Product image of Imuran (Azathioprine) supplied by GNH India

Imuran

Active Ingredient:
Azathioprine
Origin:
EU

Imuran (Azathioprine)

Azathioprine, the active ingredient in Imuran, is an immunosuppressant presented as an oral formulation for systemic use. It is employed to reduce immune‑mediated damage in conditions such as organ transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, helping to maintain graft function and control chronic inflammation.

GNH India supplies Imuran as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Aspen Pharma Trading Limited

1
Pack/s
This product is added to your enquiry list

Request a Quote

Please fill out the form below and our team will get back to you shortly with pricing and further information.

A minimum order value applies. Our team will confirm the exact amount or quantity after reviewing your requirements.

Indications & Clinical Uses

Azathioprine acts as an immunosuppressive agent across several disease categories, primarily targeting abnormal immune activation.

  • Organ transplant rejection: helps prevent graft rejection by suppressing lymphocyte proliferation.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and slows disease progression.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: controls symptoms and induces remission in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

How It Works

  • Azathioprine is a prodrug that is converted intracellularly to 6‑mercaptopurine, which interferes with purine nucleotide synthesis. This inhibition hampers DNA replication, leading to reduced proliferation of activated T and B lymphocytes, thereby dampening the immune response that drives transplant rejection and autoimmune inflammation.

Side Effects

Azathioprine may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe, which should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea: mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset.
  • Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness.
  • Elevated liver enzymes: mild hepatic irritation.
  • Decreased white blood cell count: mild bone‑marrow suppression.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe bone‑marrow suppression: risk of pancytopenia.
  • Hepatotoxicity: potential for serious liver injury.
  • Increased infection risk: opportunistic infections due to immune suppression.

Precautions & Warnings

Before initiating azathioprine therapy, several safety considerations are recommended.

  • Monitor blood counts: perform regular CBC to detect bone‑marrow suppression.
  • Assess liver function: periodic liver enzyme tests are advised.
  • Screen for TPMT deficiency: test for thiopurine methyltransferase activity to reduce toxicity risk.
  • Avoid live vaccines: immunosuppression may diminish vaccine efficacy.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C in the original container, protect from moisture.

Avoid Interactions

Azathioprine interacts with several medications that can alter its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Allopurinol: may increase azathioprine toxicity; concurrent use is contraindicated.
  • Warfarin: can enhance anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Ribavirin: may potentiate bone‑marrow suppression.
  • ACE inhibitors: potential additive effect on renal function.
  • NSAIDs: may increase risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Imuran, containing azathioprine, is prescribed to prevent organ transplant rejection, manage rheumatoid arthritis, and treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by suppressing abnormal immune activity.

Azathioprine is converted to 6‑mercaptopurine, which blocks purine synthesis needed for DNA replication. This limits the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, reducing the immune response that contributes to graft rejection and autoimmune inflammation.

The appropriate dose of Imuran is individualized by a healthcare professional based on the specific indication, patient weight, and clinical response. Prescribers determine the exact regimen and adjust it according to therapeutic monitoring.

Azathioprine crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk, so its safety in pregnancy and lactation is not fully established. Use is generally reserved for situations where the potential benefit outweighs the risk, and only under close medical supervision.

To request Imuran, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies, and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details, and necessary import documentation.

Compared with drugs like mycophenolate mofetil or cyclosporine, azathioprine offers a different metabolic pathway and may have a more favorable side‑effect profile for some patients, but individual response varies. Choice of therapy depends on the clinical scenario, tolerance, and physician judgment.

Imuran should be stored at ambient temperature, preferably below 25 °C, in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light. Keep the product out of reach of children and do not use if the packaging is damaged.

Imuran is taken orally, usually with food or a glass of water to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. The exact dosing schedule—once daily or divided doses—depends on the prescribing clinician’s instructions.

The most serious risks include severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia, hepatotoxicity, and increased susceptibility to serious infections. Patients should be monitored regularly for blood count changes, liver function abnormalities, and signs of infection.

Imuran is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azathioprine or its metabolites, those with severe bone‑marrow failure, active infections, or significant liver disease. It should also be used with caution in individuals with TPMT deficiency.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

Disclaimer

At GNH India, we aim to provide information that is expert-reviewed, accurate, and reliable. However, all content on this platform is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While efforts are made to maintain accuracy and currency, the information may contain errors, omissions, or may not reflect the latest developments. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.

All product names, brand names, trademarks and registered trademarks displayed on this website are the property of their respective owners. This website and its operator are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by any such trade mark owners unless expressly stated. Any reference to product names or trademarks is made solely for descriptive and informational purposes. No commercial relationship, sponsorship, approval, or association with any trademark owner should be inferred. Information provided herein does not constitute promotion, advertising, or an offer for sale of any medicinal product and is intended solely for general informational purposes.

All trademarks and brand names displayed on this website are used strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, specifically Sections 30 and 30(1) governing fair use. Trademark ownership has been accurately attributed under the "Manufacturer/ TM Owner" section in compliance with statutory requirements.

Ordering Process

Simple, Secure, and Seamless

Learn how our streamlined ordering process guarantees fast, compliant, and reliable access to essential medicines worldwide.

Quote request form

01

Submit Quote Request Form

Tell us what medications you need by filling out our simple form and uploading a valid document.

Price estimate review

02

We Review & Send Estimate

Our licensed pharmacists will verify your details and provide you with a detailed cost estimate.

Secure payment

03

Confirm & Make Payment

Discuss any queries, approve the estimate, and complete your payment.

Worldwide delivery

04

Get Delivered

Your medicines, safely packed and delivered to your door or nearest airport — hassle-free.

Quality You Can Trust

Our internationally recognized certifications underscore our commitment to safety, quality, and excellence.