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Compare Myfortic vs. Imuran

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

Key takeaways

Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) and Imuran (azathioprine) are both immunosuppressants used to prevent kidney transplant rejection, but they have some key differences. Myfortic is specifically used only for kidney transplants, while Imuran can also treat rheumatoid arthritis and is used off-label for other conditions like Crohn's disease. Myfortic is taken twice a day, whereas Imuran is typically taken once daily. Myfortic has a special coating to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, which can be a common issue with immunosuppressants. Imuran requires regular blood tests to monitor for side effects, and it has a specific warning for skin cancer with long-term use. Both medications can cause serious infections and should not be taken with live vaccines. Both medications are available in a generic form, which can be more affordable.

  • Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)
    Imuran (azathioprine)
  • Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)
    Imuran (azathioprine)

  • Summary of Myfortic vs. Imuran

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a transplant medication that helps prevent rejection after a kidney transplant in people 5 years and older. It's an immunosuppressant, which means that it works by weakening the immune system. Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a tablet that's taken by mouth two times a day. The tablets have a special coating on them, which can help lessen gastrointestinal-related side effects such as upset stomach and diarrhea. Your transplant team might refer to the medication by its generic name, mycophenolic acid, or by its brand name, Myfortic.

    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.

  • Indications of Myfortic vs. Imuran

    Indications for
    •Prevention of kidney transplant rejection in people 5 years and older
    Indications for
    •To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney
    •Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Pros and Cons of Myfortic vs. Imuran

    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Possible to have less stomach upset than if you take mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
    •Approved for children age 5 years and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only approved for use for people who've received a kidney transplant
    •Only available as tablets that must be swallowed whole; not a good option for people with trouble swallowing pills
    •Interacts with antacids like Mylanta
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Myfortic vs. Imuran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (38%)
    •Nausea (29%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI, 29%)
    •Diarrhea (24%)
    •Trouble sleeping (24%)
    •Vomiting (23%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (23%)
    •Anemia (low red blood count, 22%)
    •Viral infection (cytomegalovirus or CMV, 20%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Leukopenia (lowering of white blood cells in the body)
    •Infections

  • Warnings of Myfortic vs. Imuran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Risk for cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Blood problems
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Inflammation in the body
    •Many drug interactions
    •Avoid in people with a genetic condition called hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) deficiency
    •Caution when getting vaccines during treatment
    Common Side Effects for
    •Cancer
    •Fewer Blood Cells
    •Greater Risk for Infections
    •Liver Damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Myfortic vs. Imuran

    Learn more about Mycophenolic acid
    Learn more about Imuran

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