What is Azasan: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Azasan overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Azasan, Imuran

Generic Names:

  • Azasan

Uses:

  • Prevents rejection of a transplanted kidney by suppressing the immune system. Also treats rheumatoid arthritis.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antirheumatic, Cytotoxic, Gastrointestinal Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Azasan used for?

What form(s) does Azasan come in

  • Tablet

What are common Azasan doses?

  • Tablet 75MG

  • Tablet 100MG

Common Azasan prescriptions

  • Azasan
    100mg tablet

  • Azasan
    75mg tablet

How to take Azasan

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Azasan

Azasan contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to azathioprine, or if you are pregnant.

Azasan warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach or bowel problems (including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), blood or bone marrow problems, or any type of infection.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of cancer (including skin cancer, solid tumor, leukemia, or lymphoma)Increased risk of infection, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)Serious bowel allergic reactions

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 when you are outdoors. Wear protective clothing and hats, and stay out of direct sunlight between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Azasan interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you have received other medicines for arthritis in the past, including chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, or melphalan.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how azathioprine works. Tell your doctor if you are using allopurinol, cotrimoxazole, febuxostat, mercaptopurine, mesalamine, olsalazine, ribavirin, sulfasalazine, a blood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors) or a blood thinner (including warfarin).

  • This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 when you are outdoors. Wear protective clothing and hats, and stay out of direct sunlight between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Azasan side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Sores on the skin, swollen glands, abnormal skin growths

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Hair loss

  • Joint or muscle pain