💊 Azathioprine Tablet 50 mg
📘 Description:
Azathioprine 50 mg tablets are oral immunosuppressant drugs, typically pale yellow, round, and scored for dose splitting. They contain 50 mg of azathioprine, an antimetabolite that suppresses the immune system by interfering with DNA synthesis in immune cells.
🔬 Nature / Drug Class:
- Drug Class: Immunosuppressant, antimetabolite
- Mechanism: Azathioprine is a prodrug converted into 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), which inhibits purine synthesis and suppresses immune cell proliferation.
🩺 Prescription / Uses:
| Condition | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Organ transplantation | Prevents organ rejection (kidney, liver, etc.) |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Long-term control of joint inflammation |
| Inflammatory bowel diseases | Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis |
| Systemic lupus erythematosus | Controls flare-ups and symptoms |
| Autoimmune hepatitis | Maintains remission of liver inflammation |
| Dermatological conditions | Pemphigus vulgaris, eczema (severe cases) |
✅ Advantages:
- Reduces dependency on corticosteroids
- Effective for a wide range of chronic immune conditions
- Helps maintain disease remission
- Suitable for long-term therapy in well-monitored patients
⚠️ Precautions:
- Frequent monitoring required: CBC, LFTs (every 1–3 months)
- Patients with TPMT deficiency are at high risk of toxicity – test recommended before initiation
- Use with caution in pregnancy – may be continued under strict supervision if benefits outweigh risks
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment
- Be cautious in renal or hepatic impairment
📦 Storage:
- Store at 15°C to 30°C
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
📌 Patient Advice:
- Always follow dosage instructions strictly
- Notify doctor if you experience infections, bleeding, or jaundice
- Schedule regular blood tests
- Use sunscreen and protective clothing – risk of skin cancer increases
- Avoid pregnancy unless advised by a specialist – use reliable contraception