Azathioprine: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Azathioprine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Azathioprine? (Azathioprine kya hai)

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant drug that belongs to the thiopurine class. It works by suppressing the immune system, which helps reduce the body's response to foreign substances or its own tissues. This makes it useful for treating conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, such as in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or in preventing organ rejection after a transplant. Patients who take Azathioprine typically have conditions where their immune system needs to be modulated to prevent damage to their own tissues.

Azathioprine is similar to other drugs in the thiopurine class, such as mercaptopurine, in that they all aim to modulate the immune response. However, each drug may have slightly different mechanisms or uses within the class. Azathioprine requires regular blood count monitoring due to the risk of bone marrow suppression and must only be used under close specialist supervision. Always take Azathioprine as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Prevention of organ transplant rejection (kidney, liver, heart)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (as disease-modifying antirheumatic therapy)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — under specialist supervision
• Other autoimmune conditions as directed by a specialist

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Organ transplant recipients requiring long-term immunosuppression
• Patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis not responding to first-line therapy
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease needing maintenance therapy

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If you are allergic to azathioprine or mercaptopurine
• If you have severely reduced bone marrow function
• If you have a serious active infection
• Do not take live vaccines during treatment

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed by specialist doctor; dose calculated based on body weight

• As prescribed; regular blood count monitoring is mandatory

• Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your specialist — excessive doses cause serious harm

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Take with food or after meals to reduce nausea

• At the same time each day

• Take every day as prescribed — do not skip doses

• Swallow whole with a full glass of water

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Take with food to minimise nausea

• Same time daily to maintain a routine

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Azathioprine should be taken with food or after meals to reduce stomach upset and nausea.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Do not use Azathioprine if you are allergic to azathioprine or any ingredient
• CRITICAL: Do not take allopurinol together with azathioprine without specialist guidance — this combination can cause life-threatening toxicity
• Regular full blood count monitoring is mandatory throughout treatment
• Avoid live vaccines during treatment — consult doctor before any vaccination

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children

• Regular full blood count and liver function tests are required
• Report any fever, sore throat, or unusual bruising or bleeding immediately

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

• Bone marrow suppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia), serious infections, risk of malignancy with long-term use

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Allopurinol dramatically increases azathioprine toxicity — requires dose reduction of up to 75%
• ACE inhibitors increase risk of leukopenia
• Live vaccines are contraindicated during treatment
• Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are taking

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Fever, chills, or signs of infection (sore throat, mouth ulcers) — seek immediate attention
• Unusual bruising, bleeding, or persistent fatigue (may indicate bone marrow suppression)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice) — seek emergency care immediately

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

(Note: Price depends on the pharmacy and pack size. Imuran brand is imported and typically higher priced.)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Azathioprine kis kaam aati hai?

A: Azathioprine is prescribed by a specialist doctor to suppress the immune system in organ transplant patients, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. See the uses section on PakVita for full details.

Q: Kitni mg ki Azathioprine hoti hai?

A: Azathioprine is available in 50mg tablets. The exact dose is calculated by your doctor based on your body weight and condition.

Q: Pakistan mein price kitni hai?

A: Azathioprine (Imuran) 50mg 100-tablet packs are available in Pakistan for approximately Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 9,000 depending on the pharmacy and brand.

Q: Pregnancy mein safe hai?

A: Azathioprine should only be used in pregnancy when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. This decision must be made by your doctor. Never self-medicate during pregnancy.

Q: Nuksanat kya hain?

A: Common side effects include nausea and loss of appetite. Serious effects like bone marrow suppression require regular blood monitoring. Report any fever, unusual bruising, or bleeding to your doctor immediately.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-07-09

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.