All medications
Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants
Azathioprine
Brand names: Imuran, Azasan
An immunosuppressant used to keep autoimmune disease under control and reduce the need for steroids.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Lupus, vasculitis maintenance, myositis, autoimmune hepatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
How it works
It interferes with DNA building blocks so rapidly dividing immune cells multiply less.
How it’s taken
Tablets once or twice a day. Full effect takes about 2 to 3 months.
Side effects
Nausea, low blood counts, liver enzyme rises, higher infection risk and a small increase in some skin cancers.
Monitoring
A blood test for the TPMT or NUDT15 enzyme before starting, then blood counts and liver tests regularly.
Good to know
Never combine with allopurinol or febuxostat without a dose plan, as the interaction can be dangerous. Azathioprine can be continued in pregnancy.
At a glance
Class
Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants
Brand names
Imuran, Azasan
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.