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Azathioprine

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Azathioprine is a mercaptopurine derivative which has cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects.

The main uses of azathioprine include:

  • the treatment of leukaemia
  • to prevent rejection of transplanted organs
  • in the treatment of active progressive rheumatoid arthritis

Azathioprine is metabolised to mercaptopurine and then to thioinosinate which interferes with purine metabolism.

Mercaptopurine interacts with allopurinol. The dose of azathioprine should be reduced if allopurinol is prescribed simultaneously.

The most common side-effects of azathioprine are myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity.

The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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