
- What is Azathioprine?
- Indications and Benefits of Azathioprine
- Azathioprine Drug Information
- How Azathioprine Works
- Brand Name Options
- Azathioprine Dose
- Azathioprine Usage Guide
- Side Effects
- Missed Dose
- Overdose
- Storage Information
- Warnings and Precautions
- Contraindications
- Azathioprine Interactions
- Alternatives
- Cost & Coupons
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Disclaimer
- Price Match Guarantee
What is Azathioprine?
Azathioprine is a prescription drug that belongs to a class called immunosuppressants, which lowers the activity of the immune system.
It is FDA-approved for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis and as an add-on therapy to help prevent kidney transplant rejection. Reducing immune activity, it can help ease joint pain and swelling and support the body in accepting a transplanted kidney.
It is usually prescribed to adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded well to other treatments, and to patients who have received a kidney transplant and need long-term protection.
Because it affects immune function, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is important.
Patients looking to buy azathioprine in Canada should have a valid prescription and proper medical supervision.
Indications and Benefits of Azathioprine
Azathioprine is used to manage immune-related conditions and support transplant success.
What Are the Benefits of Azathioprine?
FDA-approved indications:
- Treatment of active Rheumatoid Arthritis in adults
- Adjunct therapy to prevent Kidney Transplant Rejection
Clinical benefits:
- Helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Can improve physical function in patients who did not respond to other treatments.
- Supports long-term survival of transplanted kidneys when used with other therapies.
- Clinical studies show improved disease control in rheumatoid arthritis compared to placebo, with meaningful symptom relief in a subset of patients.
- Helps lower the risk of immune-related damage to a transplanted organ.
Common off-label uses
- Management of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Treatment of autoimmune conditions like lupus, autoimmune hepatitis, and severe skin disorders.
- Used in some cases of myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis when other options are not suitable.
Azathioprine Drug Information
| Fact Category | Fact Details |
| Generic Name | Azathioprine |
| Azathioprine Class | Immunosuppressant |
| Primary Use | Used with other drugs to help prevent kidney transplant rejection and to treat severe active rheumatoid arthritis when other treatments have not helped |
| Additional Benefit | Helps reduce immune system activity to protect a transplanted kidney and lower joint pain, swelling, and loss of function in rheumatoid arthritis |
| Available Form | Oral tablet |
| Method of Administration | Taken by mouth, usually after meals |
| Frequency | Usually once or twice daily, as prescribed |
| Storage Instructions | Store at room temperature, tightly closed, away from heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children |
| Pregnancy and Breastfeeding | May harm the fetus. Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Birth control is recommended during treatment |
| Drug Interactions | May interact with ACE inhibitors, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, ribavirin, and other drugs that affect blood cell counts or immune function |
| Manufacturer | Brand names include Azasan and Imuran |
How Azathioprine Works
Azathioprine, an immunosuppressant, works by lowering the activity of the immune system. After you take it, your body turns it into active forms that slow down how quickly certain immune cells grow and multiply.
These immune cells are the ones that can attack your own joints in rheumatoid arthritis or a transplanted kidney. By reducing this response, azathioprine helps prevent damage and keeps inflammation under control.
This effect builds over time, so it may take several weeks to notice improvement, especially for joint symptoms.
In transplant care, it starts helping right away but is used long-term to maintain protection.
Azathioprine works inside cells by interfering with the process they use to make new genetic material, which limits the ability of immune cells to keep attacking. Because it affects how the immune system functions, regular monitoring is needed to make sure it is working safely and effectively.
Brand Name Options
Azathioprine is available under the brand names Imuran and Azasan.
These brands contain the same active ingredient and are used for the same approved conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and the prevention of kidney transplant rejection.
Availability may vary depending on the pharmacy and location, but both options follow the same safety and prescribing standards.
Azathioprine Dose
The dose of azathioprine depends on your condition, body weight, and how your body responds to treatment.
What Dosage Strengths Does Azathioprine Come In?
Azathioprine is available in oral tablet forms, most commonly in 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg strengths.
