on psoriasis in 2 weeks. Psoriasis is usually controlled within 12 to 16 weeks; you should not take the drug for more than a year. --If you miss a dose...If fewer than 12 hours have passed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. --Storage instructions...
Store both the capsules and the oral solution below 86 degrees F; do not store the liquid in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid from freezing. Azathioprine liquid, once opened, must be used within 2 months.
What side effects may occur with Azathioprine?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any appear or change in intensity, inform your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Azathioprine. The principal side effects of Azathioprine are high blood pressure, hirsutism (unusual growth of hair), kidney damage, excessive growth of the gums, and tremor.
Other common side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort, acne, breathing difficulty, convulsions, coughing, cramps, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, flushing, headache, liver damage, lymph system tumor, muscle, bone, or joint pain, nasal inflammation, nausea, numbness or tingling, sinus inflammation, vomiting, wheezing
Less common side effects may include:
Abdominal distention, allergic reactions, anemia, appetite loss or increase, bleeding gums, blood disorders, brittle fingernails, confusion, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), dizziness, fever, fluid retention, frequent urination, hearing loss, hiccups, high blood sugar, indigestion, infection, insomnia, nervousness, peptic ulcer, rash and other skin disorders, ringing in the ears, stomach inflammation, vertigo
Rare side effects may include:
Anxiety, blood in the urine, breast development in males, chest pain, constipation, depression, hair breaking, heart attack, itching, joint pain, lymph disorders, mouth sores, night sweats, sluggishness, stomach and upper intestinal bleeding, swallowing difficulty, tingling, visual disturbance, weakness, weight loss
Why should Azathioprine not be prescribed?
Do not take these products if you have ever had an allergic reaction to them. Avoid Azathioprine by injection if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an injection of the drug or you are especially sensitive to castor oil.
Avoid taking Neoral for arthritis or psoriasis if you have a kidney condition, high blood pressure, or cancer. While taking the drug, you should avoid most other psoriasis treatment, including ultraviolet light, coal tar, methotrexate, and radiation.
Special warnings about Azathioprine
When your immune system is suppressed by Azathioprine, you are at increased risk of infection and of certain malignancies, including skin cancer and lymph system cancer. High-dose Azathioprine is toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause serious kidney damage. Because this toxicity has symptoms similar to those of transplant rejection, you must be monitored closely. If your body is trying hard to reject a transplanted organ, your doctor will probably allow the rejection to occur rather than give you a very high dose of Azathioprine. This drug can raise blood pressure, especially in older people. If high blood pressure develops while you are taking Neoral for transplant rejection, the doctor will prescribe blood pressure medication. If it develops while you are taking the drug for arthritis or psoriasis, the doctor may lower your dose. Azathioprine and Neoral are not directly interchangeable. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage if you switch. Brain disorders have developed in patients taking this drug, sometimes leading to convulsions, loss of movement, vision problems, impaired consciousness, and psychiatric disturbances. The chance of convulsions is greater if you are taking high doses of steroid drugs, particularly methylprednisolone (Medrol). Brain-related disorders usually clear up once Azathioprine is discontinued. Use a barrier method of contraception, such as diaphragms or condoms, during Azathioprine therapy. Do not use oral contraceptive pills without your doctor's approval. Do not try to change dosage forms without consulting your doctor.
If you take Neoral for arthritis or psoriasis, the condition will eventually return when you stop taking the drug, generally within 1 or 2 months. Neoral treatments for psoriasis should be replaced with other types of therapy after 1 year.
Recommended Azathioprine dosage
ADULTS Transplant Rejection
Your doctor will tailor your dosage of Azathioprine in accordance with your body's response. Expect a single dose of 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight 4 to 12 hours before a transplant and 1 dose daily for 1 to 2 weeks after the operation. After that, the doctor may keep you on a daily dose of 5 to 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight. The dosage of Neoral depends on the type of transplant and the other drugs you are taking. It is always taken twice a day. Psoriasis or Rheumatoid Arthritis The starting dosage is 2.5 milligrams of Neoral per 2.2 pounds of body weight divided into 2 doses per day. Your doctor may gradually increase the daily dose to a maximum of 4 milligrams per 2.2 pounds.
CHILDREN Dosage is generally the same for children as for adults, though somewhat higher doses are sometimes needed. Both drugs have been used to prevent transplant rejection in small children. Neoral has not been tested for arthritis or psoriasis in children under 18.
Azathioprine Overdosage
Although no specific information is available, an overdose of Azathioprine would be expected to cause liver and kidney problems. Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Azathioprine, seek medical attention immediately.
Buy Discount Azathioprine Drug Online From 77 Canada Pharmacy
|
