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Drug Details

Azathioprine (rheumatoid arthritis)

• Drug Class Description
  Cytotoxic immunosuppressants (DMARDs).
• Generic Name
  Generic
• Presentation
  Tablet
• Description
  Tablets, azathioprine 25mg , 50mg . Available from APS, Ashbourne (Immunoprin R ), Cox, Generics UK, Genus, Hillcross, Lagap, Norton, Opus (Oprisine R ).
• Indications
  

  Severe rheumatoid arthritis.

• Adult Dosage
  Initially, 1 - 3mg/kg daily then reduce to maintenance; if no response after three months, consider withdrawal.
• Child Dosage
  As for adults.
• Contra Indications
  Hypersensitivity to azathioprine or mercaptopurine.
• Special Precautions
  

  Monitor for toxic effects especially blood counts. Patients should be advised to report any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising or bleeding, or other manifestations of bone marrow suppression. Impaired renal or hepatic function. Pregnancy and lactation. Undue sun exposure.

• Interactions
  Allopurinol, cytostatic/ myelosuppressive agents, muscle relaxants, warfarin.
• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity, GI distress, rash, hypersensitivity reactions (including general malaise, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever). Alopecia. Rarely, pancreatitis, pneumonitis.