Description

IMURAN (Azathioprine) 50 mg– Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Price in Pakistan

IMURAN 50mg Tablet (Azathioprine) is a prescription immunosuppressive medicine. Each tablet contains 50mg of azathioprine, an antimetabolite medicine that reduces the activity of the immune system.

It is primarily used to help prevent rejection after kidney transplantation and to manage active rheumatoid arthritis in selected patients. Azathioprine is also used by specialists in several immune-mediated conditions depending on the patient’s diagnosis and local clinical guidelines.

Because this medicine suppresses the immune system and can affect blood-cell production, treatment requires regular medical monitoring.

Patients looking for IMURAN 50mg Tablet in Pakistan can contact Impo Medic for current availability and pricing information while using the medicine strictly according to their specialist’s prescription.

IMURAN (Azathioprine) 50 mg Uses

IMURAN is an immunosuppressive medicine. Its officially labeled uses include:

Kidney Transplantation

Azathioprine may be used as part of an immunosuppressive treatment regimen to help prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney.

After transplantation, the immune system may recognize the new organ as foreign and attempt to attack it. Immunosuppressive medicines reduce this immune response and help protect the transplanted organ.

IMURAN may be prescribed alongside other medicines according to the transplant specialist’s treatment plan.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

IMURAN is also indicated for the management of active rheumatoid arthritis to reduce its signs and symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks tissues around the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and swelling.

Azathioprine reduces immune activity and can therefore help control inflammation in selected patients.

Other Specialist Uses

Azathioprine is also used in clinical practice for some other immune-mediated diseases. These uses depend on the condition, treatment guidelines and individual patient circumstances.

Patients should not start IMURAN for any autoimmune condition without specialist assessment.

How Does Azathioprine Work?

Azathioprine belongs to a group of medicines known as purine antimetabolites.

After entering the body, it is converted into active metabolites including compounds related to 6-mercaptopurine.

These metabolites interfere with processes needed for the production and activity of immune cells. As a result, immune-system activity is reduced.

This action can help:

• Reduce unwanted immune responses
• Control inflammation in autoimmune disease
• Reduce the risk of transplanted-organ rejection

The immunosuppressive effect also explains why patients taking azathioprine can have a higher risk of infections and certain other complications.

IMURAN 50mg Tablet Dosage

The correct IMURAN 50mg Tablet dosage is not the same for every patient.

Azathioprine dosing is commonly calculated according to body weight and depends on why the medicine is being prescribed.

For kidney-transplant patients, the initial dose may be higher around the time of transplantation and then reduced to an appropriate maintenance dose.

For rheumatoid arthritis, treatment generally begins with a lower weight-based dose and may be adjusted gradually according to response and laboratory results.

The presence of TPMT or NUDT15 deficiency can substantially affect the safe dose because patients with reduced activity of these enzymes may have a greater risk of severe bone-marrow toxicity.

Therefore:

Never calculate or change your own azathioprine dose.

The treating specialist should determine the dose according to the condition, body weight, blood tests, other medicines and treatment response.

How to Take IMURAN 50mg

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.

Try to take each dose according to the schedule given by your doctor. Do not increase the number of tablets because symptoms have worsened.

If a dose is missed, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional rather than taking an additional dose without advice.

Patients experiencing persistent nausea or other gastrointestinal problems should discuss them with their healthcare professional.

Do not stop long-term immunosuppressive treatment suddenly without consulting the specialist managing your condition or transplant.

IMURAN (Azathioprine) 50 mg  Side Effects

Like other immunosuppressive medicines, IMURAN (Azathioprine) 50mg can cause side effects.

Possible adverse effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Tiredness
• Increased susceptibility to infection
• Reduced white blood-cell count
• Reduced platelet count
• Anemia
• Liver-related abnormalities

Not every patient experiences these effects, and their severity can vary considerably.

Regular laboratory monitoring helps doctors detect important changes before serious complications develop.

Bone Marrow Suppression

One of the most important risks associated with azathioprine is bone-marrow suppression.

The medicine can reduce production of:

• White blood cells
• Red blood cells
• Platelets

This can lead to leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia or pancytopenia.

Patients should contact their healthcare professional if they experience unusual bruising, bleeding, persistent fever, severe tiredness or signs of infection.

Regular complete blood counts are an essential part of treatment.

TPMT and NUDT15 Testing

Some people have genetic differences that affect how their bodies process thiopurine medicines such as azathioprine.

Two important enzymes are:

TPMT – thiopurine S-methyltransferase

NUDT15 – nudix hydrolase 15

Patients with significantly reduced TPMT or NUDT15 activity can have a much higher risk of severe and potentially life-threatening bone-marrow toxicity at conventional doses.

Doctors may consider genetic or enzyme testing in appropriate circumstances, particularly when severe myelosuppression develops.

Importantly, these tests do not replace regular CBC monitoring.

Blood Tests During Treatment

Patients receiving IMURAN require regular laboratory monitoring.

Complete blood counts, including platelet counts, are monitored particularly closely during the early months of treatment.

Depending on the patient, doctors may also monitor:

• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Signs of infection
• Treatment response
• Other laboratory parameters

Never skip scheduled blood tests simply because you feel well.

Some serious abnormalities may develop before obvious symptoms appear.

Infection Risk

Because azathioprine suppresses immune activity, patients may become more susceptible to infections.

Contact your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms such as:

• Persistent fever
• Chills
• Severe sore throat
• Unusual cough
• Painful urination
• Unexplained weakness
• Other persistent signs of infection

Patients should tell healthcare professionals that they are receiving immunosuppressive treatment when being assessed for an infection or before receiving another medicine or vaccine.

