Product image of Imurel (Azathioprine) supplied by GNH India

Imurel

Active Ingredient:
Azathioprine
Origin:
EU

Imurel (Azathioprine)

Azathioprine, the active ingredient in Imurel, is an immunosuppressant presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It is employed to reduce immune system activity in patients undergoing organ transplantation, those with rheumatoid arthritis, and individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

GNH India supplies Imurel as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, adhering to EU GMP standards and providing reliable global distribution. The company ensures product integrity through rigorous quality control and regulatory compliance.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Aspen Pharma Trading Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Azathioprine is used in several immune‑mediated conditions where suppression of lymphocyte activity is required.

  • Organ transplantation: helps prevent graft rejection by inhibiting immune response.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and disease progression.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: maintains remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

How It Works

  • Azathioprine is an antimetabolite that is converted intracellularly to 6‑mercaptopurine, which interferes with purine nucleotide synthesis. By limiting the formation of DNA and RNA, it reduces proliferation of rapidly dividing cells, particularly activated T and B lymphocytes, thereby dampening the immune response involved in transplant rejection and autoimmune inflammation. The resulting decrease in lymphocyte count curtails cytokine production and antibody formation.

Side Effects

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

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea: mild stomach upset or vomiting.
  • Fatigue: general tiredness or weakness.
  • Elevated liver enzymes: mild hepatic irritation detectable in blood tests.
  • Decreased white blood cell count: mild leukopenia increasing infection risk.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe bone marrow suppression: pancytopenia requiring medical intervention.
  • Hepatotoxicity: significant liver injury with jaundice.
  • Increased risk of infections: opportunistic infections due to immune suppression.
  • Possible malignancies: rare reports of lymphomas or skin cancers.

Precautions & Warnings

When prescribing azathioprine, clinicians should consider several safety precautions to minimize risks.

  • Baseline testing: obtain complete blood count and liver function tests before initiation.
  • Monitoring: perform regular CBC and liver enzymes during therapy.
  • Infection risk: avoid use in patients with active infections.
  • Pregnancy: assess risk‑benefit; use only if clearly needed.
  • Drug interactions: review concomitant medications that affect metabolism.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the original container, protect from moisture.

Avoid Interactions

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Allopurinol or febuxostat: markedly increase azathioprine levels, risk of bone marrow suppression.
  • TPMT inhibitors: can lead to severe myelosuppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect, monitor INR.
  • Live vaccines: increased risk of infection, avoid during therapy.
  • Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum: may reduce absorption, separate dosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Imurel contains azathioprine, an immunosuppressant prescribed to prevent organ transplant rejection, to control disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis, and to maintain remission in inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It works by dampening the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation and autoimmune attacks.

Azathioprine is converted inside cells to 6‑mercaptopurine, which blocks the synthesis of purine nucleotides needed for DNA and RNA production. This inhibition limits the proliferation of activated T‑ and B‑lymphocytes, leading to reduced cytokine release and antibody formation, which collectively suppresses immune‑mediated inflammation and graft rejection.

The dosage of Imurel is individualized by the prescribing physician based on the patient’s condition, body weight, renal and hepatic function, and response to therapy. The prescriber determines the starting dose and any subsequent adjustments, and patients should follow the exact regimen provided on the prescription label.

Azathioprine is classified as a pregnancy‑category drug with limited data; it may be used only when the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended because the drug can be excreted in milk. Decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

To request Imurel, 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—including any required cold‑chain handling—and assistance with import documentation.

Compared with calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine, azathioprine offers oral administration and a different toxicity profile, with less nephrotoxicity but a higher risk of bone‑marrow suppression. It is often used in combination regimens or when patients cannot tolerate alternative agents, providing a valuable option for long‑term maintenance therapy.

Imurel tablets should be stored at ambient temperature, preferably below 25 °C, in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light. Keep the medication out of reach of children and do not use if the packaging is damaged or the tablets appear discoloured.

Imurel is taken orally, usually with food or a glass of water to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not split, crushed, or chewed unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. Dosing times are typically consistent each day to maintain stable blood levels.

The most serious risks include severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia, significant hepatotoxicity, opportunistic infections, and a possible increased incidence of certain cancers such as lymphomas. Patients should be monitored regularly with blood tests, and any signs of infection, jaundice, or abnormal bleeding require immediate medical attention.

Individuals with known hypersensitivity to azathioprine or any of its components, those with severe liver disease, active uncontrolled infections, or a documented deficiency of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) should avoid Imurel. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use it when clearly indicated and under close medical supervision.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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