Azathioprine

What is azathioprine?

Azathiporine is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It reduces the activity of your body’s immune system.

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Why is it prescribed?

It’s used to treat several different types of rheumatic disease, including lupusrheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

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When and how do I take azathioprine?

It’s usually given as tablets, taken once or twice daily. The dose depends on your weight, but usually starts at 50 mg and is increased to 100–200 mg.

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What are the possible side-effects?

In some patients azathioprine can cause nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, hair loss and skin rashes. It can also make you more likely to develop infections. It can affect your liver or blood so that you need to have regular blood tests while you’re taking it.

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