Generic Imuran

Description

Active Ingredient

The medication has the main active ingredient Azathioprine. It is a purine antimetabolite. It acts as a Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitor.  It is used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ transplantation to prevent rejection of an organ. It acts as a corticosteroid-sparing agent in autoimmune disease. It is associated with minor, usually transient and asymptomatic elevations in serum aminotransferase levels.

Indications

It is composed of Azathioprine, which is used to prevent organ rejection in people who have received a kidney transplant. Imuran also treats rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system attacks healthy joints in the condition of rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants that weakens the immune system to help the body to accept the new kidney as if it were it’s own. It prevents further damage to the joints in the case of rheumatoid arthritis.

Side Effects

• Decreased white blood cell count
• Nausea
• Infection
• Loss of appetite
• Increased bleeding tendency

Interaction

• Leflunomide
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Virus
• Measles Vaccine

Action Mechanism

Immunosuppressant medicine works by decreasing the activity of the body’s immune system. For rheumatoid arthritis, it keeps the immune system from attacking and damaging the joints. For a kidney transplant, the medicine restricts the immune system from attacking the newly transplanted kidney.

Dosages

Effective medicine is indicated to prevent organ rejection while organ transplants and to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It is available in a dosage as mentioned below:

• 50 mg: This tablet is recommended to take once or twice a day with food to avoid stomach upset, exactly as prescribed by the doctor

Note

It is advisable for a pregnant woman not to handle Imuran, can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby.