Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Imuran vs. Prograf

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Azathioprine (Imuran) and tacrolimus (Prograf, Envarsus XR) are both immunosuppressants used to prevent organ rejection after transplants, but they have some key differences. Azathioprine is also used for rheumatoid arthritis, while tacrolimus is not. Tacrolimus is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, whereas azathioprine is only available in immediate-release form. Tacrolimus is typically taken once or twice daily, while azathioprine's dosing can vary based on your condition and weight. Azathioprine has a higher risk of causing skin cancer with long-term use, while tacrolimus can cause nerve problems and high blood pressure. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor for side effects, but tacrolimus has more interactions with other medications and foods, such as grapefruit juice. Additionally, tacrolimus can cause serious heart and kidney problems, which are less commonly associated with azathioprine.

  • Imuran (azathioprine)
    Tacrolimus (Prograf)
  • Imuran (azathioprine)
    Tacrolimus (Prograf)

  • Summary of Imuran vs. Prograf

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Tacrolimus (Prograf) is a medication used to prevent organ rejection after an organ transplant. The immediate-release (IR) capsules are available as a lower-cost generic medication, whereas the IR granules (Prograf) and extended-release (ER) capsules (Astagraf XL) are only available as brand-name medications. Tacrolimus (Prograf) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. Your provider will check your tacrolimus level through blood work and adjust your dose if needed. Common side effects of tacrolimus (Prograf) include tremors, headache, diarrhea, and nausea.

  • Indications of Imuran vs. Prograf

    Indications for
    •To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney
    •Rheumatoid arthritis
    Indications for

    Prevention of organ transplant rejection, including:

    •Kidney transplant
    •Liver or heart transplant - generic tacrolimus capsule and brand name Prograf only
    •Lung transplant - brand name Prograf only

  • Pros and Cons of Imuran vs. Prograf

    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    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
    Cons
    •Regular blood tests are required
    •Raises risk of getting an infection
    •Not a first choice medication because of many side effects
    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Available in short-acting and long-acting forms, so there's an option to take once or twice daily
    •Available as granules to mix into a solution (Prograf), so it's convenient for people who have trouble swallowing
    •Can be used to prevent organ rejection after different types of transplant
    •Less likely to cause high cholesterol levels compared to other transplant medications
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and omeprazole (Prilosec)
    •Need to get regular blood work to check for appropriate dose and side effects
    •Risk of serious infections
    •Can cause side effects such as tremor, headache, and diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Imuran vs. Prograf

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Leukopenia (lowering of white blood cells in the body)
    •Infections
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tremor (54%)
    •High blood pressure (50%)
    •Changes in electrolyte levels (up to 49%)
    •Infections (up to 45%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (45%)
    •Headache (44%)
    •Diarrhea (44%)
    •Nausea (38%)
    •Swelling of hands and feet (36%)
    •Constipation (35%)
    •Feeling weak (34%)
    •General pain (up to 33%)
    •Trouble sleeping (32%)
    •Low red blood cell count (30%)

  • Warnings of Imuran vs. Prograf

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cancer
    •Fewer Blood Cells
    •Greater Risk for Infections
    •Liver Damage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of skin or lymph node cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Higher risk of death in females taking Astagraf XL after liver transplant (not an FDA-approved use)
    •High blood sugar
    •Kidney problems
    •Nerve or brain problems
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart problems
    •Blood problems
    •Harm to unborn babies and lower sperm count
    •Interaction with vaccines
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Imuran vs. Prograf

    Learn more about Imuran
    Learn more about Tacrolimus

Compare other Organ Transplant drugs

Cromolyn vs ImuranImuran vs AzulfidineImuran vs PrednisoneImuran vs PrografImuran vs RapamuneImuran vs RemicadeImuran vs TrexallMyfortic vs ImuranOrtikos vs ImuranCellcept vs MyforticEnbrel vs TrexallEntyvio vs OrtikosMyfortic vs PrografMyfortic vs RapamuneOrencia vs RemicadeOrtikos vs AzasanOrtikos vs RemicadeOrtikos vs StelaraOrtikos vs TrexallPrednisone vs RemicadePrograf vs RapamuneRemicade vs CimziaRemicade vs EntyvioRemicade vs HumiraRemicade vs RinvoqRemicade vs SimponiRituxan vs RemicadeSandimmune vs RapamuneSkyrizi vs RemicadeXeljanz vs Remicade
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.