The dose is usually based on body weight, so your healthcare provider may adjust your daily amount over time to find the safest and most effective dose.
- Oral tablets: 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg
- Injection (for IV use in clinical settings)
Dosage Chart
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Maximum Dose |
| Kidney transplant rejection prevention | 3 to 5 mg per kg daily (at time of transplant) | 1 to 3 mg per kg daily | Adjusted based on response and tolerance |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | 1 mg per kg daily (single or divided dose) | Up to 2.5 mg per kg daily (adjusted gradually) | 2.5 mg per kg daily |
Azathioprine Usage Guide
Follow these steps to take azathioprine safely and correctly:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Take azathioprine exactly as prescribed by your doctor
- Take it by mouth once or twice daily, usually after meals, to help reduce stomach upset
- Swallow the tablet with water
- Take it at the same time each day to keep a steady level in your body
- Do not stop taking it, even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to
If Given as an Injection
- Azathioprine injection is given in a healthcare setting
- It is administered into a vein by a trained professional
- Do not attempt to inject this yourself at home
Important Things to Avoid
- Avoid stopping or changing your dose without medical advice
- Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen, as this drug may increase skin sensitivity
- Do not receive vaccines unless your doctor approves
- Tell your doctor about all other drugs you are taking
How to Know It Is Working
- For rheumatoid arthritis, you may notice less joint pain and swelling over time
- For transplant patients, it helps protect the transplanted kidney from rejection
- It may take several weeks, up to 12 weeks, to feel the full benefit
Side Effects
Azathioprine can cause mild and serious side effects. Some are more common, while others are rare but may need urgent care
Common Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency |
| Nausea and vomiting | About 12% in rheumatoid arthritis patients |
| Diarrhea | Reported, frequency not specified |
| Rash | Reported, frequency not specified |
| Hair loss | Reported, frequency not specified |
| Fever, joint pain, muscle pain | Reported, frequency not specified |
Serious Side Effects
| Side Effect | What to Do |
| Low white blood cells (leukopenia) | Can occur in over 50% of transplant patients and about 28% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Seek medical attention right away if you have signs of infection |
| Serious infections | Up to 20% in transplant patients. Seek medical attention right away for fever, chills, or sore throat |
| Liver problems | May cause liver injury. Seek medical attention right away for yellowing of skin or eyes |
| Low platelets or anemia | May cause bleeding, bruising, or weakness. Seek medical attention right away |
| Pancreatitis or lung inflammation | Rare but serious. Seek medical attention right away |
| Increased risk of cancer (lymphoma, skin cancer) | Watch for unusual lumps or skin changes and seek medical attention right away |
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of azathioprine, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular daily schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or extra doses to make up for the missed one.
If you are unsure what to do, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Overdose
An overdose of azathioprine may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and signs of infection such as sore throat, fever, or chills due to low blood cell counts.
If an overdose is suspected, call right away or go to the nearest emergency room. If the person collapses, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, call 911 immediately.
There is no specific antidote for azathioprine overdose. Treatment focuses on supportive care and close medical monitoring.
Storage Information
Store azathioprine tablets at room temperature between 20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. Keep the tablets in the original container, tightly closed, and away from excess heat and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Protect from light by keeping the tablets in their original packaging.
There are no special storage changes after opening. Do not freeze this product.
Keep azathioprine out of reach of children and pets. For expired or unused tablets, do not flush them down the toilet. Use a take-back program or ask your pharmacist about safe disposal options.
Warnings and Precautions
Azathioprine carries a black box warning for increased risk of malignancy and serious infections.
Long-term use may raise the risk of lymphoma and skin cancer. Severe and sometimes fatal bone marrow suppression can occur, leading to low blood cell counts and increased risk of infection and bleeding.
Precautions
- Bone marrow suppression: May cause low white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets
- Serious infections: Increased risk due to weakened immune system
- Malignancy risk: Includes lymphoma and skin cancer, especially with long-term use
- Hypersensitivity reactions: May include fever, rash, and muscle pain
- Liver toxicity: Can cause liver injury with long-term use
- Drug interactions: Some drugs may increase toxicity or require dose adjustments
- Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccines unless approved by your doctor
Patients Who Need Extra Caution
- Patients with kidney or liver impairment
- Patients with active infections
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
- Patients with known genetic enzyme deficiencies affecting drug metabolism
- Elderly patients who may be more sensitive to side effects
Monitoring Requirements
- Regular blood tests to check blood cell counts
- Liver function tests to monitor for toxicity
- Ongoing medical checkups to assess response and safety
Close medical supervision is required throughout treatment with azathioprine.
Contraindications
Azathioprine should not be used in the following situations:
- Hypersensitivity to azathioprine: Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to azathioprine or any of its ingredients, as this may cause serious reactions.
- Pregnancy: Azathioprine may harm the unborn baby and increase the risk of miscarriage or early delivery. It should be avoided unless clearly directed by a healthcare provider.
- Breastfeeding: The drug can pass into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant.
- Severe enzyme deficiency, such as low or absent TPMT activity: Patients with this condition are at high risk of severe bone marrow suppression, which can lead to life-threatening infections and bleeding.
- Active serious infection: Azathioprine weakens the immune system and may worsen infections or make them harder to control.
- Existing malignancy: Use may increase the risk of cancer progression due to immune suppression.
Azathioprine Interactions
Azathioprine can interact with certain drugs that affect the immune system, blood cells, or how the drug is broken down in the body.
| Drug or Substance | What Happens | What to Do |
| Allopurinol | Increases azathioprine levels, raising the risk of severe bone marrow suppression | Dose adjustment is required, and close monitoring is needed |
| Febuxostat | Strongly increases azathioprine levels, leading to serious toxicity | Avoid using together |
| ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril or enalapril | May increase the risk of low white blood cells | Monitor blood counts closely |
| Live vaccines | Reduced immune response and risk of infection | Avoid live vaccines during treatment |
| Other immunosuppressants, such as adalimumab | Higher risk of infection and immune suppression | Use with caution and monitor closely |
| Ribavirin | Can reduce effectiveness and increase toxicity risk | Avoid combination or monitor closely |
| Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole | May increase the risk of bone marrow suppression | Monitor blood counts |
Alternatives
| Drug Name | Generic Name | Drug Class | Key Difference from Azathioprine | Best For |
| Trexall | methotrexate | disease-modifying antirheumatic drug | Works by slowing down the immune system in a different way and is often used earlier in treatment | People with rheumatoid arthritis starting treatment |
| Humira | adalimumab | biologic TNF blocker | Targets a specific part of the immune system instead of lowering it overall | People with autoimmune conditions need targeted therapy |
| Xeljanz | tofacitinib | JAK inhibitor | A targeted oral option that blocks signals that cause inflammation | People who prefer a pill instead of injections |
| Skyrizi | risankizumab | interleukin inhibitor | Focuses on a specific immune pathway instead of general suppression | People with conditions like psoriasis or Crohn’s disease |
| Tremfya | guselkumab | interleukin inhibitor | Targets a specific immune signal linked to inflammation | People who need a biologic treatment option |
Cost & Coupons
Buy Azathioprine Online From Canada
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Azathioprine Discounts and Coupons from Pharma Giant
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How to Order?
| Step 1: Search for your Azathioprine on the website, choose the correct strength and quantity, then add it to your cart.
Step 2: Enter your contact details, shipping address, and payment information. Create an account if you are a new customer or log in if you already have one. Step 3: If your order includes prescription Azathioprine, upload it directly to the site, email it, or fax it. Over-the-counter items do not require a prescription.
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Pharma Giant’s Guarantee
At Pharma Giant, your health, safety, and savings come first. We work only with licensed Canadian pharmacies to give you quality Azathioprine at prices lower than what you pay in the United States.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Buying Azathioprine from Canada
FDA-Prescription, Off-Label Information, and Limitations
Dosage & Administration
Adverse Reactions
Food & Drug Interactions
Storage & Travel
Drug Comparison
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.





