Comparing Azathioprine vs Rituximab
Azathioprine Remove Azathioprine from your drug comparison | Rituximab Remove Rituximab from your drug comparison |
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Azathioprine Remove Azathioprine from your drug comparison | Rituximab Remove Rituximab from your drug comparison | ||||||||
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Prescribed for Autoimmune Hepatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Active Hepatitis, Sarcoidosis, Renal Transplant, Rheumatoid Arthritis,... View more |
Prescribed for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Microscopic polyangiitis, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Pemphigus... View more |
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Prescription only |
Prescription only |
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Ratings & ReviewsRecent helpful reviews |
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6.0
For Ulcerative Colitis: This medicine seemed to work at first, the negatives ultimately were worse than the positives. It did put me down to about 4 bowel motions a day but it was at the cost of horrendous acne, terrible headaches, joint pain and fatigue. Doctor still has me on it for another autoimmune disease but keeps me at a minimum. |
7.7
For Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rituxan was prescribed for my RA about 8-10 years ago and allowed me to continue working full time putting the max away for retirement. Some fatigue occasionally but no joint pain. After retirement, the combination of allergy to a new huge Maine Coon cat causing chronic congestion AND the suppression of my autoimmune system by years of Rituxan - led to repeated chest, ear and sinus infections. After many tests, allergy shots and several consultations with specialists, the Rituxan was discontinued. Now (2 years later) no more infections but the RA is up and raging again. New hand and finger damage as well as bunions and flares on toes that had never occurred before. My doctor is waiting for a fifth Simponi infusion in 2-3 weeks before moving on to another drug. Simponi has done nothing. What is there for me to take at this point? For Rheumatoid Arthritis: I am sat having my 10th cycle, 1st infusion of rituximab. Sleepy while having infusions otherwise no side effects. Previously I could not walk or look after myself. I had no quality of life. Now enjoying life with a little help. My rheumatoid hasn't gone completely but is more manageable to deal with. Not pain, or inflammation free but much better than I was. I know the side effects can sound very scary but discuss this with your consultant or specialist nurse. They are very helpful, very informative and understanding. They do not know the long term side effects of this drug but more importantly I can now live a life as before I was just existing. Try not to be daunted, ask, ask, ask and don't be afraid to try new drugs they might help |
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Drug Class |
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Side Effects |
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Commonly reported side effects include: infection, nausea, leukopenia, and vomiting. See the full azathioprine side effects document. |
See the full rituximab side effects document. |
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Pricing and Coupons* Prices are without insurance |
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View all azathioprine prices |
We could not find an exact match for this medicine. Try searching the Price Guide directly. |
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Generic Availability |
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Yes (this medicine) |
No |
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Dosage Form(s) Available |
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N/A | ||||||||
Brand Names |
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Azasan, Imuran | Riabni, Rituxan, Ruxience, Truxima | ||||||||
Half LifeThe half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value. |
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2 hours |
59.8 hours |
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CSA Schedule**View glossary of terms. |
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Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
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Pregnancy Category |
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Category D
Positive evidence of risk
See the full Pregnancy Warnings document. |
Category C
Risk cannot be ruled out
See the full Pregnancy Warnings document. |
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FDA Alerts |
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Drug Interactions |
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A total of 324 drugs are known to interact with azathioprine:
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A total of 124 drugs are known to interact with rituximab:
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Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions |
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No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
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Disease Interactions |
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First Approval Date |
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March 20, 1968 |
November 26, 1997 |
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WADA ClassView World Anti-Doping Agency classifications. |
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N/A |
N/A |
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More Information |
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Consumer Resources |
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Professional Resources |
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Related Treatment Guide |
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** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
For Ulcerative Colitis: Have had UC since 1991 and been on Prednisolone and Asacol which became ineffective. Severe attack October 2016 - spent 10 days in hospital. IV steroids and then sent home on reducing steroids - symptoms began to return. Azathioprine prescribed. Certainly helped reduce and eventually stop UC bleeding. Trips to the toilet reduced to around 3 or 4 occasions . Initially caused liver function problems which improved. However the drug has shattered my immune system - have taken any cold, cough or flu that crops up. Makes me fatigued after around 40 minutes exertion. Cannot now play golf, take hill walks or do heavy garden work etc. I guess it is good for some patients and not so good for others. Seeing consultant soon and will discuss options.