How should I take azathioprine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take azathioprine with a full
glass of
water.
Take azathioprine with food to lessen stomach upset.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using
azathioprine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Azathioprine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can
make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular
basis. Your kidney function may also to need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
Store azathioprine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you take this medicine once daily and you miss a dose, take the
medicine as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and wait until your next regularly scheduled time to take the medication. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
If you take this medicine more than once daily and you miss a dose,
take the medicine as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, take both
doses together, then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Call your doctor if you have missed more than one dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, bleeding,
fever, chills, and other signs of infection.
What should I avoid while taking azathioprine?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact
your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with azathioprine and avoid
coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that
the virus could be passed on to you.
What are the possible side effects of azathioprine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
-
fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, weakness, muscle
pain, flu symptoms;
-
severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
-
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back,
fast heart rate;
-
pain or burning with urination;
-
stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored
stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
-
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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