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 antimetabolite presented as an oral formulation for oral use. It is employed to suppress immune activity in patients undergoing organ transplantation, as well as in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

GNH India supplies Imurek as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide. The company adheres to stringent quality standards and provides reliable logistics for global distribution.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Aspen Pharma Trading Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Azathioprine is used as an immunosuppressive agent in several chronic inflammatory and transplant‑related conditions.
  • Organ transplantation prophylaxis: prevents graft rejection by inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and disease progression.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis): maintains remission and controls intestinal inflammation.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus: helps control systemic autoimmune activity.

How It Works

  • Azathioprine is a purine analog that is converted intracellularly to 6‑mercaptopurine nucleotides, which incorporate into DNA and RNA, disrupting nucleic acid synthesis. This interference impairs the proliferation of rapidly dividing cells, particularly T and B lymphocytes, thereby dampening the immune response and reducing inflammatory activity in autoimmune and transplant settings. The drug’s effect is dose‑dependent and may be enhanced by concurrent inhibition of purine salvage pathways.

Side Effects

Azathioprine may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to potentially life‑threatening.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mild leukopenia or neutropenia
  • Rash or mild skin irritation
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Fatigue

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe bone marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia
  • Clinically significant hepatotoxicity
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Increased susceptibility to serious infections
  • Malignancies such as lymphoma or skin cancer
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions including Stevens‑Johnson syndrome

Precautions & Warnings

  • When prescribing azathioprine, clinicians should observe several safety measures to minimize risks.
  • Monitor blood counts: perform regular complete blood count (CBC) testing to detect leukopenia or anemia.
  • Monitor liver function: assess hepatic enzymes periodically for signs of hepatotoxicity.
  • Avoid use in active infection: defer initiation or adjust dose if patient has uncontrolled infection.
  • Adjust dose in renal or hepatic impairment: reduce dosage according to organ function.
  • Counsel on contraception: advise women of child‑bearing potential to use effective contraception during therapy.
  • Store at room temperature: keep tablets in the original container, protect from moisture and heat.

Avoid Interactions

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Allopurinol: can markedly increase azathioprine toxicity; concurrent use is contraindicated.
  • Warfarin: azathioprine may enhance anticoagulant effect, raising bleeding risk.
  • Live vaccines: immunosuppression can lead to uncontrolled infection from live attenuated vaccines.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • ACE inhibitors: may increase risk of nephrotoxicity; monitor renal function.
  • NSAIDs: can potentiate bone marrow suppression; observe blood counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Imurek contains azathioprine, an immunosuppressant indicated for preventing organ transplant rejection, managing rheumatoid arthritis, treating inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and controlling systemic lupus erythematosus. It works by dampening the immune response that drives these conditions.

Azathioprine is a purine analog that is metabolized to 6‑mercaptopurine nucleotides inside cells. These metabolites become incorporated into DNA and RNA, disrupting nucleic acid synthesis and preventing the proliferation of rapidly dividing immune cells, especially T and B lymphocytes, thereby reducing immune‑mediated inflammation.

The appropriate dose of Imurek is individualized by the prescribing clinician based on the specific indication, patient weight, renal and hepatic function, and concurrent therapies. Dosage adjustments are guided by regular laboratory monitoring of blood counts and liver enzymes to balance efficacy with safety.

Safety of azathioprine in pregnancy and lactation is assessed case by case. While some data suggest limited placental transfer, the drug is generally avoided unless the therapeutic benefit outweighs potential risks. Breastfeeding mothers should discuss continuation with their healthcare provider, as azathioprine can be excreted in milk.

To order Imurek, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India supplies hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams across international markets. After the request, the sales team will verify trade or institutional credentials and respond with pricing, availability, shipping details and any required import documentation.

Both azathioprine (Imurek) and mycophenolate mofetil are antimetabolite immunosuppressants used in transplant and autoimmune settings. Azathioprine interferes with purine synthesis via 6‑mercaptopurine, while mycophenolate blocks inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. Their side‑effect profiles differ; azathioprine is more associated with bone‑marrow suppression, whereas mycophenolate commonly causes gastrointestinal upset. Choice depends on patient tolerance, comorbidities and physician preference.

Imurek tablets should be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C, in the original packaging to protect them from moisture and light. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not store in humid areas such as bathrooms, and discard any tablets that appear discolored or damaged.

Imurek 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 recommendation. Patients should follow the prescribed regimen precisely and not alter the dose without medical advice.

The most serious risks include severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia, significant hepatotoxicity, opportunistic infections due to immunosuppression, and an increased long‑term risk of certain malignancies such as lymphoma or skin cancer. Prompt reporting of symptoms like fever, persistent fatigue, jaundice or unusual bruising is essential.

Imurek is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azathioprine or any of its excipients, those with active, uncontrolled infections, and individuals with severe hepatic impairment. Caution is also advised for patients with pre‑existing bone‑marrow disorders, pregnant or nursing women unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, and anyone taking interacting medications without proper monitoring.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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