What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Imuran (Azathioprine)
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Product Details
Description
Your doctor may prescribe the powerful immunosuppressant Imuran to treat various types of immune system disorders. Examples of diseases it can treat include uveitis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, solid organ transplant rejection, immune thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, and Crohn's disease.
Imuran is converted into mercaptopurine in the body. Mercaptopurine incorporates into the DNA of replicating human cells and prevents excess replication that can cause disease.
Fact Table
Formula
C9H7N7O2S
License
US FDA
Bioavailability
60±31%
Legal status
RX Only
Chemical Name
Azathioprine
Elimination half-life
26–80 minutes
Dosage (Strength)
50mg
Pregnancy
Consult Doctor
Brands
Azasan, Imuran
Protein binding
20–30%
PubChem CID
2265
MedlinePlus
a682167
ChEBI
2948
ATC code
L04AX01
DrugBank
DB00993
KEGG
D00238
Routes of administration
By mouth
Directions
The dosage is adjusted for the person taking it and the needs of their disease. Do not adjust this medication without speaking with your doctor.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Imuran is azathioprine.
Interactions
Common drug-drug interactions with this medication may include:
- Abrocitinib
- Allopurinol
- Baricitinib
- BCG and BCG Products
- Cladribine
- Coccidioides immitis Skin Test
- COVID-19 Vaccines
- Deferiprone
- Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine
- Denosumab
- Deucravacitinib
- Dipyrone
- Febuxostat
- Fexinidazole
- Filgotinib
- Influenza Virus Vaccines
- Leflunomide
- Mercaptopurine
- Natalizumab
- Pimecrolimus
- Poliovirus Vaccine
- Polymethylmethacrylate
- Rabies Vaccine
- Ribavirin
- Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b
- Rubella- or Varicella-Containing Live Vaccines
- Ruxolitinib
- Sipuleucel-T
- Tacrolimus
- Talimogene Laherparepvec
- Tertomotide
- Tofacitinib
- Typhoid Vaccine
- Upadacitinib
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver problems, as the dosage of Imuran might need to be adjusted.
Do not take mercaptopurine along with azathioprine.
The effectiveness of vaccines may be reduced while taking this drug.
Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine because the underlying disease could get worse.
Side Effects
Adverse reactions to Imuran include:
- Acute myelocytic leukemia
- Alopecia
- Anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Arthralgia
- Bone marrow depression
- Cholestasis
- Diarrhea
- Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction
- Erythema nodosum
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal hypersensitivity
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
- Hemorrhage
- Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
- Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphomas
- Hepatotoxicity
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Infection
- Interstitial pneumonitis
- JC virus infection
- Leukopenia
- Macrocytic anemia
- Malignant lymphoma
- Malignant neoplasm of skin
- Malignant solid tumor
- Nausea and vomiting
- Negative nitrogen balance
- Neoplasm
- NK cell deficiency
- Pancreatitis
- Pancytopenia
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
- Skin rash
- Steatorrhea
- Sweet's syndrome
- Thrombocytopenia
References
Imuran [package insert]. San Diego, CA: Prometheus Laboratories Inc.; 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions about Imuran (Azathioprine)
What is Imuran (Azathioprine) used for?
Imuran is used to prevent organ rejection following transplant operations and to treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Crohn's disease.
How is Imuran (Azathioprine) administered?
Azathioprine comes in tablet form and is taken orally. Dosage is determined by your white blood cell count and weight, starting with a low dose that's gradually increased. It's generally taken twice a day.
What are the common side effects of Imuran (Azathioprine)?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, itchy rashes, sore mouth or throat, mouth ulcers, and liver irritation. It can also lower your immune system, increasing infection risk.
What is the cost of Imuran (Azathioprine)?
Cost may vary, but generic versions are available which are usually lower in cost. It's advisable to check with local pharmacies or online platforms like Canada Pharmacy for lower pricing.
Is Imuran (Azathioprine) a controlled substance?
No, Imuran is not classified as a controlled substance.
What class of drug is Imuran (Azathioprine)?
Imuran belongs to the class of drugs known as immunosuppressants.
How should Imuran (Azathioprine) be taken to minimize side effects?
Taking Imuran after meals or in divided doses can help minimize side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Is there a generic version of Imuran (Azathioprine) available?
Yes, lower-cost generic versions of Imuran are available at online pharmacies like Canada Pharmacy.
Is Imuran (Azathioprine) available only by prescription?
Yes, Imuran is available only by prescription.
What are the conditions treated with Imuran (Azathioprine)?
Conditions treated include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, and prevention of organ rejection post-transplant.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 1571
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