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 (antimetabolite) presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It is employed to reduce immune activity in patients undergoing organ transplantation, as well as in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

GNH India supplies Imuran as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance, and our distribution network adheres to stringent quality standards to meet global demand through reliable logistics.

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 is used to modulate immune responses in several chronic conditions.
  • Organ transplantation: prevents graft rejection by suppressing lymphocyte proliferation.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and slows disease progression.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis): controls intestinal inflammation and helps maintain remission.

How It Works

  • Azathioprine is a prodrug that is converted intracellularly to 6‑mercaptopurine, which interferes with purine nucleotide synthesis. This inhibition reduces DNA replication in rapidly dividing cells, particularly lymphocytes, leading to decreased proliferation of immune cells and overall suppression of the immune response.

Side Effects

Azathioprine may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Mild leukopenia or neutropenia.
  • Skin rash or mild itching.
  • Low-grade fever.
  • Fatigue.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia.
  • Hepatotoxicity or elevated liver enzymes.
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Development of malignancies such as lymphoma or skin cancer.
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions.

Precautions & Warnings

  • When prescribing azathioprine, clinicians should consider several safety measures.
  • Baseline monitoring: obtain complete blood count and liver function tests before initiation.
  • Infection risk: monitor for signs of infection and avoid live vaccines.
  • Pregnancy: use only if benefits outweigh risks; discuss with obstetrician.
  • Drug interactions: review concomitant medications that affect metabolism.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, protect from moisture and light in the original container.

Avoid Interactions

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Allopurinol or febuxostat: may cause severe bone‑marrow suppression.
  • TPMT inhibitors: increase azathioprine toxicity.
  • Live vaccines: heightened infection risk.
  • Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect.
  • Rituximab: additive immunosuppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Corticosteroids: increased overall immunosuppression.
  • Sulfasalazine: may affect blood counts.
  • Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole: monitor for myelosuppression.
  • Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin): may alter drug metabolism.
  • Inactivated vaccines: assess timing relative to therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Imuran (azathioprine) is prescribed to prevent rejection after organ transplantation, to manage rheumatoid arthritis by reducing joint inflammation, and to control inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, helping maintain remission.

Azathioprine is converted to 6‑mercaptopurine, which blocks purine synthesis needed for DNA replication. This limits the proliferation of rapidly dividing immune cells, especially lymphocytes, thereby dampening the immune response and reducing inflammation.

The dose of Imuran is individualized. A qualified prescriber determines the appropriate amount based on the patient’s condition, weight, laboratory values, and response to therapy. Patients should follow the prescribing clinician’s instructions exactly.

Azathioprine is classified as a pregnancy‑category drug with limited data. It should only be used when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Breastfeeding is not recommended unless the prescriber deems it essential.

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 any necessary import documentation.

Both Imuran and mycophenolate mofetil are immunosuppressants used in transplantation and autoimmune diseases. Imuran is a purine analogue that inhibits lymphocyte proliferation, while mycophenolate blocks inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, affecting guanine synthesis. Choice depends on efficacy, tolerability, drug‑interaction profile and physician preference.

Imuran tablets should be stored at ambient temperature, below 25 °C, in their original packaging to protect from moisture and light. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Imuran is taken orally, usually with a glass of water. It may be taken with or without food, but patients should follow the prescriber’s guidance on timing relative to meals to minimise gastrointestinal discomfort.

The most serious risks include severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia, hepatotoxicity, increased susceptibility to serious infections, pancreatitis, and a heightened long‑term risk of certain malignancies such as lymphoma or skin cancer.

Imuran should be avoided in individuals with known hypersensitivity to azathioprine, severe hepatic impairment, active uncontrolled infections, or those who are pregnant unless the benefit outweighs the risk. Patients with low TPMT activity may also be contraindicated due to heightened toxicity.

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.