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Introduction About IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET
IMOPRINE 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 manage 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.
IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET is not recommended to use when allergic to Azathioprine, mercaptopurine (a medicine used to manage leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells), or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
IMOPRINE 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 IMOPRINE 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.
Uses Of IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET
It is used to:
- prevent organ rejection in transplant patients (kidney, liver, heart, lung, or pancreas)
- manage rheumatoid arthritis
- manage systemic lupus erythematosus
How IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET Works
IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET belongs to immunosuppressants which reduces the action of body's own defense system (the immune system) and manages 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.
How to use IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET
Take IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the IMOPRINE 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.
Side Effects Of IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET
Common
- infections
- reduction in the number of blood platelets
- increases the risk of bleeding or bruising
- decrease in red blood cells in the blood (anemia)
- nausea, vomiting
- loss of appetite
- increased infections in patients with bowel inflammation
- decrease in the number of the white blood cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- liver disease
- inflammation of the pancreas, which causes severe pain in the back and abdomen
Uncommon
- blood disorder after transplant surgery
- foul-smelling in the stools which are bulky, loose, and greasy
- hair loss
- liver problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Rare
- stomach ulcers (which can bleed) and disease which may cause heartburn, vomiting, general discomfort in the stomach
- bowel problems leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation
- blood and bone marrow disorders
- exposure to sunlight can cause skin discoloration or a rash
- different types of cancers including blood, lymph, and skin cancers
Stop taking IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- tiredness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
- swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips
- redness of the skin nodules or a skin rash
- pain in muscles or joints
- sudden wheeziness, coughing, or difficulty in breathing
- increased temperature, or other signs of an infection such as sore mouth, sore throat, urinary problems, or chest infection causing breathlessness and cough
- problems with liver, signs include skin or whites of eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
- rash (increased pink, red, or purple lumps which are sore to touch), particularly on your hands, arms, fingers, face, and neck, which may also be accompanied by a fever
How To Manage 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.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding
IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy after taking IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Kidney
IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking.

Liver
IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking.

Allergy
Do not take IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET, if you are allergic to Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
Others
IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you have:
- severe infection
- severe bone marrow disease
- metabolic abnormality called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome
Before taking IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- ever suffered from chickenpox or shingles
- have TPMT or NUDT15 deficiency
- have higher risk of infections
- have hair loss
- have tumors, including skin cancer
- have lymphoproliferative disorders
- have Macrophage Activation Syndrome (excessive activation of white blood cells associated with inflammation) causes certain types of arthritis
- have increased risk of developing lymphoma
- have hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma
- have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- have severe leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemias including macrocytic anemia, and/or pancytopenia
Use in pediatrics:
Safety and efficacy of IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET in pediatric patients have not been established. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Use in geriatrics:
IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
- medicines used to manage viral infections (Ex. ribavirin)
- immunosuppressants (Ex. ciclosporin, methotrexate, tacrolimus)
- medicines to manage cancer (Ex. Doxorubicin)
- allopurinol, oxipurinol or thiopurinol, or other xanthine oxidase inhibitors, such as febuxostat (for gout or kidney stones)
- cimetidine (for gut or stomach ulcers)
- furosemide (water medicine )
- penicillamine (used for rheumatoid arthritis)
- anticoagulants such as warfarin or acenocoumarol (used to thin the blood)
- captopril (used for blood pressure or heart failure)
- indomethacin (an anti-inflammatory)
- co-trimoxazole (an antibiotic)
- infliximab, mesalazine, olsalazine, sulfasalazine, or balsalazide (used to manage ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of IMOPRINE 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.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Azathioprine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Immunosuppressants |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients, Management of Rheumatoid arthritis |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET reach out of children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET
Does IMOPRINE 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 IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET safe to take during pregnancy?
No, it is not safe to take IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Is IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET can be stopped at any time?
No. Do not stop taking IMOPRINE 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 IMOPRINE 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 IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET?
If you miss a dose of IMOPRINE 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 IMOPRINE 50MG TABLET management?
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.
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. 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
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