Product image of Imurek (Azathioprine) supplied by GNH India

Imurek

Active Ingredient:
Azathioprine
Origin:
EU

Imurek (Azathioprine)

Azathioprine, the active ingredient in Imurek, is an immunosuppressant presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It is employed to prevent organ transplant rejection and to manage autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
GNH India supplies Imurek 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

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Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Azathioprine is used in several immune‑mediated conditions to reduce abnormal immune activity.
  • Organ transplant rejection: helps prevent the immune system from attacking the transplanted organ.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and slows disease progression.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis): diminishes intestinal inflammation and supports maintenance of remission.

How It Works

  • Azathioprine is a prodrug that is converted intracellularly to 6‑mercaptopurine, which interferes with purine nucleotide synthesis. This inhibition blocks DNA, RNA, and protein production in rapidly dividing cells, particularly lymphocytes, leading to reduced proliferation of immune cells and 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
  • Decreased appetite
  • Mild leukopenia or neutropenia
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Mild liver enzyme elevation

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe bone‑marrow suppression (pancytopenia)
  • Hepatotoxicity or liver failure
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Increased susceptibility to serious infections
  • Risk of malignancies such as lymphoma
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens‑Johnson syndrome

Precautions & Warnings

Before initiating therapy, several safety considerations should be observed.

  • Monitor blood counts: perform regular complete blood count tests to detect bone‑marrow suppression.
  • Assess liver function: periodic liver enzyme testing is recommended.
  • Avoid use in active infections: postpone treatment until infections are resolved.
  • Use caution in renal impairment: dose adjustments may be required.
  • Adjust dose for elderly patients: start at the lower end of the dosing range.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Avoid Interactions

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Allopurinol or febuxostat: may increase azathioprine toxicity.
  • Warfarin: azathioprine can enhance anticoagulant effect, raising INR.
  • Live vaccines: risk of uncontrolled infection due to immunosuppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • ACE inhibitors: may increase risk of renal dysfunction.
  • NSAIDs: can aggravate gastrointestinal irritation and affect renal function.
  • Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum: may reduce azathioprine absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Imurek, whose active ingredient is azathioprine, is prescribed to prevent organ transplant rejection and to manage autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Azathioprine is converted to 6‑mercaptopurine inside cells, where it blocks the synthesis of purine nucleotides. This inhibition reduces DNA, RNA and protein production in rapidly dividing lymphocytes, thereby dampening the immune response and limiting tissue inflammation.

The specific dose of Imurek is determined by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s condition, weight, renal and hepatic function, and response to therapy. Dosage adjustments are made during treatment to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing toxicity.

The safety of azathioprine in pregnancy and lactation is not fully established. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant, and the decision must be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

To place an order, submit an enquiry on the Imurek 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.

Compared with alternatives such as mycophenolate mofetil or cyclosporine, azathioprine offers a distinct mechanism by inhibiting purine synthesis. It is often chosen for its oral formulation and long‑term safety profile, though individual response and side‑effect risk vary, making clinician‑guided selection essential.

Imurek should be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C, in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.

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

Serious risks include severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia, hepatotoxicity, opportunistic infections, pancreatitis, and an increased long‑term risk of certain malignancies. Patients should be monitored regularly for blood count and liver function abnormalities.

Imurek is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azathioprine or its metabolites, those with severe bone‑marrow failure, active uncontrolled infections, or pregnant women unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It should also be used with caution in individuals with significant hepatic or renal impairment.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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