Azathioprine Sodium Tablets

Azathioprine lowers your body’s immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or “reject” a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.

Azathioprine is used to prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted kidney. It is also used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Azathioprine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Along with its needed effects, azathioprine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking azathioprine:

More common

• Black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• cough or hoarseness
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
• clay-colored stools
• dark urine
• decreased appetite
• fast heartbeat
• fever (sudden)
• headaches
• itching
• loss of appetite
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (severe)
• redness or blisters on the skin
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• unusual feeling of discomfort or illness (sudden)
• yellow eyes or skin