Malignancy Warning

Long-term immunosuppression with azathioprine is associated with an increased risk of certain malignancies.

Reported malignancies include lymphomas and other cancers in immunosuppressed populations.

Patients should discuss the benefits and long-term risks of treatment with their specialist.

Appropriate skin protection, routine medical follow-up and attention to unusual symptoms are sensible parts of long-term care.

The existence of this risk does not mean every patient will develop cancer, but it is an important consideration when doctors prescribe and monitor azathioprine.

Drug Interactions

IMURAN (Azathioprine) 50mg  can have clinically important interactions with other medicines.

A particularly important interaction occurs with allopurinol. Allopurinol inhibits a pathway involved in azathioprine metabolism and can substantially increase toxicity unless the azathioprine dose is appropriately reduced by the treating specialist.

Concomitant use with febuxostat is generally not recommended in current labeling.

Other potentially important interacting medicines include:

• Mesalazine
• Sulfasalazine
• Olsalazine
• Co-trimoxazole
• Certain ACE inhibitors
• Warfarin
• Ribavirin
• Other medicines that suppress bone-marrow function

Always provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of medicines and supplements you use.

Vaccination During Azathioprine Treatment

Immunosuppressive treatment can affect the response to vaccines and may change whether certain vaccines are appropriate.

In particular, live vaccines can require special consideration in immunosuppressed patients.

Do not arrange a vaccination without telling the healthcare professional that you are taking azathioprine.

Your doctor can determine which vaccines are appropriate according to your degree of immunosuppression and individual circumstances.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individual medical assessment when azathioprine is being considered or already used.

Patients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss the risks and benefits with the specialist managing their condition.

Do not independently discontinue an important transplant or autoimmune-disease medicine after discovering a pregnancy. Sudden treatment changes can also carry significant risks.

IMURAN 50mg Tablet Price in Pakistan

The IMURAN 50mg Tablet price in Pakistan can vary according to imported stock, pack size, supplier, exchange rates and market availability.

Because imported medicine prices may change, a fixed amount can quickly become inaccurate.

Patients can contact Impo Medic to check the current IMURAN 50mg price and stock information in Pakistan.

Before purchasing, confirm the strength, pack size, manufacturer information, expiry date and packaging condition.

IMURAN 50mg Tablet Availability in Pakistan

Availability of branded azathioprine products may vary between pharmacies and suppliers.

Patients searching for IMURAN (Azathioprine) 50 mg in Pakistan can contact Impo Medic for current availability and sourcing information.

Patients who require long-term immunosuppressive therapy should plan refills carefully so treatment is not unexpectedly interrupted.

Any substitution between brands or formulations should be discussed with the treating healthcare professional where appropriate.

How to Buy IMURAN 50mg Tablet in Pakistan

Patients with a valid prescription can contact Impo Medic to inquire about IMURAN 50mg Tablet availability and current price in Pakistan.

When making an inquiry, provide the exact:

• Product name
• Azathioprine 50mg strength
• Required quantity
• Pack information, if prescribed

Because azathioprine is a prescription immunosuppressive medicine requiring blood monitoring, it should not be purchased for unsupervised self-treatment.

Why Choose Impo Medic?

Impo Medic helps patients and caregivers in Pakistan access information about local, imported and specialty medicines.

Customers looking for IMURAN can contact Impo Medic for information regarding current availability, price in Pakistan, product strength and sourcing options.

For medicines requiring long-term treatment, Impo Medic aims to make product information and availability checks easier while encouraging patients to continue regular medical monitoring and follow their specialist’s prescription.

Storage Instructions

Keep IMURAN in its original packaging and follow the storage instructions provided on the product label.

Protect the medicine from inappropriate environmental conditions and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not use tablets after their expiry date or when the original packaging appears damaged or suspicious.

FAQs About IMURAN (Azathioprine) 50 mg

What is IMURAN (Azathioprine) 50 mg used for?

IMURAN is an immunosuppressive medicine officially indicated for helping prevent kidney-transplant rejection and managing active rheumatoid arthritis. Specialists also use azathioprine in certain other immune-mediated conditions.

Is IMURAN an immunosuppressant?

Yes. Azathioprine suppresses parts of the immune response, which can help control autoimmune disease and prevent transplanted-organ rejection.

Does IMURAN lower white blood cells?

Yes, azathioprine can cause leukopenia and other forms of bone-marrow suppression. Regular complete blood counts are therefore important during treatment.

What are TPMT and NUDT15?

TPMT and NUDT15 are enzymes involved in processing thiopurine medicines. Reduced activity can significantly increase the risk of severe azathioprine toxicity.

Can I take allopurinol with IMURAN?

This combination requires specialist management because allopurinol can substantially increase azathioprine exposure and toxicity. Never combine them without your doctor’s knowledge.

Can I stop IMURAN suddenly?

Do not stop prescribed immunosuppressive treatment without consulting the specialist managing your condition, particularly after an organ transplant.

Does IMURAN increase infection risk?

Yes. By suppressing immune activity, azathioprine can increase susceptibility to infections. Persistent fever or other significant infection symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional.

Does azathioprine require regular blood tests?

Yes. Regular CBC monitoring is important, particularly during the early stages of treatment and after dose changes.

What is IMURAN 50mg Tablet price in Pakistan?

The price varies according to stock, supplier, pack size and import conditions. Contact Impo Medic for current IMURAN 50mg Tablet price and availability in Pakistan.

Where can I buy IMURAN 50mg Tablet in Pakistan?

Patients with an appropriate prescription can contact Impo Medic to inquire about current availability and sourcing options in Pakistan.