Imuran

Imuran is approved to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant and to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Although it is not entirely clear how the medication works, it is believed to work mostly by suppressing the immune system and damaging cells' DNA. The drug comes in tablet form and is taken once or twice a day. Potential side effects of Imuran include infections, nausea, and vomiting.

 

What Is Imuran?

Imuran® (azathioprine) is a prescription medication that is approved for the following uses:
 
  • To be used along with other medications to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant
     
  • To reduce the signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis.
     
(Click Imuran Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Imuran?

It is made by Prometheus Laboratories.
 

How Does It Work?

It is not known exactly how Imuran works to prevent kidney transplant rejection or to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Imuran acts in a way similar to certain types of chemotherapy medications, killing cells by damaging DNA. Also, much like chemotherapy medications, Imuran suppresses the immune system (it is thought that the medication works mostly by suppressing the immune system). The immune system is responsible for rejecting transplanted organs, and an overactive immune system plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis.
 

When and How to Take Imuran

General considerations for when and how to take Imuran include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day.
     
  • You can take it with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • The medication should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For Imuran to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • How your body responds to Imuran (some people do not clear the drug from the body as well as others)
  • Your weight
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Imuran Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Imuran. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Imuran include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Leukopenia (low levels of certain white blood cells called leukocytes)
  • Infections
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting.
     
(Click Imuran Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Imuran

Imuran can potentially interact with a few medicines (see Imuran Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Taken chemotherapy medications in the past
  • A blood disorder
  • Any infection.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Imuran Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Imuran may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Bone marrow depression (a decreased ability of the bone marrow to make blood cells)
  • Bleeding
  • Infections
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Imuran Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Imuran Be Stored?

It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep Imuran and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Imuran as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths

Imuran tablets are available in one strength -- Imuran 50 mg tablets.
 
An injectable form of the drug is also available.
 

Generic Imuran

Currently, both brand-name and generic Imuran are licensed for sale (see Generic Imuran for more information).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;