Azathioprine (Imuran)

Purpose:
Azathioprine is given with other immunosuppressants to help prevent rejection of the new liver. It may be used for long-term (perhaps lifetime) immunosuppression.

How to take:

• Tablets - 50 mg; liquid - 10 mg per mL. IV Azathioprine may be given for the first few days after transplantation.

• The transplant team will determine the dosage appropriate for each patient based on weight and white blood cell count.

Precautions:

• Azathioprine may lower white blood cell and platelet counts. The patient should report any unusual bruising or bleeding to the transplant team.

• The benefits of taking this medication if a patient is pregnant or breast feeding must be weighed against the potential hazards to her, her fetus, or her infant. A patient should consult her transplant team immediately if she thinks she's pregnant.

Principal side effects:

These include, but are not limited to, nausea, vomiting, and reduced white blood cells and/or platelets.