AZORAN Tablet 20's

Introduction About AZORAN TABLET

AZORAN Tablet contains azathioprine, a medicine that helps control the immune system. It is often prescribed by healthcare professionals to support the body in accepting organ transplants such as kidney, liver, heart, lung, or pancreas. AZORAN is also used to manage serious conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gut inflammation, and certain autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks the body. This tablet is usually recommended for patients who need ongoing immune system support as part of their management plan.

The dosage and frequency of taking AZORAN Tablet depend on your condition, whether it is after a transplant or for rheumatoid arthritis. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You can take this medicine with or without food. It is important to take AZORAN regularly to get the full benefit. Continue taking it even if you feel better, as stopping suddenly may increase the risk of organ rejection or cause your arthritis symptoms to return.

The most common side effects of AZORAN Tablet include nausea, vomiting, decrease in white blood cells, bone marrow suppression, anemia, diarrhea, rash, hair loss, loss of appetite, and a reduction in blood platelets. Because AZORAN lowers your immune system, you may be more likely to get infections. There is also a slightly higher risk of some cancers due to this effect. If you experience any side effects that require urgent medical attention, contact your doctor right away.

AZORAN Tablet may cause birth defects and miscarriages, so it should not be taken if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Always talk to your doctor before using this medicine, especially if you have signs of infection or experience unusual bruising or bleeding. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, as some can interact with AZORAN and affect how it works. Regular blood tests will be needed to monitor any changes in your blood cell counts.

Uses Of AZORAN TABLET

• Support organ transplants
• Manage autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and gut inflammation

Benefits of AZORAN TABLET

1)Supports Immune System Regulation:
AZORAN Tablet helps control and suppress the immune system, reducing unwanted immune responses in conditions like organ transplants and autoimmune diseases.

2)Reduces the Risk of Organ Rejection:
AZORAN is prescribed to help the body accept transplanted organs such as kidney, liver, heart, lung, or pancreas, lowering the risk of rejection.

3)Manages Autoimmune Conditions:
It effectively manages chronic autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases by controlling immune system activity.

4)Reduces Inflammation:
By modulating the immune response, AZORAN Tablet helps decrease inflammation in affected tissues, easing symptoms and improving patient comfort.

5)Enables Long-Term Immune Support:
Designed for ongoing management plans, AZORAN provides sustained immune suppression as part of comprehensive disease management.

How AZORAN TABLET Works

How AZORAN Tablet 20's Works in the Body

AZORAN Tablet 20's contains azathioprine, an immunosuppressant that controls the immune system by reducing the activity of immune cells. This helps to reduce the body from attacking transplanted organs or its own tissues in autoimmune diseases, promoting tolerance, and reducing inflammation.

Scientific Mechanism Behind AZORAN Tablet 20's

Azathioprine works by interfering with DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, particularly immune cells. It inhibits purine metabolism, which is essential for the growth and proliferation of lymphocytes, thereby suppressing the immune response that leads to organ rejection or autoimmune attacks.

Role of Azathioprine in Immune Modulation

Azathioprine modulates the immune system by selectively targeting and suppressing T and B lymphocytes. This immunomodulation reduces harmful immune activity without completely eliminating immune defenses, maintaining a balance essential for transplant acceptance and autoimmune disease control.

Cellular Action of AZORAN Tablet 20's

At the cellular level, AZORAN interferes with the replication of DNA in immune cells, leading to decreased proliferation of T cells responsible for immune reactions. This suppression reduces inflammation and reduce the immune system from attacking the body or transplanted organs.

Pivotal Enzymes in Azathioprine Reaction Pathway

Azathioprine is metabolized into active compounds by enzymes like thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and xanthine oxidase. These enzymes play critical roles in the drug’s activation and breakdown, impacting its effectiveness and safety profile in individual patients.

Genetic Factors and Azathioprine Response

Genetic variations in enzymes such as TPMT affect how patients metabolize azathioprine. Testing for these genetic factors helps predict patient response and risk of side effects, allowing personalized dosing to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

T Cell Activity and AZORAN Effects

AZORAN reduces T cell activity by inhibiting their proliferation and function. This decrease in T cell response is crucial for reducing organ rejection and controlling autoimmune diseases, making AZORAN an effective immunosuppressive therapy.

How to use AZORAN TABLET

Take AZORAN Tablet 20's exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it. You can take it with or without food to reduce stomach discomfort. Follow your doctor’s instructions on dosage and timing for best results.

Dosage Instructions for AZORAN Tablet 20's

The dosage of AZORAN Tablet 20's depends on your medical condition, whether post-transplant or managing autoimmune diseases. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Do not change or skip doses without consulting your doctor, as regular use ensures effectiveness and safety.

Step-By-Step Administration Guide

1. Take AZORAN Tablet 20's at the same time each day.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
3. Take with food to avoid stomach upset if advised.
4. Do not split or crush the tablet.
5. Continue taking the medicine even if you feel well.

Food and Medicine: Taking AZORAN Safely

AZORAN Tablet 20's may be taken with or without food. Taking it with food can help s to reduce stomach irritation. Avoid alcohol while on AZORAN, and inform your doctor about all other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid interactions.

Monitoring and Regular Check-Ups

Regular blood tests are essential while taking AZORAN Tablet 20's to monitor blood cell counts and liver function. This helps detect side effects early and allows dose adjustments for your safety. Keep all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider.

What if I forgot to take AZORAN TABLET

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one to avoid side effects. 

Side Effects Of AZORAN TABLET

Like all medicines, AZORAN Tablet may cause certain side effects in some individuals, although not everybody gets them.

The most common side effects of taking AZORAN Tablet are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Decrease in white blood cells
• Bone marrow suppression
• Anemia
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Reduction in blood platelets

When to consult your doctor?

• Signs of severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Signs of serious infection such as high fever, chills, persistent sore throat, or wounds
• Signs of serious lowered blood platelets such as unusual bleeding or bruising without injury
• Signs of pancreatitis such as severe abdominal pain or back pain
• Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Signs of anemia or low blood cell counts such as extreme tiredness, dizziness, confusion, or pale skin
• Sudden joint or muscle pain accompanied by swelling or redness

How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea

• Maintain Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids including water, clear broths, and oral rehydration salts to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Stick to easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet) to soothe your digestive system.
• Avoid Dairy, Fatty, or Spicy Foods: These can aggravate diarrhea and should be limited until recovery.
• Rest: Give your body time to heal by getting plenty of rest.
• Consult a doctor if Needed: Seek medical advice if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever or blood in stools.

Nausea And Vomiting

• Rest and Relax: Find a quiet, comfortable place to rest and avoid sudden movements to help reduce nausea.
• Stay Hydrated: Sip small amounts of clear fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, or herbal teas frequently to reduce dehydration.
• Eat Light, Bland Foods: When ready, try eating plain foods such as crackers, toast, or bananas that are easy on the stomach.
• Avoid Strong Odors and Spicy Foods: These can worsen nausea and should be avoided until symptoms improve.
• Use Over-the-Counter Remedies: Anti-nausea medications may help but consult your doctor before use.
• Practice Deep Breathing: Gentle breathing exercises can help calm your stomach and reduce discomfort.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

AZORAN Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Always consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

This medicine may pass into breast milk, so AZORAN Tablet is not advised for breastfeeding mothers. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking it while breastfeeding.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness after taking AZORAN Tablet. Consult your doctor if these symptoms occur.

Alcohol

Contraindicated

Do not consume alcohol while using AZORAN Tablet, as it may increase side effects or affect liver health. Discuss alcohol use with your doctor.

Kidney

Use with Caution

If you have kidney problems, use AZORAN Tablet with caution and under medical supervision.

Liver

Contraindicated

AZORAN Tablet should be avoided in patients with severe liver disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medicine if you have liver issues.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take AZORAN Tablet if you are allergic to azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or any other ingredients in this medicine. Always inform your doctor about any drug allergies. 

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

The safety and effectiveness of AZORAN Tablet in children have not been established. Consult your doctor before giving this medicine to pediatric patients.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

AZORAN Tablet should be used cautiously in elderly patients. Always seek medical advice before use.

Other Warnings for AZORAN TABLET

Before taking AZORAN Tablet, inform your doctor if you:

• Have a history of chickenpox or shingles
• Have TPMT or NUDT15 enzyme deficiencies
• Are at a higher risk of infections
• Experience hair loss
• Have tumors or skin cancer
• Suffer from lymphoproliferative disorders
• Have Macrophage Activation Syndrome, linked to inflammation and certain arthritis types
• Have an increased risk of lymphoma or rare conditions like hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL)
• Are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have severe blood disorders such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, macrocytic anemia, or pancytopenia

Who should not take [GBNKEYWORD

AZORAN Tablet is not recommended for use if you have:

• Severe infections
• Severe bone marrow disorders
• Metabolic conditions like Lesch-Nyhan syndrome

Interactions

1. Allopurinol

• Interaction: Allopurinol can significantly increase blood levels of azathioprine by inhibiting its metabolism.
• Effects: Risk of severe myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression), potentially leading to dangerous reductions in white blood cell count.
• Management: If both are required, the AZORAN dose should be reduced to one-quarter of the usual dose and blood counts should be closely monitored.

2. Febuxostat

• Interaction: Febuxostat can intensify the effects of azathioprine and increase toxicity risk.
• Effects: Increased risk of bone marrow suppression and severe blood disorders.
• Management: Avoid concurrent use. If unavoidable, intensive monitoring and dose adjustment are crucial.

