Imurel
Imurel works by weakening your body's immune system, which helps prevent organ rejection after a transplant and treats diseases where your immune system attacks your own body.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
50 mg
Active Ingredient
Azathioprine
Manufacturer
Aspen Pharma Trading Limited
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you exactly how much to take. For organ transplants, it's usually up to 5 mg per kg of body weight on the first day, then 1-4 mg per kg daily. For other conditions, it's typically 1-3 mg per kg daily, and your doctor will adjust the dose as needed.
Method
Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not chew, break, or crush them. You can take Imurel with or without food, but always take it the same way each day. Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after having milk or dairy products.
Important
The maximum daily dose will be determined by your doctor, based on your condition and how you respond to the medicine.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Low white blood cell count (seen in blood tests), which can lead to infection.
- •Nausea.
- •Fever or other signs of infection such as sore throat, mouth sores, pain when urinating, or chest infection causing shortness of breath and cough.
- •Problems with blood and bone marrow, causing weakness, tiredness, paleness, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or infections.
RARE
- •Anemia (low red blood cell count).
- •Cholestasis of pregnancy (severe itching, especially on hands and feet).
- •Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), causing severe upper stomach pain.
- •Hair loss (hair usually grows back even if you continue taking Imurel).
- •Swelling of eyelids, face, or lips.
- •Red skin, bumps, or rash (including blisters, itching, or peeling skin).
- •Muscle or joint pain.
- •Sudden wheezing, cough, or difficulty breathing.
- •Chest pain, shortness of breath, or swollen legs (heart problems).
- •Reversible brain swelling (symptoms include severe headache, vision changes, seizures, confusion, reduced consciousness, possibly high blood pressure).
- •Life-threatening skin reactions like widespread rash with blisters and peeling skin, especially around the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).
- •Lung inflammation (pneumonitis) causing shortness of breath, cough, and fever.
- •Severe bowel problems like diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, or vomiting (bowel perforation).
- •Sensitivity to light or sunlight.
- •Vitamin B3 deficiency (pellagra) with localized pigmented rash, diarrhea, and problems with memory or thinking.
- •Potentially life-threatening severe liver damage, especially with long-term treatment.
- •Inflammation of the salivary glands.
- •Tremors (shaking).
- •Brain damage from a viral infection (PML), causing headaches, behavioral changes, speech difficulties, and problems with memory, focus, and decision-making; can be fatal.
- •Different types of cancers, including blood, lymph node, and skin cancer.
- •Liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- •Skin rash (raised red, pink, or purple bumps that are tender to the touch), especially on arms, hands, fingers, face, and neck, possibly with fever (Sweet's syndrome/acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis).
- •A specific type of lymphoma (hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma) causing nosebleeds, tiredness, severe night sweats, weight loss, and unexplained fever.
Important Warnings
- Do not take Imurel if you are allergic to azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Avoid live vaccines (like flu, measles, BCG) while taking Imurel, as you might get an infection. Talk to your doctor before any vaccination.
- Tell your doctor if you have Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, TPMT deficiency, liver or kidney problems, have had chickenpox or shingles, or have had Hepatitis B.
- Inform your doctor and anesthesiologist if you are having surgery, as Imurel can interact with muscle relaxants used during operations.
- Watch for signs of liver problems like yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice), easily bruising, stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor right away if you notice these.
Show 3 more warnings
- Imurel can increase your risk of certain cancers, including skin cancer and lymphoma. Protect your skin from the sun by using high SPF sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
- If you have diarrhea, localized skin rash, or problems with memory or thinking, tell your doctor immediately. These could be signs of vitamin B3 deficiency (pellagra).
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning a pregnancy, or if your partner is taking Imurel, use reliable contraception and discuss with your doctor.