Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
Brand name: Azathioprine (AN) TM
Active ingredients: azathioprine
What it is used for
Azathioprine is used as an immunosuppressant/antimetabolite either alone or, more commonly, in combination with the other agents (usually corticosteroids) and procedures which influence the immune response. Therapeutic effect may be evident only after weeks or months and can include a steroid sparing effect, thereby reducing the toxicity associated with high dosage and prolonged usage of corticosteroids. Azathioprine, in combination with corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressive agents and procedures, is indicated in the management of patients receiving organ transplants. Azathioprine, either alone or more usually in combination with corticosteroids and/or other procedures, has been used with clinical benefit which may include reduction of dosage or discontinuation of corticosteroids, in a proportion of patients suffering from the following: Severe rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, pemphigus vulgaris, polyarteritis nodosa, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and chronic refractory idiopathic thromocytopenic purpura.
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 30 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Moisture
- Protect from Light
- Shelf lifetime is 1 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
A peach coloured, film coated, circular, biconvex tablet, engraved "AZA 25" on one face, the other face is plain.
Do I need a prescription?
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient azathioprine
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Download leaflet
For side effects, taking other medicines and more
Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
Azathioprine - ACD
Azathioprine is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medication. It can be used to treat inflammatory conditions such as severe eczema.
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
TPMT - Lab Tests Online AU
Why and when to get tested for TPMT
Read more on Lab Tests Online AU website
Hidradenitis suppurativa - ACD
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition affecting apocrine sweat glandsthat are located mostly under the arms and in the groin and genital area.
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) - ACD
Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is a relatively rare pregnancy dermatosis characterised by blisters
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
Pyoderma gangrenosum - ACD
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare cause of chronic, recurrent and painful non-infectious skin ulcers. It is classified as a neutrophilic dermatosis (skin disorder that has dense infiltration of inflammatory cells called neutrophils).
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
Pompholyx - ACD
Pompholyx is an often recurrent and frequently extremely itchy disorder characterised by tiny blisters and bumps on the sides of fingers, toes, palms and soles.
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
Paraneoplastic pemphigus - ACD
Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a rare, severe blistering condition of the mucosal surfaces and skin associated with an underlying cancer.
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
Polymorphic light eruption - ACD
Polymorphic light eruption is a sunlight-sensitive rash (photodermatosis) on skin that has been exposed to sunlight.
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
Linear IgA Disease - ACD
Linear IgA Disease is a rare skin blistering condition which affects young children (usually before 5 years of age) and adults (usually after 40 years of age).
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
Advice regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19) from the Australian Rheumatology Association — Arthritis Australia
The following is advice regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19) from the Australian Rheumatology Association.
Read more on Arthritis Australia website
Top results
Interventions for prevention of post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease | Cochrane
Authors' conclusions: There are insufficient randomised controlled trials of infliximab, budesonide, tenovil and interleukin-10 to draw conclusions
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website
Blood tests for acute pancreatitis | Issue 4 | Volume 38 | Australian Prescriber
The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis requires the presence of at least two of the three diagnostic criteria characteristic abdominal pain, elevated serum...
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
The management of gout | Issue 4 | Volume 39 | Australian Prescriber
Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis that is increasing in prevalence. It is caused by the deposition of urate crystals.
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
Managing the drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis | Issue 2 | Volume 40 | Australian Prescriber | Australian Prescriber
Choosing the right treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging. Find out what the key considerations are.
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
Drugs in breastfeeding | Issue 5 | Volume 38 | Australian Prescriber
Most commonly used drugs are relatively safe for breastfed babies. The dose received via milk is generally small and much less than the known safe doses of...
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
