Dr. Arjun Srivastav
What Is Azathioprine 75 mg?
Azathioprine 75 mg is an oral tablet containing 75 mg of azathioprine. It is manufactured by RPG Life Science Ltd. and belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants, which reduce certain activities of the immune system.
It is used for different medical purposes, including the management of active rheumatoid arthritis and as part of treatment following a kidney transplant. It may also be prescribed for other immune-related conditions when considered appropriate by a healthcare professional.
Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Azathioprine |
| Strength | 75 mg |
| Medicine type | Immunosuppressant |
| Dosage form | Oral tablet |
| Main uses | Selected immune-related conditions and kidney-transplant care |
| Commonly monitored | Blood-cell counts and liver function |
What Is Azathioprine 75 mg Used For?
Azathioprine 75 may be prescribed when reducing immune-system activity is part of the treatment plan. Common uses include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: It may be used to reduce signs and symptoms in selected patients.
- Kidney transplant: It may be used with other medicines to help prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney.
- Other immune-related conditions: Doctors may prescribe azathioprine for certain conditions where immunosuppressive treatment is appropriate.
The reason for treatment affects the dose, duration and monitoring required.
How Does Azathioprine 75 mg Work?
Azathioprine reduces the activity of the immune system by interfering with the growth and activity of certain immune cells.
This action can be useful when the immune response is contributing to inflammation, such as in rheumatoid arthritis. After a kidney transplant, reducing immune activity can also help lower the response directed towards the transplanted kidney.
Azathioprine is considered a slow-acting medicine, so its effects are not usually immediate. How quickly a person notices an improvement depends on the condition being treated and the individual treatment plan.
Azathioprine 75 mg Side Effects
Not everyone taking azathioprine experiences side effects. When they occur, they may involve the digestive system, blood cells, liver or immune system. The likelihood of unwanted effects can vary with the dose, duration of treatment and other medicines being taken.
😊 Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
😊 Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
How to Take Azathioprine 75 mg
Take Azathioprine 75mg exactly as prescribed. A few practical points:
- Swallow the tablet with water.
- Take it according to the schedule given by your doctor.
- Try to take each dose at around the same time.
- Do not change the amount because you feel better or worse.
- Do not stop long-term treatment without discussing it with your doctor.
- Follow the instructions supplied with your particular product about taking it with food.
Some azathioprine product information recommends taking the tablet on an empty stomach, while other patient guidance allows it with food depending on the product and individual circumstances. Follow the instructions supplied with your medicine rather than changing the timing yourself.
Azathioprine 75 mg Dosage
There is no single dose that suits everyone. The prescribed amount may depend on:
- The condition being treated, as different illnesses require different dosing approaches.
- Body weight, since some dosing plans are calculated based on weight.
- How the patient responds to treatment, which may lead to dose adjustments over time.
- Blood-test results, which help doctors decide whether the dose should be changed.
- Other medicines being taken, as some drugs can affect how azathioprine works in the body.
For kidney-transplant treatment, published prescribing information describes an initial dose that is generally weight-based, followed by a lower maintenance amount in suitable patients. Rheumatoid arthritis has a different dosing approach.
Missed Dose
If you forget a dose, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take two doses together to compensate for a missed tablet unless a healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
If you have missed more than one dose, particularly when azathioprine is part of treatment after a kidney transplant, contact your healthcare team for advice.
Overdose
Taking more azathioprine 75 mg tablet than prescribed can cause serious problems and requires medical assessment.
If you have taken too much, seek medical advice promptly and tell the healthcare professional the amount taken and the tablet strength. Keep the medicine packaging available if possible. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking advice after a significant overdose.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Allopurinol | Can significantly affect azathioprine metabolism and may require a major change in treatment |
| Febuxostat | Can interfere with azathioprine metabolism and requires particular caution |
| Warfarin | Azathioprine may affect the response to warfarin |
| Co-trimoxazole | May contribute to blood-related problems in some patients |
| ACE inhibitors | May contribute to certain blood-related effects |
| Other immunosuppressants | Combined treatment may require closer supervision |
Azathioprine can interact with several medicines. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements you take.
Safety Advice While Taking Azathioprine 75 mg
Before starting Azathioprine 75, make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows about your medical history and any medicines or supplements you currently use.
Liver & Kidney
Tell your healthcare professional if you have liver or kidney problems. These conditions may affect how your treatment is planned and monitored.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be arranged to check your blood-cell counts and liver function. Attend these appointments as scheduled so any changes can be identified early.
Infection
Azathioprine lowers immune-system activity, which can make some infections more difficult to deal with. Contact your doctor if you develop a persistent fever, chills, sore throat or other unusual signs of infection.
Vaccinations
Ask your doctor before receiving a vaccine while taking azathioprine. Your healthcare professional can advise whether a particular vaccination is suitable for you.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. They can assess whether azathioprine remains appropriate for your individual treatment plan.
Storage and Disposal
Keep Azathioprine 75 mg according to the storage instructions supplied with the product.
- Keep tablets in their original packaging where possible.
- Store them away from children.
- Protect the medicine from unsuitable heat, moisture and light where the product instructions require it.
- Do not use tablets after the expiry date.
For unused or expired medicine, ask a pharmacist about the appropriate disposal method rather than putting tablets down a sink or toilet.
Azathioprine 75 mg is an immunosuppressant used in selected treatment plans, including rheumatoid arthritis and kidney-transplant care. Because the appropriate dose and monitoring schedule vary between patients, it should be taken according to the prescription and medical advice.
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