Trade Name(s):
Available
Dose
Indications
Treating moderate to severe complications of lupus, myositis, vasculitis, or other rheumatic diseases
Side Effects
Stomach upset is the most common side effect, but less commonly azathioprine can affect the bone marrow, causing low white blood cell counts or anemia. Resistance to infection is decreased as well. Elevated liver enzymes may occur less commonly, and rarely this medication can induce pancreatitis. There is a potential for an increased risk of developing certain kinds of cancers, but the magnitude of this risk is not defined and appears to be fairly small with standard doses.
Monitoring
N/A
Important Points to Know
This medication needs to be used at 1/4 the dose, or possibly not at all, in patients taking allopurinol due to an interaction with this drug. Interactions may also occur with certain blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors. Taking this medication with food may minimize upset stomach.