Imuran Side Effects

Many people do not experience side effects when taking Imuran. If problems occur, they are usually mild and easily treated. Some of the most common side effects include leukopenia, infections, and nausea or vomiting. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop more serious side effects, such as unusual bleeding or bruising, signs of an infection, or liver problems.

Imuran Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Imuran® (azathioprine). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If Imuran side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Imuran. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Imuran side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Imuran

Imuran has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine.
 As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common Imuran side effects included:
 
  • Leukopenia (low levels of white blood cells called leukocytes) -- in up to 50 percent of people
  • Infections -- up to 20 percent
  • Nausea and vomiting -- up to 12 percent.
     
Imuran Side Effects Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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