Azathioprine
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant used in selected autoimmune diseases and transplant care. It can suppress bone marrow and increase infection risk, so ongoing monitoring is essential.
Key points
- Blood counts and liver tests are required because serious cytopenias and liver injury can occur.
- TPMT or NUDT15 deficiency can greatly increase marrow toxicity, but genetic or enzyme testing does not replace blood monitoring.
- Fever, unusual bruising, severe sore throat or jaundice needs urgent clinical contact.
Listings are for comparison and general information; suitability and supply depend on specialist, clinician and pharmacy checks, monitoring and prescription requirements.
Important safety checks
Infection, vaccination plans, pregnancy, liver or kidney disease and cancer risk require review. Allopurinol and febuxostat can markedly change azathioprine metabolism. Do not stop transplant treatment without the transplant team.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent advice for fever, chills, severe sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, jaundice, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty or a blistering rash.