Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Azathioprine.
Cancer: Azathioprine may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, specifically hepatosplenic T-cells lymphoma, a particularly severe cancer of the immune cells, and Skin Cancer.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. Report any unusual growths on your skin to your doctor as soon as possible.
Bleeding: Azathioprine can decrease the number of platelets (component of the blood that helps blood to clot). Your doctor will monitor your platelet levels regularly while you are taking Azathioprine. If you notice any unusual signs of bruising or bleeding (e.g., bleeding gums, blood in urine, dark-tarry stools), contact your doctor immediately or get immediate medical attention.
Infection: Azathioprine reduces the number of white blood cells that fight infection in the body and can increase the risk of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, cough, painful urination) or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you come into contact with someone who has Chickenpox or Shingles. Your doctor will monitor your white blood cell levels regularly while you are taking Azathioprine.
Kidney function: Azathioprine may be removed from the body more slowly in people with reduced kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function discuss with your doctor how Azathioprine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Azathioprine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver damage or reduced liver function may cause Azathioprine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Azathioprine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Azathioprine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Azathioprine may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Azathioprine can cause harm to the baby when taken by pregnant women. Azathioprine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Azathioprine. If you become pregnant while you are taking Azathioprine, contact your doctor at once.
Breast-feeding: Azathioprine may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking azathioprine it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Azathioprine have not been established for children.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Azathioprine have not been established for people over the age of 65. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking azathioprine with your doctor.
