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Azathioprine Coupon - Azathioprine 50mg tablet

azathioprine

Generic Imuran, Azasan
Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Organ Transplant
Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Organ Transplant

Imuran (azathioprine) is a medication used after kidney transplantation and also for rheumatoid arthritis. It's not a first choice medication because of many side effects. Your provider may also use Imuran (azathioprine) for other indications as well, although these are off-label (not FDA-approved) uses.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Dalga Surofchy, PharmD, APh
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 29, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Imuran (azathioprine)?

What is Imuran (azathioprine) used for?

  • To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

How Imuran (azathioprine) works

Imuran (azathioprine) is in a drug class known as immunosuppressants. This means it weakens your body's immune response. It's important to lower your immune response after a kidney transplant so that your body doesn't attack the new kidney. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it can stop your immune system from attacking your joints.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsImuran, Azasan
Drug ClassImmunosuppressant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Imuran (azathioprine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Leukopenia (lowering of white blood cells in the body)
  • Infections

Other Side Effects

  • Tiredness
  • Muscle pain
  • Fever
  • Hair loss
  • Damage to your liver

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Signs of an allergic reaction like trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling (on your face, lips, mouth, or throat), peeling skin, rash, or hives
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising (go to the emergency room)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

chest pain

chills

cough

fever

hoarseness

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Cloudy urine

fever sores on the skin

general feeling of illness

greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine

skin rash

swelling of the feet or lower legs

weight loss

yellow skin or eyes

Rare

Bloating

clay-colored stools

constipation

dark urine

decreased appetite

diarrhea (severe)

fast heartbeat

fever (sudden)

headache

indigestion

itching

loss of appetite

muscle or joint pain

nausea (severe)

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

redness or blisters on the skin

stomach pain or tenderness

swelling of the feet or lower legs

unusual feeling of discomfort or illness (sudden)

vomiting (severe)

Incidence not known

Difficulty with breathing

difficulty with moving

fat in the stool

general feeling of illness

pale skin

sores on the skin

stomach cramps

sudden loss of weight

troubled breathing with movement

weight loss

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 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:

More common

Nausea (mild)

swollen joints

vomiting (mild)

Less common

Hair loss or thinning of the hair

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Imuran (azathioprine)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, although it's not commonly used unless other medications don't work

Lowers the pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis

Available in a generic form which is more affordable

Can be used in people who have had a kidney transplant and are planning to become pregnant

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Cons

Regular blood tests are required

Raises risk of getting an infection

Not a first choice medication because of many side effects

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Imuran (azathioprine)

pharmacist

  • Take the medication after meals to help lower the chance of nausea and vomiting.

    • This medication makes your body more susceptible to infection so be sure to wash your hands often and keep distance from people who are sick.

      • Avoid sun excessive sun exposure while taking this medication because it is associated with certain types of cancers. Always use sunscreen and wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, hat, and sunglasses.

        • This medication can cause birth defects. It is important for both men and women to use contraception during sexual intercourse. Talk to your provider about other options if you become or would like to become pregnant.

          • Some people might not be as good at metabolizing this medication. This can cause higher levels of the medication in their body and increase the chance of having side effects. This enzyme is called thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). Ask your healthcare provider if you should be tested for this to find out if you have less of this enzyme.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Imuran (azathioprine)

            Can I receive any vaccine while taking Imuran (azathioprine)?
            No, not every vaccine is okay to receive when taking Imuran (azathioprine) because you can develop an infection. Some vaccines like the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are considered "live" vaccines and these should not be received. Imuran (azathioprine) weakens your immune system so you might be harmed by the live viruses in these vaccines.
            Do I need a genetic test before taking Imuran (azathioprine)?
            Some people might not be as good at metabolizing (breaking down) this medication; this can cause higher levels of the medication in the body and raise the chance of having side effects. The enzyme that metabolizes the medication is called thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). Ask your healthcare provider if you should be tested for this to find out if you have less of this enzyme.
            Is Imuran (azathioprine) only used after kidney transplantation?
            No, this medication is used for many other conditions that are not FDA-approved. For example, the medication is also used after other organ transplants (like liver, lung, or heart) and also for Crohn's disease.
            Does Imuran (azathioprine) cause skin cancer?
            This medication has a special warning from the FDA for being associated with cancers after long-term use. There is a specific warning for skin cancer with long-term use after kidney transplantation. This is why your provider recommends wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when in the sun and lowering the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight.
            Can I drink alcohol while taking Imuran (azathioprine)?
            No. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication because it can raise side effects and raise your chance of damaging your liver.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Imuran (azathioprine)?

            Imuran (azathioprine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Cancer

            • Risk factors: Long-term use

              Long-term use of Imuran (azathioprine) can cause skin cancer, as well as lymphoma (a cancer of the immune system). Limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light, wear protective clothing and use sunblock.

              risk-warning

              Fewer Blood Cells

              • Risk factors: Kidney transplant rejection | Higher doses

                Imuran (azathioprine) can lower the amount of your red and white blood cells. Your healthcare provider will order tests to make sure the level of Imuran (azathioprine) in your blood is safe.

                risk-warning

                Greater Risk for Infections

                • Risk factors: Long-term use | Receiving live vaccines like varicella (chicken pox), yellow fever or the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

                  If you take Imuran (azathioprine) for a long time, you are more likely to get sick from infections, which can be very serious. Be sure to stay away from people who are sick. Wash your hands often. Also, some vaccines like varicella (chicken pox), yellow fever or the MMR vaccine are considered live vaccines and these should not be received since Imuran (azathioprine) can weaken your immune system. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you suddenly have muscle weakness, changes in your speech and vision, or develop a fever.

                  risk-warning

                  Liver Damage

                  A rise in your liver enzymes could be a sign that the medication is hurting your liver. This usually occurs within the first six months of using the medication and it will go away once the medication is stopped.

                  dosage

                  Imuran (azathioprine) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 90 tablets of 50mg of Imuran (azathioprine) is $27.60 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 78.94% off the average retail price of $131.06.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  50mg90 tablets$27.60$0.31
                  75mg30 tablets$122.78$4.09
                  100mg30 tablets$68.34$2.28

                  Typical dosing for Imuran (azathioprine)

                  The dosing for this medication is different for everyone. It depends on your weight and other factors your healthcare provider considers.

                  • Kidney transplantation: Once you have a kidney transplanted and are stable, the typical dosing is 1 mg to 3 mg per kilogram of bodyweight by mouth once daily. This usually comes out to 50 mg to 150 mg per day.

                  • Rheumatoid arthritis: The typical dosing is 1 mg per kilogram of bodyweight given by mouth once daily or divided into two doses per day.

                  Your dose will change if your provider needs to manage your condition or lower side effects.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Imuran (azathioprine) and other drugs

                  Imuran (azathioprine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Imuran (azathioprine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  How much does Imuran (azathioprine) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Imuran (azathioprine) (generic)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Imuran (azathioprine)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Imuran (azathioprine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Imuran (azathioprine)
                  Used for:

                  • To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney

                  • Rheumatoid arthritis

                  $27.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Mycophenolate (CellCept)
                  Used for:

                  • Prevention of kidney, heart, or liver transplant rejection in people ages 3 months and older; taken with other anti-rejection medications

                  $36.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                  Imuran (azathioprine) images

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                  This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "54 043".Yellow Round 54 043 - Azathioprine 50mg Tablet

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