Brand Names

How to Use

Use this drug only as directed by your family doctor . Do not use more or less of it and do not use it more often than your family doctor ordered. The exact amount of drug you need has been carefully worked out. Taking too much may increase the risk of side effects, while taking too little may not properly treat your condition.

This drug is sometimes given together with certain other medication. If you are using a combination of medication, make sure that you take each one at the proper time and do not mix them up. Ask your health care professional to help you plan a way to remember to take your medication at the right times.

Do not stop taking this drug without first checking with your family doctor .

Azathioprine sometimes causes nausea or vomiting. Taking this drug after meals or at bedtime may lessen stomach upset. Ask your health care professional for other ways to lessen these effects.

If you vomit shortly after taking a dose of azathioprine, check with your family doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again or to wait until the next scheduled dose.

Dosage

The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses and the length of time you take the drug depend on the medical problem for which you are taking azathioprine .

• For oral dosage form - tablets:
  • For transplant rejection:
    • Adults, teenagers and children: Dose is based on body weight or size. The usual beginning dose is 3 to 5 milligrams - mg per kilogram - kg - 1.5 to 2 mg per pound of body weight a day. As time goes on, your family doctor may lower your dose to 1 to 3 mg per kg - 0.5 to 1.5 mg per pound of body weight a day.
  • For rheumatoid arthritis:
    • Adults, teenagers and children: Dose is based on body weight or size. The usual beginning dose is 1 mg per kg - 0.5 mg per pound of body weight a day. Your family doctor will increase this dose as needed. The highest dose is usually not more than 2.5 mg per kg - 1 mg per pound of body weight a day. Your family doctor may then lower your dose as needed.
• For injection dosage form:
  • For transplant rejection:
    • Adults, teenagers and children: Dose is based on body weight or size. The usual beginning dose is 3 to 5 milligrams - mg per kilogram - kg - 1.5 to 2 mg per pound of body weight a day. As time goes on, your family doctor may lower your dose to 1 to 3 mg per kg - 0.5 to 1.5 mg per pound of body weight a day.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug and your dosing schedule is:

• One dose a day Do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule and check with your family doctor.
• More than one dose a day Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is time for your next dose, take both doses together, then go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss more than one dose, check with your family doctor.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.