Azathioprine is a drug that acts to suppress the work of the immune system. It is used mainly in organ transplantation to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. The drug is also used in patients with lupus who have damage to their kidneys or other organs, muscle inflammation, or advanced arthritis. Azathioprine helps to reduce symptoms and damage to the affected organs. It can also help achieve a remission of the disease.

Another benefit of azathioprine is that it reduces or even eliminates the need for corticosteroid therapy. This means that patients do not have to have the unpleasant side effects that occur with corticosteroids. Immunosuppressives like azathioprine, however, can have their own serious side effects. Your doctor must work closely with you to make sure that the amount of the drug you are taking gives you the benefits you need with as few side effects as possible.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
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From LUPUS: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health Professionals, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases/National Institutes of Health

Patient Information Sheet #15
Patient Information Sheets

Outline Credits Acknowledgments Introduction PDF Order Form
1. Erythematosus 2. Advances 3. Tests 4. Care 5. Medications
6. Psychosocial Aspects 7. Patient Info. 8. Resources

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2350