What Azathioprine is used for: Azathioprine is used to treat the following: • To prevent the body from rejecting kidney, liver or heart transplants • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) • Severe inflammatory disease of the joints (rheumatoid arthritis) • Long?term inflammation of skin and/or intestines (systemic lupus erythematosus) • Inflammation of the skin and muscles (dermatomyositis, polymyositis) • Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) • Autoimmune disorder (chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) • Blistering of the skin (pemphigus vulgaris) Do not take Azathioprine if: • You are allergic to Azathioprine, 6?mercaptopurine Warnings and Precautions: Talk to your doctor before taking Azathioprine: • If you are going to have a vaccination • If you are currently taking ribavirin • If you suffer from kidney or liver problems • If you have had Hepatitis B • If you are showing signs or symptoms (headache, loss of co-ordination, clumsiness, loss of speech, memory loss, vision problems) • If you or your partner are pregnant • If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Possible Side Effects: Seek medical advice immediately if you develop the following symptoms: • Allergic reactions: swelling of the face, throat or tongue, difficulty breathing or dizziness • Severe blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals • Various types of cancers • You may develop a rash, particularly on your arms, hands, fingers, face and neck Other medicines and Azathioprine: Medicines which may interact with or be affected by Azathioprine: Before a surgical procedure tell the anaesthesiologist that you are taking azathioprine • Medicines used to treat gout • Muscle relaxants • Medicines used to treat chronic inflammatory bowel diseases • Warfarin, acenocoumarol (anti?coagulants) • Medicines used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure How to take Azathioprine: • These tablets are to be taken orally and may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. • These tablets should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after milk or dairy products. How to store Azathioprine: • Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton/blister after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. • Store below 25°C. Protect from light. • Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste.