Imurel 50 mg

Indication

Immunosuppressant used, usually with other treatments, to prevent rejection after organ transplantation, and in severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as severe rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Ingredients

• Azathioprine 50 mg

Direction

Oral, exactly as prescribed by the specialist; the dose depends on body weight and the disease. Transplantation: usually 1-4 mg/kg a day for maintenance. Other conditions: usually 1-3 mg/kg a day. Swallow the tablets whole with water during or after a meal; do not break or crush. Regular blood counts and liver tests are required during treatment.

Side effects

• Lowered blood cell counts (leucopenia
• thrombocytopenia
• anaemia) and increased risk of infections
• Nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• Liver problems
• pancreatitis
• hair loss
• Allergic reactions (fever
• rash
• joint or muscle pain
• low blood pressure)
• Long
• term: increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use and stop if irritation or allergy occurs.

Precautions

• Prescription only (List I)
• use only under specialist supervision with regular blood counts and liver tests
• Pregnancy warning on the pack: do not use in pregnant women or women of childbearing age without effective contraception unless there is no therapeutic alternative
• Testing for TPMT/NUDT15 deficiency is recommended before treatment
• Major interactions: allopurinol
• febuxostat (dose must be reduced or combination avoided)
• warfarin
• live vaccines (avoid)
• Limit sun exposure and use sun protection
• report any infection
• unusual bruising or bleeding promptly
• Do not break or crush tablets
• wash hands after handling
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use and stop if irritation or allergy occurs.