Azahexal
Generic Name: Azathioprine
Product Name: Azahexal
Indication
Azathioprine is used for the following conditions:Suppression of the immune system in:
- Severe rheumatoid arthritis.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Dermatomyositis and polymyositis.
- Autoimmune hepatitis.
- Pemphigus vulgaris.
- Polyarteritis nodosa.
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.
- Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Prevention of organ transplant rejection.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
- Behcet’s syndrome.
Action
Azathioprine suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation.
Dose advice
- The hematologic response should be monitored to guide dosing. Bone marrow suppression will limit the dose that can be given.
- The initial recommended dose is 2-3 mg/kg once daily given either orally or intravenously.
- Maintenance dosing is 1-3 mg/kg or the minimum dose required to control the disease or prevent transplant rejection.
- Renal impairment: Dose reductions may be necessary.
- Hepatic impairment: Dose reductions may be necessary.
Schedule
S4
Common side effects
- Increased susceptibility to viral, fungal and bacterial infections.
- Hair loss.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Mouth ulceration.
- Inflammation of the Oesophagus.
- Skin rashes.
- Anaemia.
Uncommon side effects
- Hepatitis.
- Severe anaemia.
- Pancreatitis.Allergic reactions such as:
- Fevers.
- Rigors.
- Muscle and joint aches.
- Rash.
- Cough.
- Breathlessness.
- Low blood pressure.
- Abnormal liver function.
- Abnormal heart rhythm.
- Kidney dysfunction.
- Increased risk of skin cancers and certain other types of cancer.
For further information talk to your doctor.
Dates
Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 31 October, 2015
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