3. Live Vaccines (e.g., BCG, Adenovirus)

• Interaction: AZORAN suppresses the immune system, rendering live vaccines ineffective or dangerous.
• Effects: Possible uncontrolled infection due to weakened defenses.
• Management: Avoid live vaccines while on AZORAN; prefer inactivated or subunit vaccines and consult your doctor.

4. ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril)

• Interaction: May increase risk of leukopenia when combined with immunosuppressants like azathioprine.
• Effects: Lower white blood cell count, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Management: Regular monitoring of blood counts during concurrent use.

5. Aminosalicylates (e.g., Mesalazine, Sulfasalazine)

• Interaction: Can enhance the blood-suppressive effects of azathioprine.
• Effects: Elevated risk of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.
• Management: Monitor blood counts; dose adjustments may be necessary.

6. Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Acenocoumarol)

• Interaction: Azathioprine may decrease the effectiveness of anticoagulants.
• Effects: Reduced blood thinning effect, increased risk of clotting.
• Management: Frequent INR or coagulation monitoring; adjust anticoagulant dose as needed.

7. Ribavirin

• Interaction: Increases toxicity and risk of blood disorders when used with azathioprine.
• Effects: Severe anemia and pancytopenia.
• Management: Avoid combination or use with intensive hematological monitoring.

Drug - Food interaction

1. General Food Interaction

• Interaction: Azoran Tablet can be taken with or without food. Consuming the tablet with meals may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and stomach discomfort.
• Effects: Taking AZORAN with food lessens the likelihood of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, improving medication tolerance.
• Management: If you experience stomach upset, take AZORAN Tablet with meals. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet unless directed by your doctor.

2. Alcohol

• Interaction: There is no direct interaction between azathioprine and food, but alcohol is best limited while on AZORAN.
• Effects: Both AZORAN and alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage and immune suppression, potentially making you more vulnerable to infection.
• Management: Avoid heavy alcohol consumption while taking AZORAN Tablet. Discuss safe limits with your healthcare provider.

3. Specific Dietary Precautions

• Interaction: No significant interactions with specific foods (e.g., dairy, citrus, caffeine, or others) are known for AZORAN Tablet.
• Effects: Regular balanced meals help maintain general health and medication efficacy.
• Management: No foods are strictly prohibited. If you experience GI distress, adjust your meal timing with medication or consult your physician.

4. Meal Timing

• Interaction: Azathioprine can be taken after meals to decrease stomach upset and enhance comfort.
• Effects: Optimal absorption and reduced gastrointestinal side effects.
• Management: Prefer taking AZORAN Tablet immediately after a meal if you experience nausea; otherwise, follow physician advice for best results.

Synopsis

More Information

1. Are there any lifestyle changes I must follow while on AZORAN?

1. Maintain Good Hygiene
   • Practice frequent and thorough handwashing.
   • Avoid contact with people who are ill to reduce your risk of infections, as AZORAN lowers your immune defenses.
2. Protect from Sun Exposure
   • Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing outdoors.
   • Avoid peak sunlight hours to lower the risk of skin cancer, a risk that increases due to immunosuppression.
3. Monitor Your Health Regularly
   • Attend all scheduled blood, liver, and kidney tests to monitor for side effects, especially bone marrow suppression and liver dysfunction.
   • Inform your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained bruising, infections, yellowing of skin/eyes, or extreme fatigue.
4. Be Cautious with Foods and Supplements
   • Avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs to minimize infection risk.
   • Consult your physician before starting any new vitamins, herbal remedies, or over-the-counter medications, as they may interact with AZORAN.
5. Alcohol Moderation
   • Limit or avoid alcohol consumption as it increases the risk of liver damage when combined with AZORAN.
6. Stay Active but Safe
   • Engage in regular, gentle exercise (walking, yoga) to boost overall wellness, but avoid activities with high risk of injury or infection.
7. Vaccination Awareness
   • Do not receive live vaccines while taking AZORAN due to suppressed immune responses; inform healthcare providers about your medication before any immunization.
8. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
   • AZORAN is not generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; use effective contraception and discuss family planning with your doctor.
9. Routine and Medication Adherence
   • Take AZORAN at the same time daily, preferably with food to avoid stomach upset.
   • Never change the dose or stop the medication without consulting your doctor.

FAQs About AZORAN TABLET

References

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. Salix Pharmaceuticals. [Revised in 2021] [Accessed 21st August 2025] 

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Rheumatoid Factor - Agglutination
• Rheumatoid Factor - Turbidometry
• Rheumatoid Factor IgG Antibody

Author Details

Written By Dr. Karthikeyan Rajagopal - M.Pharm (Pharmacology)

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. M N Himaja - MBBS

Last updated on 21 Aug 2025 | 12:24 PM(IST)