Imuran (azathioprine): Uses, Dosing, and Safety

Imuran is a prescription immunosuppressant used to calm an overactive immune system. Doctors prescribe it for organ transplant prevention, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. It reduces immune attacks but also lowers your infection defenses, so balance and monitoring matter.

How it works: azathioprine converts into 6-mercaptopurine and interferes with DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing immune cells. That slows immune responses over weeks to months. You won’t see instant relief; expect 6 to 12 weeks for meaningful effects in many autoimmune conditions.

Typical dosing and monitoring

Doses vary by condition and weight. Common maintenance ranges are 1 to 3 mg per kilogram per day, split once daily or twice daily as your doctor orders. Your prescriber will run baseline blood tests—complete blood count and liver panel—then check again within 2 weeks, at 4 weeks, and regularly after that. These tests spot low white cells or liver problems early.

Genetic testing for TPMT or NUDT15 variants can help predict higher risk of bone marrow suppression. If you have those variants, your doctor may lower the dose or choose a different medicine.

Side effects and warnings

Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and mild hair thinning. More serious issues are bone marrow suppression (low white cells, red cells, platelets), liver injury, and higher infection risk. If you get unexplained fever, sore throat, easy bruising, yellow skin, or dark urine, call your doctor right away.

Important warnings: avoid pregnancy while taking Imuran and discuss family planning—azathioprine can affect the fetus and requires careful management. Don’t get live vaccines while immunosuppressed. Allopurinol and some other drugs interact and can raise toxicity—always tell every provider about Imuran.

Stopping Imuran should be planned with your doctor. Abruptly stopping in transplant patients or those with severe disease can cause rejection or flare. Your clinician will advise tapering or switching based on your condition and test results.

Practical tips: take with food to reduce stomach upset, keep routine lab appointments, and carry a note listing your drug and blood monitoring schedule. Watch for signs of infection and avoid close contact with sick people when possible.

Thinking about buying Imuran online? Use only licensed pharmacies and telemedicine services that require a real prescription. Read our guides on safe online pharmacies and prescription savings to avoid scams and counterfeit products.

Want more? Search our site for related posts covering prescription safety, alternatives, and how to save on meds. If you have questions specific to your health, talk to your doctor or pharmacist—they’ll tailor advice to your situation.

When traveling, keep Imuran in original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription and lab results. Alcohol can increase liver stress—limit drinking and check liver tests if you drink. Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day; do not double the next dose. Always report unexplained bruises, persistent sore throat, or new shortness of breath to your clinic.