Have you or someone you know been prescribed a medicine called Azathioprine by a doctor? If so, it's important to learn a little about this medicine. Simply put, it's a medicine that suppresses or reduces the activity of your body's immune system. Let's take a look at what it does, how it's used, and what you need to be aware of.
What kind of medicine is Azathioprine? What is it used for?
Okay, let's first see what this drug called Azathioprine is mainly used for.
One of its main functions is to reduce the unnecessary stress on the body's immune system . The immune system in our body is like an army that protects a country. It fights germs that cause diseases. But sometimes this system becomes overactive and can harm our own body. That's when this medicine helps.
This is mainly used for:
1. After an organ transplant: Imagine that someone has received an organ transplant, such as a kidney or liver. Then the body's immune system may recognize this new organ as "foreign" and attack it. This is called "organ rejection." Azathioprine prevents this rejection. That is, it helps the new organ to adapt well to the body.
2. For diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is also a disease caused by a problem with the immune system, as I mentioned earlier. What happens here is that our own immune system attacks our own joints. So, Azathioprine helps reduce that attack and control the symptoms.
This medication may sometimes be prescribed by doctors for other conditions. If you have been prescribed this medication for another reason, it is best to ask your doctor about it. This medication is available in the market under names such as (Azasan) and (Imuran).
What are the important things I need to tell the doctor before starting this medication?
Before you start using Azathioprine, there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor. It's important for your safety to be honest about these things, right?
The doctor wants to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Any existing infection: If you have any infection such as fever, cold, cough. Because this medicine reduces immunity, infections may increase.
- Kidney disease: If the kidneys are not working properly, it can affect how well the medicine is excreted from the body.
- Liver disease: If there is a problem with the liver, it can also affect the medication.
- If you have an allergic reaction to azathioprine, other medications, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This is very important, as this medicine can affect the baby in the womb.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
When you discuss these points with your doctor, he or she can decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How exactly do you use Azathioprine?
Okay, now let's see how exactly to take this medicine.
This comes in the form of tablets. You should take this tablet with a glass of water. You should take it exactly as directed on the prescription label, at the time and in the amount prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses, and take them at the prescribed intervals.
Very important: Do not stop taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to, even if you feel a little better. Stopping it suddenly can cause problems. Never stop taking it or change the dose without your doctor's advice. Is it okay?
Should I give this medicine to small children?
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to young children. Therefore, be sure to talk to a pediatrician before giving this medicine to your child.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call a poison control center immediately. They will advise you on what to do. Don't waste time at a time like this.
Is it okay to give this medicine to others?
This is also important to remember. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to a friend or family member who has the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
Sometimes you may miss a dose. If you do, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This can increase the risk of side effects.
What other medications may interact with Azathioprine? (Drug Interactions)
This is a very important part. Azathioprine can cause problems when combined with some other medications you are taking. It can even be dangerous to take it with some medications.
Do not take Azathioprine with this medicine!
- Febuxostat - This is a medicine for gout.
- Mercaptopurine - This is a medication used to treat cancer and other conditions.
You should also be careful with these medications:
If you are taking any of the following medications, be sure to tell your doctor when you are taking Azathioprine. Your doctor may need to change your dose or check you more often.
- Allopurinol: This is also a medicine for gout.
- Aminosalicylates : Examples include sulfasalazine, mesalamine, balsalazide, and olsalazine. These are used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
- Leflunomide: This is also a medication used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- ACE inhibitors : These are medications used to treat high blood pressure. Examples include Benazepril, Captopril, and Enalapril.
- Mycophenolate: This is also a medication given after organ transplants.
- Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim: This is a commonly used antibiotic.
- Vaccines: Some vaccines may not work properly or may be dangerous while taking this medicine. Therefore, you should tell your doctor before getting any vaccinations.
- Warfarin: This is a medicine that prevents blood clotting.
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including over-the-counter medications), herbs, and dietary supplements you use, as well as if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some of these things can interact with Azathioprine.
What should we be careful about when taking this medicine?
You need to take a little extra care of your health while taking Azathioprine.
- See your doctor regularly: Visit your doctor at regular intervals to check your condition. You will need to have regular blood tests during the first few months of taking this medicine. This will help your doctor see if the medicine is working properly for you and if there are any side effects.
- Be careful of infections: If you develop any symptoms of an infection, such as a cold, fever, or sore throat, while taking this medicine, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. This is because this medicine lowers your immunity, which increases your risk of developing infections, and even a minor infection can become serious.
Special notice for pregnant mothers and those hoping to become pregnant!
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should tell your doctor right away. This medicine can cause serious side effects in an unborn baby. Therefore, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
There's something for men to know too...
Men taking this medication may experience a decrease in sperm count. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
Should we also be aware of the risk of cancer?
It has been found that long-term use of this medicine may slightly increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. This does not happen to everyone, but it is good to be aware of the risk. Talk to your doctor about this. It is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle and get regular cancer screenings.
What are the possible side effects of Azathioprine? (Side Effects)
Like any medicine, azathioprine can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them, but it's good to be aware of the possible ones.
If you experience any of these side effects, you should tell your doctor immediately:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor immediately, or go to a hospital.
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Changes in vision.
- Confusion.
- Fever, chills, or any other signs of infection.
- Staggering gait, loss of balance or coordination.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Feeling unusually weak or tired.
- Vomiting.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin - This is also called jaundice.
These side effects are usually not dangerous, but tell your doctor if they persist:
These things may happen to some people, but they are usually not dangerous. But if they persist, or if they bother you, tell your doctor.
- Hair loss.
- Nausea.
Remember, this list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it.
How should I store this medicine?
It is also very important to store your medication properly.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature. That is, between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius (59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Protect from sunlight and moisture.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
So, I hope you now have some idea about Azathioprine.
This article is for general information only. It is not a substitute for the advice of your doctor. If you have any questions about this medicine or your condition, please discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional who is treating you. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
The most important thing is to take care of your health. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
` Azathioprine, immunity, organ transplantation, rheumatoid arthritis, side effects, medicine, health
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