Generic name: Azathioprine Injection [ ay-za-THYE-oh-preen ]
Drug classes: Antirheumatics, Other immunosuppressants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 9, 2024.

Uses of Azathioprine Injection:

• It is used after a kidney transplant to keep the body from rejecting the kidney.
• It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Azathioprine Injection?

For all uses of azathioprine injection:

• If you are allergic to azathioprine injection; any part of azathioprine injection; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever been treated with chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, or melphalan in the past.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Cyclosporine or febuxostat.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients:

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take azathioprine injection if you are pregnant.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with azathioprine injection.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take azathioprine injection with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Related/similar drugs

Entyvio, Benlysta, Saphnelo, Vumerity, Zeposia, Kesimpta, Avonex

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Azathioprine Injection?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take azathioprine injection. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may have more of a chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu. Some infections have been very bad and even deadly.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• If you have thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) or nucleotide diphosphatase (NUDT15) deficiency, talk with your doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• The chance of skin cancer may be raised. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• You may need to have your skin checked while you take azathioprine injection. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women must use birth control while taking azathioprine injection. If you get pregnant, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Azathioprine Injection) best taken?

Use azathioprine injection as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle pain or weakness.
• Change in color or size of a mole.
• A skin lump or growth.
• Call your doctor right away if you have a swollen gland, night sweats, shortness of breath, or weight loss without trying.
• Low blood cell counts have happened with azathioprine injection. If blood cell counts get very low, this can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or if you feel very tired or weak.
• A very bad brain problem called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has happened with azathioprine injection. It may cause disability or can be deadly. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs like confusion, memory problems, low mood (depression), change in the way you act, change in strength on 1 side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or change in eyesight.

What are some other side effects of Azathioprine Injection?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Azathioprine Injection?

• If you need to store azathioprine injection at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about azathioprine injection, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer