AZARID 50MG TABLET contains Azathioprine which belongs to the group of medicines called Immunosuppressants. Azathioprine is used to help the body to accept a kidney, liver, heart, lung, or pancreas transplant.
It is also used for severe rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the gut, and to treat some diseases where the immune system is reacting against its own body (autoimmune disease) including severe inflammatory diseases of the liver, arteries, skin, and some blood disorders.
AZARID 50MG TABLET is not recommended to use when allergic to Azathioprine, mercaptopurine (a medicine used to treat leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells), or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
AZARID 50MG TABLET is not recommended to use in pregnant or intend to become pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor for advice before taking the medicine.
The most common side effects of taking AZARID 50MG TABLET are low white blood cell levels in your blood tests, which may cause an infection and nausea (feeling sick). Consult your doctor for advice if any of the above side effects worsen or persist for a longer duration.
It is used to:
AZARID 50MG TABLET belongs to immunosuppressants which reduces the action of body's own defense system (the immune system) and prevents rejection of the transplanted organ. It also blocks the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, swelling, and redness associated with certain joint diseases.
Take AZARID 50MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the AZARID 50MG TABLET with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition.
Stop taking AZARID 50MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
Nausea or Vomiting:
Take this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil-rich or spicy foods.
Constipation:
Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.
AZARID 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.
AZARID 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy after taking AZARID 50MG TABLET. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking AZARID 50MG TABLET. Consult your doctor before taking it.
AZARID 50MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking.
AZARID 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking.
Do not take AZARID 50MG TABLET, if you are allergic to Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
AZARID 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you have:
Before taking AZARID 50MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
Use in pediatrics:
Safety and efficacy of AZARID 50MG TABLET in pediatric patients have not been established. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Use in geriatrics:
AZARID 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking it.
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of AZARID 50MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and lack of white blood cells which may cause frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers, disturbances of your liver function, bruising, and bleeding.
Drug | : | Azathioprine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Immunosuppressants |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients, Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
Does AZARID 50MG TABLET increase the chance of infections?
It may cause leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells) and hence makes more susceptible to infections. Consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding, or bruising.
Is AZARID 50MG TABLET safe to take during pregnancy?
No, it is not safe to take AZARID 50MG TABLET during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Is AZARID 50MG TABLET can be stopped at any time?
No. Do not stop taking AZARID 50MG TABLET without consulting your doctor as you may need to take it indefinitely to help stop transplant rejection.
How long do I need to take AZARID 50MG TABLET?
The duration varies from person to person as it is prescribed depending upon the patient’s medical condition.
What should I do if I forget a dose of AZARID 50MG TABLET?
If you miss a dose of AZARID 50MG TABLET, take the dose as soon as you remember it. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Is breastfeeding safe during AZARID 50MG TABLET treatment?
No, breastfeeding should be avoided, while taking this medicine, since it may harm the baby and cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor before taking.
1. Alan M. Krensky, Jamil R. Azzi, and David A. Hafler. Immunosuppressants and Tolerogens. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 13th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2018 Page – 637-653.
2. Murray JE, Merrill JP, Harrison JH, Wilson RE, Dammin GJ. Prolonged survival of human-kidney homografts by immunosuppressive drug therapy. N. Engl. J. Med. 1963; 268:1315–1323.
3. Mylan Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2011] [Accessed 27th April 2021] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2540/smpc
4. Mylan Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2011] [Accessed 27th April 2021] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3301.pdf
5. Salix Pharmaceuticals. [Revised in 2021] [Accessed 27th April 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=9050af7a-19c6-4670-937a-9445605de995&type=display
Written By Dr. Janet.C, Pharm.D
Last updated on 30 Nov 2022 | 12:17 PM(IST)
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.